Assessing the Heterogeneity and Conservation Status of the Natura 2000 Priority Forest Habitat Type Tilio–Acerion (9180*) Based on Field Mapping

Priority habitat types (HTs) within the Natura 2000 network are of highest importance for conservation in Europe. However, they often occur smaller areas and their status is not well understood. One such HT that Tilio–Acerion forests slopes, screes ravines (9180*). The study site, Boč–Haloze–Donačka gora, Sub-Pannonian region eastern Slovenia characterized by a matrix European beech includes rather small, fragmented covered forests. goal this research was to examine heterogeneity selected through field mapping, which performed summer 2020. As calls more detailed approach, we distinguished between following four pre-defined subtypes: (i) Acer pseudoplatanus-Ulmus glabra stands growing mostly concave terrain, (ii) Fraxinus excelsior on (iii) Tilia sp. with thermophilous broadleaves occurring ridges (iv) pseudoplatanus acidic soils an admixture Castanea sativa. Field mapping information complemented assessment subtype characteristics using remote sensing data. results showed subtypes differed significantly terms area, tree species composition, forest stand characteristics, relief features various threats experienced (e.g., fragmentation, mortality, ungulate browsing pressure). differences were also evident LiDAR-derived environmental factors related topography (i.e., terrain steepness Topographic Position Index). This provides baseline setting realistic objectives management priority HTs. Due specificities each individual subtype, activities should be targeted level.