Search Results (132)

Information on factors influencing fitness, flowering, and fruit production in Cyclamen species remains limited. This study evaluated these traits throughout the growing season in three populations of Cyclamen purpurascens subsp. immaculatum under contrasting environments: a young beech forest (half-shade), an old beech forest (shade), and an open meadow. Because this protected endemic taxon of the Western Carpathians (Veľká Fatra and Starohorské vrchy Mountains, Slovakia) cannot be sampled destructively, we used in situ observations and chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements. We found seasonal variation in photosystem II (PSII) efficiency and high environmentally driven inter-individual variability. Plants in the meadow exhibited significantly lower values of F_v/F_m, F_m/F₀, and Area parameters, likely reflecting combined microclimatic stress. These plants also produced significantly fewer flowers, suggesting reduced resource availability for reproduction. In contrast, no significant differences in fluorescence parameters were detected between the two forest habitats, which showed similar seasonal dynamics. However, plants in the young forest produced the most flowers and slightly more fruits than those in the old forest or open meadow. Overall, our results suggest that meadow habitats may be less suitable for this taxon, while old-forest environments are tolerated but may reduce reproductive output. Semi-shaded forest habitats may be important for long-term persistence of this taxon. Full article

Postglacial expansion dynamics strongly influence the genetic structure of temperate species; however, mitochondrial data from the Baltic region are limited. To assess diversity, phylogenetic origins, and regional structuring, we analyzed mitochondrial cytochrome b (726 bp) and control region (421–422 bp) sequences of the common vole (Microtus arvalis Pallas, 1779) from Lithuania. Of the 91 cytb sequences and 70 control region sequences analyzed, five and four haplotypes were identified, respectively. Markedly low haplotype and nucleotide diversity compared with most European populations were detected. Phylogenetic Maximum Likelihood and network analyses revealed that all Lithuanian haplotypes belong to the eastern European lineage and are most closely related to Polish and central European samples, which supports recolonization from a Carpathian refugium. Despite the overall low variation, we detected two distinct mitochondrial groups: a highly differentiated western group and a second group encompassing eastern, northern, and central–southern populations. This strong regional structuring suggests limited maternal gene flow on a small geographic scale. There was no evidence of introgression from related taxa, such as Microtus obscurus. Our findings refine the phylogeographic context of Baltic M. arvalis and highlight the region’s role in shaping postglacial diversity patterns. Full article

Recent studies in the Romanian Western Carpathians have revealed increasing socio-demographic fragility in rural areas and small towns, driven by depopulation, population aging, and declining living standards. These trends stem from the legacy of forced collectivization and industrialization (1950–1990) and the post-1990 transition, which triggered extensive out-migration and the erosion of local socio-economic structures. This study examines the fragility of human communities in the Trascău Mountains in order to evaluate spatial, demographic, and economic recovery dynamics and to assess settlement vulnerability as a major obstacle to sustainable regional development. Fragility was measured using indicators of population density and change, age structure, accessibility, and socio-demographic dynamics, based on comparative data for the interval of 1977–2021. These variables were integrated into a composite development index (Id), derived from twelve indicators covering demography, economy, infrastructure, and living standards, enabling the hierarchical classification of settlements by degree of vulnerability. The methodological framework combines empirical and analytical methods, statistical, cartographic, bibliographic, and field-based analyses within evolutionary, structural–functional, and typological perspectives. The results identify the main drivers of decline, quantify their impacts, and outline development prospects and policy directions for reducing territorial disparities. Overall, fragile settlements emerge as critical pressure points that undermine sustainability, intensify regional instability, and increase risks related to migration and social cohesion. Full article

This study focuses on the identification, historical-geographical description, and subsequent evaluation of the attractiveness of relicts of historical water reservoirs (splash dams) in the forest environment of the Low Tatras National Park (Slovakia), situated in the central part of the Western Carpathians, with regard to their potential for ecotourism development. Recreational and leisure activities in this area are primarily based on soft tourism forms. In the national park, we identified fourteen relicts of splash dams, and for the assessment of their attractiveness in terms of ecotourism, we selected the five largest. All splash dams were assessed using a methodology developed by the authors as an outcome of their research, in order to fulfil one of the partial objectives of the study. The methodology comprises 19 evaluation criteria grouped into three categories: natural environment, technical characteristics, and recreational potential. Based on the application of this author-developed methodology, it was determined that the Malužiná splash dam represents the most attractive site for ecotourism, as it remains water-filled and is readily accessible via two cycling routes. In terms of the evaluation according to technical criteria, the most attractive relic is the Korytnica splash dam, which ranks as the second most attractive among the assessed splash dams in the national park. Full article

We studied Lycaena helle (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) population genetics in lowlands and mountains of East-Central Europe using the microsatellite markers previously applied in population studies mainly in mountains of Western Europe. As in the West, the East-Central populations are genetically diverse (mean expected/observed heterozygosity 0.67/0.49), affected by drift processes (mean inbreeding coefficient 0.277) and widely differentiated (mean F_ST 0.209). The Polish lowland populations, all of them bivoltine in contrast to mountain populations, are less differentiated than Romanian populations, which are bivoltine in low and univoltine in high altitudes. The lowland Romanian population Vad is extremely genetically impoverished. A transferred CZ population from Western Europe is impoverished relative to its donor population, but the genetic parameters remain within a range of other studied so far. Dendrogram of allelic frequencies suggests that the populations form two branches, one rooted in southeastern Poland and branching towards Carpathians in Romania, one encompassing populations in central and northern Poland. We conclude that the lowland Romanian populations, plus populations in unglaciated southeastern Poland, represent sites where the species survived the glacial cycles in situ, comprising rear edge of subsequent upslope expansion, while northern Poland was colonised from more easterly regions. Full article

Our study focused on the quantification of aboveground biomass stock and aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) in young, planted beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). We selected 15 young even-aged stands targeting moderately fertile sites. Three rectangular plots were established within each stand, and all trees were annually measured for height and stem basal diameter from 2020 to 2024. For biomass modeling, we conducted destructive sampling of 111 beech trees. Each tree was separated into foliage and woody components, oven-dried, and weighed to determine dry mass. Allometric models were developed using these predictors: tree height, stem basal diameter, and their combination. Biomass accumulation was closely correlated with stand age, allowing us to scale tree-level models to stand-level predictions using age as a common predictor. Biomass stocks of both woody parts and foliage increased with stand age, reaching 48 Mg ha⁻¹ and 6 Mg ha⁻¹, respectively, at the age of 15 years. A comparative analysis indicated generally higher biomass in naturally regenerated stands, except for foliage at age 16, where planted stands caught up with the naturally regenerated ones. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of forest productivity dynamics and offer practical models for estimating carbon sequestration potential in managed forest ecosystems. Full article

The alpine marmot (Marmota marmota) once vanished from Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, but a reintroduction initiative launched in 1973 has since fostered population recovery. This study evaluates the long-term success of those efforts and explores the feasibility of further reintroductions. Population data from 2004 to 2025 across the Rodna, Retezat, and Făgăraș Mountains show a steady growth trend, culminating in a national population of approximately 815 individuals by 2025. Habitat quality was assessed using a Habitat Suitability Index, identifying robust colonies that could serve as donor populations. Additionally, an Ecological Diagnostic Key was developed to evaluate 27 potential reintroduction sites in the Țarcu, Ciucaș, and Bucegi Mountains. Findings reveal that 61 ha are suitable for reintroduction, with 40.5 ha rated as highly suitable. The study proposes a phased reintroduction strategy, combining individuals from established Romanian colonies with genetically diverse founders from Western Europe. It emphasizes soft-release protocols and calls for mitigation of anthropogenic pressures. This research supports a broader conservation framework that integrates habitat evaluation, demographic stability, and genetic health to enhance the alpine marmot’s persistence and expansion in Romania. Full article

Lotus corniculatus L. is a valuable fodder legume, recognized for its ecological adaptability and high potential for production and fodder quality. In this study, 18 genotypes collected from wild flora were analyzed to highlight genetic variability and facilitate the selection of genotypes with superior potential. The collection area was in the western part of Romania and featured a diverse topography, including parts of the Banat Plain, the Banat Hills, and the Southern and Western Carpathians. The genotypes selected from the wild flora were cultivated and evaluated for morpho-productive and forage quality traits, including pod weight, average number of seeds/pods, green mass production, and protein percentage. PCA highlighted the main components explaining the variability, and K-means clustering allowed for the identification of groups of genotypes with similar performances. ANOVA showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) for all traits analyzed. According to the results, genotypes LV-LC-3, LV-LC-4, LV-LC-6, and LV-LC-16 showed high productive potential and were highlighted as the most valuable for advancing in the breeding program. The moderate relationships between traits confirm the importance of integrated selection. The identified genetic variability and selected genotypes support the implementation of effective breeding strategies to obtain high-performance Lotus corniculatus L., adapted to local soil and climate conditions and with a superior forage yield. Full article

As climate change intensifies globally, understanding forest ecosystem responses becomes crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services. Quantitative insights into forest resilience and vulnerability in Romania were obtained by integrating climate indicators with forest stand responses across 400 km² of experimental forests spanning 13 forest districts from 2013–2022. Climate analysis examined R10mm trends (heavy rainfall days) and warm spell duration index (WSDI) patterns from 1950–2022, while forest assessment used correlation matrix analysis and principal component analysis to evaluate relationships between environmental and structural variables. R10mm trends varied from −1.4 to 1.8 days per decade, showing significant changes in eastern Romania and Western Carpathians. WSDI revealed increasing warm spells, particularly in western regions (2 days per decade). Strong correlations between elevation and precipitation (r = 0.615) emerged, with PCA showing these as primary resilience drivers, explaining 56.7% of variance. Species analysis found that fir, beech, and spruce show strong climate resilience with healthy regeneration across conditions, while sessile oak and hornbeam face greater challenges from changing aridity patterns. The work combines long-term management data with climate trends, providing the first comprehensive assessment of climate–forest interactions in Romanian ecosystems. Integration of climate indices with forest parameters reveals elevation-precipitation gradients as key resilience indicators, offering practical guidance for forest managers to protect resilient species while supporting vulnerable ones facing environmental pressures. Full article

Catastrophic precipitation is an inherent feature of temperate climates. Its occurrence is a manifestation of climate change, but also of the variability of atmospheric circulation. Mountainous areas may be particularly vulnerable as they receive more precipitation and are also areas where relief plays an important role in modifying the distribution of precipitation. One such area is the Polish Western Carpathian Mountains, especially the area around the city of Bielsko-Biała, located at their foot and directly exposed to rain-bearing winds. In 2024, two episodes of unusually heavy precipitation in quick succession occurred in this area, resulting in severe damage to infrastructure. This painful experience inspired a study focusing on the frequency of such catastrophic precipitation events and their synoptic circumstances spanning the period from the mid-20th century to the present day. Daily precipitation totals covering the study period of 74 years were used to identify a category of catastrophic precipitation (here set at above 100 mm). The six events identified to match the criteria appeared from May to September, always accompanied by cyclonic circulation types with advection from the northern sector and with a cyclonic trough situation over southern Poland. The study showed that the leading role in their formation was played by deep convection, especially a Genoa low moving along the Vb Van Bebber track. The damage and destruction suffered as a result were a consequence of the cumulative impact of high-intensity rainfall, itself caused by a combination of specific synoptic thermodynamic and orographic conditions. Full article

This study examines the morphology and development of Dobreștilor–Brusturet Cave, located in the Brusturet gorge at the western edge of the Bran–Dragoslavele Corridor, an important tourist route in the Romanian Carpathians. The research aims to analyze the geomorphological characteristics and establish the heritage value of the Dobreştilor Cave geomorphosite, supporting protection efforts for invertebrate species that led to the cave’s designation as a natural monument. The inventory of physical features prompted the Piatra Craiului National Park Scientific Council to consider including this speleological site in a thematic geotourism circuit called “The Road of Gorges and Caves in the Upper Basin of the Dâmbovițean”, integrated within protected areas. This represents the first geomorphological study of the cave. Given its ecological significance within the national park’s strict protection zone, recreational tourism is prohibited. The cave should only be used as a geotourism resource for scientific research and education. Morphogenetic analysis reveals that the cave has evolved in a vadose hydrological regime since the Pleistocene, with cavity expansion influenced by free-flowing water alternating with that under pressure during torrential episodes, concomitant with the precipitation of calcium carbonate that formed various speleothems. This research supports documentation for promotional materials and could assist local authorities in the Dâmbovicioara commune with geotourism development decisions, potentially integrating the site into a proposed “Moieciu–Fundata–Dâmbovicioara–Rucăr Geological and Geomorphological Complex”. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Carpathian Basin is a genetically and culturally diverse region shaped by complex historical migrations and various ethnic groups. While studies based on Y-chromosomal and mitochondrial DNA have provided valuable insights into the genetic diversity of these populations, genome-wide autosomal SNP data remain underutilized in understanding the genetic structure of these groups. This study presents the first genome-wide autosomal SNP-based analysis of key Hungarian-speaking ethnic groups in the region, focusing on admixture patterns and the extent of preserved historical genetic components. Methods: We analyzed genome-wide autosomal SNP data from 597 individuals representing several ethnic groups in the Carpathian Basin. Standard population genetic methods were applied to assess genetic structure, admixture and differentiation, with comparisons to broader European reference populations. Results: Most ethnic groups displayed genetic affinities with Eastern European populations, consistent with historical and geographical proximity. The Swabian group, of German descent, exhibited a distinct Western European genetic component, likely due to historical isolation. Transylvanian populations appeared relatively homogeneous, indicating a shared ancestral background. In contrast, Csangos showed distinct sub-clusters, suggesting population isolation and distinct histories. Overall, genetic homogeneity characterizes the region, though certain isolated groups retain distinct ancestral signatures. Conclusions: Autosomal SNP analysis revealed mild overall genetic structuring among Carpathian Basin ethnic groups. However, historical isolation has preserved unique genetic components in specific groups, highlighting the value of genome-wide data in uncovering fine-scale population structure. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of regional genetic diversity, which has implications for both population history and health-related genetic research. Full article

This study examines the differences in growth patterns, biomass accumulation, and carbon storage between planted European beech and Norway spruce in the Western Carpathians, Slovakia. Two approaches were used to analyze young forest trees and stands: destructive tree sampling and repetitive tree measurements. Biomass modeling was conducted for individual tree components and entire trees, demonstrating that stem diameter and height were strong predictors of biomass. Notably, beeches exhibited greater tree biomass than spruces when analyzed at the same stem diameter, whereas the opposite trend was observed when tree height was used as the predictor. At the stand level, biomass modeling incorporated the mean diameter, mean height, or stand age. Two primary tree components were analyzed: woody parts, which store carbon long term, and foliage, which stores carbon for shorter periods. Stand age emerged as the most reliable predictor, providing real-time estimates of biomass and carbon storage. At a maximum modeled stand age of 12 years, beech biomass stock was 18 Mg ha⁻¹, compared to 58 Mg ha⁻¹ for spruce (uniform tree spacing of 2.0 × 2.0 m for both species was considered). Correspondingly, carbon storage values were 9 Mg ha⁻¹ for beech and 29 Mg ha⁻¹ for spruce, demonstrating a threefold difference in favor of spruce. The study also examined the biomass transition to necromass, specifically foliage litter loss. Over 12 years, spruce stands shed 10.3 Mg ha⁻¹ of needle litter, while beech stands lost 5.4 Mg ha⁻¹. A 12-year-old beech stand fixed-carbon (necromass in form of foliage litter was not included) equivalent to about 30 Mg CO₂ per ha, while a spruce stand of the same age fixed nearly 107 Mg CO₂ per ha. The carbon storage in live trees translates into financial values about EUR 2000 per ha for beech and over EUR 7000 per ha for spruce, highlighting an economic advantage for spruce in carbon sequestration markets as part of climate sustainability efforts. However, in practice, these differences could be partly reduced through denser (more than double) planting of beech compared to spruce. Full article

Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) is a valuable timber species native to western North America that was introduced to Europe in the 19th century. The objective of this study was to select the most valuable and stable Douglas fir provenances in Romania by combining growth and quality traits, using two indices recently used in forest tree species: the multi-trait genotype–ideotype distance index (MGIDI) and the multi-trait stability index (MTSI). The study was conducted across three common garden experiments in Romania, established in 1977, evaluating 61 provenances from the United States, Canada, Germany, France, and Romania. The analyzed traits were diameter at breast height (DBH), total height (TH), and pruned height (PH). Significant genotype–environment interactions were observed, with the Douglas fir showing superior growth performance in one of the testing sites in western Romania (Aleșd). The MGIDI and MTSI identified high-performing provenances from diverse geographic origins, including the Pacific Northwest, Europe, and Canada. Selection differentials ranged from 2.8% to 10.9% for individual traits, highlighting the potential for genetic improvement. The selected provenances represent valuable genetic resources of Douglas fir that are adapted to environmental conditions in the Carpathian region, contributing to the development of climate-adaptive breeding strategies and sustainable forest management. Full article

Young forest stands from natural regeneration are characterized by high competitive pressure and dynamic changes over time, especially in the initial growth stages. Despite their increasing area in the temperate zone, they have received significantly less scientific attention than old forest stands. Therefore, our research was conducted on young, over-dense European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forest originating from natural regeneration, grown in central Slovakia, Western Carpathians. Repeated measurements of tree height and stem diameter measured on the base within a beech stand revealed significant temporal changes in their relationship. Over 16 years, height increased more than stem diameter. Both Lorey’s height and mean diameter d₀ showed continuous growth, with Lorey’s height increasing 3.5-fold and mean diameter increasing 2.8-fold. The height-to-diameter ratio increased until stand age 15, then briefly declined before rising again. Stand density decreased over time, with the sharpest decline occurring between ages 15 and 16 (dropping from 843 to 599 trees per 100 m²). Mortality rates peaked at age 16, with an average annual rate of 9.4% over the entire observation period (2008–2023). Specific leaf area (SLA) was negatively related to tree size, and its value was smaller in 10- than in 20-year-old stands. The increase in SLA was driven by greater leaf area relative to leaf weight. Additionally, allometric relationships showed that branch and leaf contributions to aboveground biomass decreased with tree size within the stand but were greater in the older stand than in the younger growth stage. Estimated aboveground biomass was 667 ± 175 kg per 100 m² in the 10-year-old stand and 1574 ± 382 kg per 100 m² in the 20-year-old stand, with stems contributing the majority of biomass. Leaf Area Index (LAI) remained similar across both stand ages, while the Leaf Area Ratio (LAR) was nearly twice as high in the younger stand. These findings highlight dynamic shifts in beech stand structure, biomass allocation, and leaf traits over time, reflecting growth patterns and competition effects. The outputs indicate that competition in young forest stands is a dominant force in tree mortality. Understanding key interactions in young stands is crucial for sustainable forest management, as these interactions influence long-term stand stability and ecosystem functions. Full article