Regional typology of spring vegetation in Parc Ela (Grisons, Switzerland)

Aims : The spring habitats of Central Europe are insular biotopes high ecological value. Although subject to severe exploitation pressures, they do not yet have a comprehensive protection status in Switzerland. Contributing this challenge is the controversy involved with their syntaxonomic classification. In context development regional conservation strategy and establishment national inventory Swiss springs, we carried out survey vegetation aimed translate into classification system. Study area Montane subalpine zones Parc Ela (Grisons, Switzerland). Methods We selected 20 springs cover different regions, elevations bedrock types within park. each them recorded complete vascular plant bryophyte composition as well range environmental variables three 1-m² plots that were placed reflect heterogeneity spring. After running an unsupervised modified TWINSPAN, distinguished units characterized terms diagnostic species, species richness Results Species was (total 264, mean 21.7 1 m 2 ). two most important gradients ordination elevation/water conductivity insolation/water pH/soil reaction EIV. seven communities main groups. Conclusions All unshaded including those over siliceous bedrock, could be assigned broadly defined Cratoneurion . petrifying strongly distinguishable floristically from other base-rich springs. forest although often clearly differentiated counterparts, provisionally divided alliances Caricion remotae Lycopodo europaei-Cratoneurion commutati As there certain threat these park due anthropogenic influence, measures recommended, importantly appropriate management alpine pastures. Taxonomic reference Juillerat et al. (2017) for plants, Meier (2013) bryophytes. Abbreviations ANOVA = analysis variance; DCA detrended correspondence analysis; EIV indicator value; FOEN Federal Office Environment (Switzerland); NCHO Ordinance on Protection Nature Cultural Heritage; SD standard deviation; TWINSPAN Two Way Indicator Analysis; WPA Act Waters.