Patterns of emblematic habitat types in Mediterranean temporary wetlands.

ABSTRACT

This article presents the floristic, structural, and syntaxonomical features of plant assemblages in temporary wetlands and the pattern of the corresponding habitat types; according to the Habitats Directive. Nine pristine temporary wetlands covering a wide range of shapes, elevations and substrates were monitored. The "within temporary wetlands" hydrological gradient was strong enough to drive the vegetation and habitat type patterns. Plant assemblages presented a spatial arrangement in three concentric belts repeatedly present in each site in the same relative position. The presence of the H3120 habitat type was recognized in the central and in the intermediate belt. The outer belt was the more suitable for the presence of the H3170* priority habitat. Therefore, it should represent the main conservation target within temporary wetlands. On the other hand, it was the smallest in size (only 13% of the total surface) and in some cases absent, inconspicuous, or severely fragmented.