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New chorological data and fl oristic notes for Albania
Abstract
Twelve taxa belonging to fi ve families are reported based on fi eldwork in Albania from 2007 to 2010. Eleven have not been recorded for the country in the relevant volumes of Flora Europaea, Flora of Albania or the Med-Checklist. Notes on ecology and distribution are provided and all the taxa are mapped within Albania and also in neighbouring countries to show the nearest occurrences in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula. Some taxa in their natural habitat are illustrated by photographs. New localities for two sub-endemic species, Silene schwarzenbergeri and Centaurea vlachorum, are listed; these extend their known limits of distribution even further north. During fi eldwork in diff erent parts of Albania from 2007 to 2010, ca. 2260 herbarium specimens were collected, mostly on serpentine and limestone substrate. Several taxa were discovered which have not been included in the relevant volumes of Flora Europaea, Flora of Albania, the Med-Checklist or recently published literature and they were catered for in a series of fl oristic contributions among which are those by Malo & Shuka 2008, Shuka 2009, Shuka & Tan 2009, Shuka et al. 2010. Some have been misidentifi ed, e.g., Corydalis solida subsp. incisa treated erroneously as C. densifl ora, others were found to be species new to science. We deal here only with twelve taxa which are new records for the country and for two of them (Silene schwarzenbergeri and Centaurea vlachorum), new localities are provided which extend their known limits of distribution further north. Th e families and species are grouped in taxonomic sequence following Flora Europaea.
... In addition, it is predominantly an autumn-to early winterflowering species, whereas G. nivalis is characterized by its late winter-to early springflowering time (Davis 1999(Davis , 2001. To date, G. reginae-olgae has been found in mainland Greece (Delipawlow and Angeliew 1970, Davis 1999, 2001, Vladimirov et al. 2011, Corfu (Stern 1956, Delipawlow and Angeliew 1970, Davis 1999, 2001, the Ionian Islands (Trigas et al. 2021), Albania (Delipawlow and Angeliew 1970, Malo and Shuka 2008, Shuka et al. 2011, Mahmutaj et al. 2015, Barina, 2017, Montenegro (Davis 1999, 2001, Jovanović 2019, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Šilić 1996, Davis 2001, Tomović et al. 2023, Croatia (Davis 1999, 2001, Čičovački and Alegro 2013, Jovanović et al. 2013, mainland Italy (Davis 1999, 2001, Conti et al. 2005, Bartolucci et al. 2018, Rosati et al. 2020 and Sicily (Stern 1956, Gramuglio et al. 1978, Davis 1999, 2001, Conti et al. 2005, Di Marco et al. 2012, Bartolucci et al. 2018 (Fig. 1). It is most common in or near woodlands, in damp, north-facing shady locations, among rocks or in narrow gorges, on moist, humus-rich and deep soils overlaying limestone, at a wide range of altitudes, but usually above 500 m (Davis 1999(Davis , 2001. ...
... vernalis Kamari flowers in winter or early spring with leaves that are always present and usually several centimetres long (Davis 1999(Davis , 2001. However, as the degree of leaf development is not a fully reliable character (Shuka et al. 2011), and the flowering period varies greatly depending on the environmental conditions, the infraspecific differentiation of this species is considered difficult to ascertain (Trigas et al. 2021). ...
... Although the annual precipitation in the study area exceeds 1600 mm, seemingly unexpected for the Mediterranean region, the most of the rainfall comes in the winter period, providing favourable conditions for the growth and development of G. reginae-olgae. Depending on the altitudinal position, the populations in Croatia flower between early December and early March, but on average the flowering period begins in late December and terminates by the end of February, similar to the reports for other areas of the species' range (Davis 2001, Malo and Shuka 2008, Shuka et al. 2011, Vladimirov et al. 2011. According to literature, the flowering time of Galanthus species is genetically determined and influenced by air and soil temperature, and precipitation (Davis 1999). ...
Galanthus reginae-olgae Orph. occurs in mainland Greece, the Ionian Islands, Corfu, Albania, Italy, Sicily, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia. This paper aims to extend the knowledge of the distribution and ecology of G. reginae-olgae in Croatia and the northwestern Balkans. A field study in 2023 revealed as many as 35 populations in southern Croatia, some of them counting up to 100.000 individuals. Most of the populations exhibit semi-sciophilic behaviour within transitional habitats (ecotones) from insolated grassland to shaded eu- and sub-Mediterranean thickets and forests, and are found in the altitudinal range from sea level to 664 m a.s.l., at an average distance of 5.44 km from the coastline. Analysis of the bioclimatic variables reveals that the populations studied find an optimum in Mediterranean conditions with a mean annual air temperature of 14.61 °C and mild winters. The annual precipitation is high, exceeding 1600 mm, although it is limited to the winter period. The analyses of the temperature data provided insight into the environmental conditions that might serve as triggers for the initiation and duration of anthesis. In view of the the observed leaf length and flowering time, the populations are designated G. reginae-olgae subsp. vernalis Kamari. Since the Croatian populations are sparsely scattered along the northern limit of the species’ distribution on the Balkan Peninsula, future research should investigate the adaptability of this species to habitat and climate changes in the eastern Mediterranean region.
... Herbarised plants and the photo gallery are stored in the archives of the first author of this publication and since 19.11.2015, are also deposited in the National Herbarium in Tirana, Albania. In order to determine the plant species, several literature sources were consulted, as well as foreign literature published on the flora, vegetation and geomorphology of the explored territory (Adamović 1911, Stjepanović-Veseličić 1975, Shuka et al. 2011, Tutin et al. 1964, 1980, as well as the flora of neighbouring countries (Strid et al. 1991). ...
... Anthers tapering to a long point, capsule ± spherical, 10-16 mm in diameter, seeds pale brown (Davis 1999). Species of genus Galanthus are very similar and hard to distinguish from each other (Jovanović et al. 2012, 2016, Shuka et al. 2011. ...
Flora of the southern part of Kosovo has previously been studied in a limited way due to the difficult terrain and the fact that up to the 1990s it was a military area. In this paper we report Galanthus elwesii Hook for the first time from Kosovo. This species is found in different habitats, mainly in siliceous substrate or wet meadows of the Dragash Municipality, South Kosovo. This species was collected in the Vraça Mountains, near Restelica, (part of National Park 'Sharri') on the road leading to the border with Macedonia. The study area consists of territories belonging to the phytogeographic system Skardon-Pindik (Sharri-Pindi) and includes the mountain ranges of Sharri. This research comprises the presence, description, spread and mapping of the species.
Izvleček Zaradi težavnega terena in ker je bilo tu do leta 1990 vojaško območje, so floro južnega dela Kosova preučevali le v omejenem obsegu. V članku poročamo o prvi najdbi vrste Galanthus elwesii Hook na Kosovu. Vrsto smo našli na različnih rastiščih, predvsem na silikatni matični podlagi, oziroma na vlažnih traviščih v naselju Dragash (južno Kosovo). Vrsto smo našli na gorovju Vraça pri naselju Restelica, ki je del naciolanega parka Šar, ob cesti, ki vodi proti meji z Makedonijo. Obravnavano območje pripada Skardo-pindski fitogeografski enoti (Šarsko-pindski) in vključuje predele gorovja Šar Planina. V članku predstavljamo opis vrste in njeno razširjenost.
... Në territorin e Kosovës janë evidentuar disa lloje të rralla ose endemike dhe sub-endemike, të cilat rriten vetëm në mjedise serpentinore ose gëlqerore, si Shuka & Krasniqi, ose Veronica andrasovszkyi Jav. Këto lloje të cilat gjenden vetëm në mjedise serpentinore grupohen si lloje obligate serpentinore (Rexhepi & Krasniqi 2004;Millaku et al., 2008;Shuka et al., 2010Shuka et al., , 2011 (Rakaj, 2009;Shuka et al., 2011;Lakušić et al., 2012;Tomović et al., 2009). ...
... Në territorin e Kosovës janë evidentuar disa lloje të rralla ose endemike dhe sub-endemike, të cilat rriten vetëm në mjedise serpentinore ose gëlqerore, si Shuka & Krasniqi, ose Veronica andrasovszkyi Jav. Këto lloje të cilat gjenden vetëm në mjedise serpentinore grupohen si lloje obligate serpentinore (Rexhepi & Krasniqi 2004;Millaku et al., 2008;Shuka et al., 2010Shuka et al., , 2011 (Rakaj, 2009;Shuka et al., 2011;Lakušić et al., 2012;Tomović et al., 2009). ...
Në këtë punim jepen të dhëna për llojet bimore të pranishme dhe të rëndësishme në malin e Koritnikut dhe Brodit, dy lokalitete me përbërje të ndryshme të substratit. Në Koritnik mbizotëron kryesisht substrati gëlqeror, ndërsa në Brod ai silicor. Gjatë studimit, rreth 389 lloje bimore me vendndodhje në këto zona prej të cilave 55-lloje janë të rëndësishme për florën e Kosovës në veçanti dhe ballkanit në përgjithësi. Prej tyre 32-lloje janë gjetur vetëm në Malin Koritnik, 10-lloje janë gjetur vetëm në Brod kurse të tjerat në substrate të ndryshme brënda këtyre masiveve. Përbërja floristike e Malit të Koritnikut paraqitet më e shumëllojshme dhe mjaft e pasur në lloje endemike dhe subendemike.
In this paper data on present and important plant species of Koritniku and Brodi Mountains, two localities with different substrate composition, are given. In Koritniku Mt, the limestone substrates generaly are predominant above the others, whereas in Brodi are predominant the siliceous substrates too. During the study ca. 386 plant species are recorded in both investigated localities, from which 55-species are important particularly for the flora of Kosovo and Balkans in general. The results shows that 32 important plant species are identifyed only in Koritniku Mt, 10 others only in Brodi Mt and others in different substrates of the Koritniku and Brodi Mts. Koritniku Mt distinguish between them, for the high diversity of plant species and their reachnes in endemics and subendemic ones.
... Many expeditions were undertaken in the Albanian Alps resulting in several publications (Caković & al. 2018, Mersinllari & al. 2008, Shuka & al. 2007, Shuka & Malo 2010, Surina & al. 2009). During these years, approximately 30 species new for the flora of Albania were documented from the Albanian Alps (Barina & Pifko 2011, Barina & al. 2013, 2015, Frajman & al. 2013, 2014, Rakaj & Kashta 2007, Rakaj 2009, Shuka & al. 2011, Shuka & al. 2019. However, the flora of the Albanian Alps cannot be dismissed as well known, since large areas remain unexplored due to the terrain and notorious name of the Accursed Mountains (Bjeshkët e Namuna). ...
The rare plant taxa occurring in the western and eastern parts of the Albanian Alps were investigated with emphasis on their distribution. Three species are reported as new for Albania (Heliosperma oliverae, H. retzdorffianum, Tulipa kosovarica) and additional localities listed for two other rare species (H. nikolicii, T. albanica), thus extending their known distribution areas. Photographs of the plants, their habitats and a distribution map are provided.
... In the past five years, new plant species have been recorded for PNP, from which the most important are Centaurea prespana and Viola eximia (BARINA & PIFKO, 2008;SHUKA, 2010;SHUKA ET AL, 2011). These findings support the results of investigations of BALTISBERGER & LEHNERR (1984) about Labiates, recorded on the Dry Mt on July 1982. ...
The Book contains findings of biodiversity research combined with cultural and social aspects of the Albanian Prespa National Park.
The information provided by the book has been collected during the five years period of the Project 'Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Prespa - Support to the Prespa National Park in Albania', financed by the Ministry for Environment of Albania and supported by the Ministry for Economic Cooperation of Germany via the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW).
The Management Plan of the National Park Prespa in Albania (2014-2024) is prepared on the provided data
... The six other plant species were recorded during our field trip this summer. All species share their habitats with adjacent parts of Macedonia, except Centaurea prespana, occurring only in the Albanian and Greek National Parks (SHUKA, 2011). In this context, the following species are local endemics of the Prespa National Park, or sub endemics for the Albanian part of the park. ...
Management Plan National Park Prespa in Albania for the years 2014-2024
... Buzo 2000, Misja 2006, MoE. 2009Miho et al. 2013, Miho 2018, Malo 2010, Malo & Shuka 2008a, 2008b, Shuka 2008, Shuka & Malo 2010, Shuka et al. 2011a, 2011b, Mahmutaj et al. 2014, Tan et al. 2011, Allen & Khalea 2017, Delipetrou 2011, 2014, Diku et al. 2016, Amirault et al. 2016, Paparisto 2001, Shkëmbi et al. 2015, Cuvelier et al. 2018,Dhora 2002, Markova et al. 2010, Snoj et al. 2009, Korsós et al. 2008, Bego et al. 2014Slomka et al. 2015, Zakkak et al. 2018. ...
The paper provides an overview of the existing knowledge on biodiversity of the whole Vjosa catchment. Besides major gaps in knowledge, the Vjosa catchment is one of the richest in Albania, sheltering a high diversity of habitats and species, most of them of international significance. A variety of protected areas is connected by the River Vjosa
and its tributaries and serve as important ecological corridor. Around 150 species of the already known flora and fauna species are listed in the Appendices of the Bern Convention. More than 15 priority habitat types of European interest have been identified (Habitat directive – NATURA 2000), as well as 7 habitat priority types (EUNIS, IPA) of high floristic value. Many habitats of the Vjosa area are included in the Directive 92/42/EEC adopted in May 1992: the woody riparian vegetation along river floodplains, with the dominant species Platanus orientalis, Populus alba, Salix spp., Alnus glutinosa, Fraxinus angustifolia, Quercus robur, and Ulmus minor; moreover, chasmophytic vegetation is documented in the area,; coastal sandy dunes with Ammophila arenaria and other rare plant
species; The Vjosa Delta-Narta wetland area is mentioned as the second most important site for birds in Albania, with about 80 species recorded. The area is known as the main wintering site for many water bird species including the Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) and Audouini’s Gull (Ichthyaetus audouinii). The Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) frequently occurs in the Vjosa Delta zone. Therefore, a special attention
must be paid to future hydropower development plans. Conservation actions must address threats to water quantity and quality over wide areas upstream of threatened habitats and species. Based on the presented data the floodplains of the Vjosa River from Tepelena to Mifoli are considered as a potential protected area, specifically a proposed
riverscape National Park.
... The bifurcation of Nerodime has been under state protection since 1979, and the site was also a strict wildlife sanctuary (Category I, according to the IUCN) until 2015; however, after 2015, the category of the site was changed to that of a natural monument or feature (Category III, according to the IUCN). (Shuka at al. 2011), this species is also found in the Surroj area near Kukës in the Republic of Albania. 1). ...
In addition to cultural heritage values, Kosovo is characterised by natural heritage values; these values identify different areas in Kosovo as potential sites for protection under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) program and the Convention Concerning the Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage. These natural values (i.e. geomorphological, hydrological, biodiversity- and ecosystem-related) are found mainly in the massifs of Kosovo’s four mountain ranges, i.e. the Sharr Mountains, the Bjeshket e Nemuna (Albanian Alps), the Koritnik Mountains, and the Pashtrik Mountains. These regions provide the largest number of potential sites for nomination to the World Heritage List or the MAB program.
Of the natural heritage values, 19 geomorphological areas of international importance were identified; additionally, 3 areas had regional (Balkan) importance, and 19 sites were caves. Furthermore, 152 glacial and nival lakes and a bifurcation (i.e. hydrological values), approximately 200 species and subspecies that are endemic to the Balkans, 8 locally endemic, 9 endemic and endemic-relict plant associations and 1 endemic animal species (i.e. biodiversity values), and ancient Beech forests (i.e. ecosystem values) were considered for conservation.
Consideration of the above mentioned areas for protection under UNESCO would provide a legal framework for the protection of natural and cultural values in Kosovo as well as support their sustainable development.
Additionally, protecting these areas would promote the development of environmental and educational projects and training as well as the research and monitoring of issues related to nature conservation and sustainable development at local, regional and international levels.
... Centaurea vlachorum Hartvig was considered as Greece's endemic species known from only two mountains, Milea and Aftia of Northern Pindos (Hartvig 1981) until 2009 when Shuka and Kit Tan reported its occurrence in NE Albania, exceeding its distribution range more in north (Shuka & Tan 2009). In Albania, it occurs in two localities, Kunora of Lura Mt, Dibra district, at altitudes 1600-2000 m and Qafa e Kumbulles, Kukesi district, at altitudes 1100-1300 m (Shuka et al. 2011). The existing information on the phytochemicals produced by C. vlachorum is scarce. ...
The present phytochemical investigation of the seeds of Centaurea vlachorum led to the isolation and characterisation of four compounds including two indole alkaloids N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin (1) and moschamine (2) and two dibenzylbutyrolactone lignans matairesinol (3) and arctiin (4). This is the first report on the isolation of non-volatile secondary metabolites from C. vlachorum. The chemataxonomic significance of these compounds was summarised. Moreover, the isolated compounds were tested for their free radical scavenging activity using the following in vitro assays: (i) interaction with the free stable radical of DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), (ii) inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation with the dihydrochloric acid of 2,2-Azobis-2-amidinopropane (AAPH). Finally, their inhibitory activity towards soybean lipoxygenase was evaluated, using linoleic acid as substrate.
... The six other plant species were recorded during our field trip this summer. All species share their habitats with adjacent parts of Macedonia, except Centaurea prespana, occurring only in the Albanian and Greek National Parks (SHUKA, 2011). In this context, the following species are local endemics of the Prespa National Park, or sub endemics for the Albanian part of the park. ...
Conservation and protection measures of the ecosystems are in the foremost interest of the local population, as they are the basis of survival for the park’s inhabitants. Therefore, the National Park was created to conserve the essential ecosystem functions as there are:
Habitat quality for species;
Providing enough spaces to allow undisturbed ecological processes. (e.g. cycles of live and material flow of anorganic substances);
Improve resilience and stability of ecosystems;
Maintaining ecosystem services:
o Resources for local population by supplying of firewood and non-timber products, fish, clean air and water.
o Production of food for the local population
o Water regime and regeneration
o Climate protection
o Erosion protection
o Recreation and nature experience areas
... The flora of Albania includes 5-Aristolochia species, from which A. pallida complex is represented with only one species, A. pallida. On the other hand Aristolochia merxmuelleri Greuter et E. Mayer, from this complex, were described recently by Shuka et al., (2011). The rest of species, included in the flora of Albania, according to Paparisto et al., (1988) are: A. clematis, A. longa, A. macedonica and A. rotunda. ...
In this paper A. lutea Desf., and Aristolochia elongata (Duchartre) Nardi, as new species from the family Aristolochiaceae is presented. Other aspects related to several subalpine areas of Albania are described, too. Morphological characters of A. lutea were discussion and compared with it’s closely relatives Aristolochia elongata (Duchartre) Nardi reported on several habitats of South Albania. As the other species like Aristolochia merxmuelleri Greuter & Mayer, A. lutea is a member of the Aristolochia pallida aggregate. Ecological data in growing habitat and area of distribution overall the country is given and mapped. Along with A. lutea, in its distribution habitat are recorded several important species for the Albanian flora like: Campanula hawkinsiana Hausskn. et Heldr., Alkanna graeca Boiss. & Spruner, Alkanna scardica Griseb. Viola acrocerauniensis Erben, Viola raunsiensis W.Becker & Košanin, Fritillaria thessala subsp. jonica (Halacsy) Kamari, Fritillaria orentalis Adams, Orchis pauciflora x Orchis quadripunctata etc.
Keywords: Aristolochia lutea, A. elongata, new species, subalpine ecosystems, important species
... The six other plant species were recorded during our field trip this summer. All species share their habitats with adjacent parts of Macedonia, except Centaurea prespana, occurring only in the Albanian and Greek National Parks (SHUKA, 2011). In this context, the following species are local endemics of the Prespa National Park, or sub endemics for the Albanian part of the park. ...
... Galanthus reginae-olgae subsp. reginae-olgae had recently been reported from the Bistrica valley, Delvina district in S Albania (Shuka & al. 2011). It was flowering from October to November (without leaves) in shaded, mixed deciduous and evergreen woodland and scrub (Castanea sativa, Fraxinus angustifolius, Paliurus spina-christi, Quercus coccifera, flat to slightly subrevolute subrevolute Inner perianth segments usually more than half the length of outer perianth segment half or less than half the length of outer perianth segment Apical marking single, U-shaped or solid broad band single V-shaped with narrow connecting arc below sinus Length of pedicel (mm) (15-)20-40 (-50) 12-30 Capsule shape and size (mm) obovoid, (6-)9.0-14.5 × 6.0-10.5 ellipsoid-subglobose, 12-15 ×10-16 Seed shape asymmetrically oblong-ovoid broadly ovoid Seed size (mm) 2.2-3.6 × 1.3-1.6 3-5 × 2.2-2.8 ...
Galanthus samothracicus (Amaryllidaceae) is fully described, illustrated by photographs, and mapped according to its distribution in three localities on the North Aegean island of Samothraki in northeastern Greece. It is believed to be a local endemic, related to G. nivalis which is not known in the Aegean. The morphological differences between G. samothracicus and G. nivalis are provided and the genome size in G. samothracicus and some other taxa belonging to Galanthus series Galanthus are presented here for the first time.
... Taking into account dozens of species reported erroneously , this number should be less. However, botanical exploration has expanded greatly during the last twenty years (Desfayes 2004;Rakaj 2006Rakaj , 2008Rakaj , 2009aRakaj , 2011; Barina & Pifkó 2008b, 2008cBarina et al. 2009Barina et al. , 2013Rakaj & Rostanski 2009;Shuka 2009Shuka , 2010aShuka , 2010bShuka et al. , 2011Shuka & Tan 2009;Tan et al. 2011;etc. ). ...
The flora of Albania is rich in vascular plants, comprising about 3250 species which are
included in ‘Flora e Shqipërisë’ (Flora of Albania Vols 1– 4). However, several hundred taxa mainly reported by foreign authors were not included. Some of them can be found in the ‘Flora ekskursioniste e Shqipërisë’ (Excursion flora of Albania) and also have been referred in ‘Flora Europaea’ and some taxa were mentioned in ‘Dendroflora e Shqipërisë’ (Dendroflora of Albania). Many botanical explorations have been taking place since then and many taxa have been newly reported or confirmed.
As a result of these explorations made by different authors from 1990 –2012, a catalogue containing 436 wild vascular plant taxa including 353 species and 83 subspecies is presented here. About 42 taxa are endemic to the Balkans, while 73 species and 24 subspecies are endemic to Albania and neighboring countries, and 30 species and 10 subspecies were only found in Albania. We believe that further field work and research in various herbaria will result in confirmation and addition of hundreds of further taxa to the flora of Albania in the near future.
... In Barina & al. 2009, raKaj 2009, mullaj & al. 2010, Barina & al. 2011, milanoVić & al. 2011, shuKa & al. 2011, stešeVić & drescher 2011, Barina & al. 2013, Frajman & al. 2013, milanoVić & al. 2013. ...
The Balkan Peninsula belongs to the botanically least explored regions of Europe, even if it is probably Europe's floristically richest area. During several excursions to the western Balkan Peninsula we encountered new and noteworthy localities of rare and endangered plant species and hence present our most significant findings. We discovered a second locality of the recently described Androsace komovensis SCHÖNSW. & SCHNEEW. (Primulaceae) on the summit of Mt. Kërrshat e Mdh'aj (Alpet Shqiptare/Prokletije/Albanian Alps) at the border between Montenegro and Kosovo. Similarly to the type locality, the newly discovered population is spatially very restricted and individual-poor. The occurrence of Doronicum grandiflorum LAM. (Asteraceae-Senecioneae) on the Balkan Peninsula has not been clear so far. Whereas the species' suggested presence in Albania or Montenegro appears to be based on misidentifications, we confirm its existence in the Čvrsnica and Prenj mountain ranges in Bosnia and Herzegovina and provide characters to distinguish it from D. columnae TEN. and D. orientale HOFFM., for which it has been commonly mistaken. We provide an updated distribution map of Heliosperma macranthum PANČIĆ (Caryophyllaceae-Sileneae), an endemic of the Alpet Shqiptare/Prokletije/Albanian Alps, based on our own records, herbarium and literature data. Poa glauca VAHL subsp. frearitis (ORPH. ex HALÁCSY) H. SCHOLZ (Poaceae-Poeae) is a little-known taxon of the arctic-alpine Poa glauca complex, previously only known from Mt. Varnous and Mt. Smolikas in Greece. We here report the first record for Kosovo from the summit of Mt. Gjeravica/Deravica (Alpet Shqiptare/Prokletije/Albanian Alps), situated at least 200 km NNW of the previously known occurrences in southeastern Europe.
... A number of papers on the Albanian flora, including floristic and taxonomic works, has been published in recent years, the most recent papers being those of , ), Meyer (2011, and Shuka & al. (2011). Up until now, a large number of new or revised floristic records has accumulated for Albania, and these have partly updated or supplemented the existing works on the flora (Demiri 1983;Paparisto & al. 1988;Qosja & al. 1992;Qosja & al. 1996;Vangjeli 2003;Vangjeli & al. 2000). ...
Altogether 70 taxa are discussed in this contribution towards a critical floristic checklist of the Albanian flora. Of these, 21 taxa are reported as new for the country based on the authors' own field observations and collected specimens and on the revision of relevant material in European herbaria; 17 taxa are deleted from the flora and the reasons for their deletion are provided; and 32 taxa are confirmed as occurring in Albania and/or their status is amended. Revised categories for the occurrence of 18 alien taxa are given. In agreement with Parnell, Sempervivum jakucsii is treated as conspecific with S. ciliosum.
In the book: "Bimët Endemike dhe ato me Përhapje të Kufizuar, PK “Prespa” (Endemic plants and that with restricted distribution, PK “Prespa)”, have been described 15-plant taxa, restricted endemics that share their habitat between Galichica NP, PresPa NP in Albania and the Prespa NP of Greece. Most of them occur in the Galichica and Dry Mts range. 8-other species, described in this book have been considered as plants with conservation intrest, due to their inclussion on the annexes of the Habitat Directive (92/43/EEC) and Bern convention and 19 other taxa have a restricted distribution range in the Prespa region. Two taxa, Acanthus greuterianus and Viola eximia subsp. tringiana have been described for the first time for the Albanian Flora, so far known as Greece endemics.
For all taxa, detailed distribution maps and ecology, habatits of growing supplied with photos and threats have given too.
The taxonomy of the Mediterranean Aristolochia pallida complex has been under debate since several decades with the following species currently recognized: A. pallida, A. lutea, A. nardiana, A. microstoma, A. merxmuelleri, A. croatica, and A. castellana. These taxa are distributed from Iberia to Turkey. To reconstruct phylogenetic and biogeographic patterns, we employed cpDNA sequence variation using both noncoding (intron and spacer) and protein-coding regions (i.e., trnK intron, matK gene, and trnK-psbA spacer). Our results show that the morphology-based traditional taxonomy was not corroborated by our phylogenetic analyses. Aristolochia pallida, A. lutea, A. nardiana, and A. microstoma were not monophyletic. Instead, strong geographic signals were detected. Two major clades, one exclusively occurring in Greece and a second one of pan-Mediterranean distribution, were found. Several subclades distributed in Greece, NW Turkey, Italy, as well as amphi-Adriatic subclades, and a subgroup of southern France and Spain, were revealed. The distribution areas of these groups are in close vicinity to hypothesized glacial refugia areas in the Mediterranean. According to molecular clock analyses the diversification of this complex started around 3-3.3 my, before the onset of glaciation cycles, and the further evolution of and within major lineages falls into the Pleistocene. Based on these data, we conclude that the Aristolochia pallida alliance survived in different Mediterranean refugia rarely with low, but often with a high potential for range extension, and a high degree of morphological diversity.
The genus Campanula L, known also as bellflower, in Albania represent one of the largest genus with ca. 50 taxa. Five species from this genus, C. aureliana, C. daucoides, C. korabensis, C. longipetiolata and C. skanderbegii are considered as Albanian endemics with vary narrow areal of distribution within the country territory.
The Campanula pyramidalis species complex were known so far to contain only two species, C. pyramidalis L. and C. versicolor Andrews, excluding two new endemic species, C. korabensis and C. longipetiolata, that are described recently from F. K. Mayer and needs further investigation to confirm their taxonomic status.
Our field investigation during years 2016-2019, shows the presence of C. austroadriatica and C. montenegrina in several localities of the north-western, western and central parts of the country. Both species were not mentioned in the Flora books of Albania, whereas C. versicolor was observed mostly in the southern parts of the country. Further more, C. pyramidalis was not observed in Albania during our field trips.
All species of this complex occurs in the rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation habitat types which take place along the deep canyons and gorges overall Albania.
Key words: Albania, Flora of Albania, Campanula pyramidalis species complex, C. austroadriatica, C. montenegrina.
The genus Campanula L, known also as bellflower, in Albania represent one of the largest genus with ca. 50 taxa. Five species from this genus, C. aureliana, C. daucoides, C. korabensis, C. longipetiolata and C. skanderbegii are considered as Albanian endemics with vary narrow areal of distribution within the country territory.
The Campanula pyramidalis species complex were known so far to contain only two species, C. pyramidalis L. and C. versicolor Andrews, excluding two new endemic species, C. korabensis and C. longipetiolata, that are described recently from F. K. Mayer and needs further investigation to confirm their taxonomic status.
Our field investigation during years 2016-2019, shows the presence of C. austroadriatica and C. montenegrina in several localities of the north-western, western and central parts of the country. Both species were not mentioned in the Flora books of Albania, whereas C. versicolor was observed mostly in the southern parts of the country. Further more, C. pyramidalis was not observed in Albania during our field trips.
All species of this complex occurs in the rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation habitat types which take place along the deep canyons and gorges overall Albania.
Key words: Albania, Flora of Albania, Campanula pyramidalis species complex, C. austroadriatica, C. montenegrina.
Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are sites that contribute significantly to the global persistence of biodiversity, encompassing the composition of biodiversity as well as ecological and biological processes. In 2016, the conservation and scientific community agreed upon a global KBA Standard, outlining five different criteria for identifying KBA sites. One of these criteria is the occurrence of species threatened with global extinction. The European Red List programme has assessed the extinction risk of more than 11,000 species from 19 taxonomic or functional groups of vertebrates, invertebrates and plants since 2007 – over 5,000 of these species are only found on the European continent. In Europe, KBAs have been identified for single species groups such as Important Bird Areas, Important Plant Areas, Prime Butterfly Areas or for multiple species groups including Critical Catchments for freshwater taxa as well as KBAs in Macaronesia and the Mediterranean region. Data from the European Red Lists were partially used as a basis for identifying these KBAs. However, the broad taxonomic coverage displayed in the Red Lists has not been fully exploited in informing KBAs.
Those species not already included in KBA identification and which are threatened and endemic to Europe, were selected for the identification of additional potential KBA sites. In the present work, a total of 671 species of amphibians, saproxylic beetles, butterflies, mammals, terrestrial molluscs, plants and reptiles were chosen and their occurrences were recorded in the format of 100 km² grid cells. Spatial analysis of the resulting potential KBA sites was guided by three research questions: (1) Which spatial patterns do KBAs display when adequately representing European species threatened with extinction? (2) Are existing KBAs in Europe sufficient in representing species in the additional potential KBAs or is an expansion of KBA sites necessary? (3) To which extent are potential KBAs covered by protected areas?
This analysis demonstrated that potential KBA sites are predominantly located in the southern half of Europe with a clear concentration in Macaronesia and the Mediterranean region. An evaluation of the spatial relationships among the taxonomic groups chosen, including potential surrogacy-target functions, remained inconclusive. Spatial overlap was high with protected areas, Critical Catchments and Important Bird Areas, and smaller with Important Plant Areas. Spatial prioritisation techniques confirmed the overall high spatial congruence of potential KBAs with protected areas and existing KBAs and indicate that adequate representation of European threatened endemics can to a large extent be achieved within existing sites. However, the coarse resolution of the chosen grid cells is
susceptible to over- and underestimation of overlap and quality checks at a finer spatial resolution are recommended. Moreover, a species’ range being covered by an existing KBA or protected area, does not mean that the conservation needs of this species are appropriately addressed by site management activities. This thesis provides a dataset of potential KBA sites that can act as frame for a qualitative analysis and can be used as a baseline for KBA delineation and stakeholder consultations. The spatial framework presented here is another step towards conservation of European endemic and threatened vertebrates, invertebrates and plants, and ultimately towards halting the loss of biological diversity.
Abstract
A synopsis of the Centaurea soskae and triniifolia group (C. sect. Acrolophus, Asteraceae) is presented. Seven taxa are
recognized in the Lake Prespa area of Albania, Greece, FYR Macedonia, and the nearby mountain ranges of Galičica-Mali i
Thatë and Pelister-Varnous, including an outlier in the prefecture of Grevena, N Pindos, Greece. The variation in C. soskae
was studied, leading to the description of two new subspecies, subsp. albida (endemic to Albania) and subsp. aetiensis (endemic
to N Pindos). Centaurea tomorosii is treated as a species separate from C. soskae, and C. galicicae as a species distinct
from C. triniifolia. The lectotypification of C. campylacme and its inclusion as a subspecies in C. triniifolia is proposed. In
addition, C. shumkana is described as a new species, endemic to SE Albania. The distribution of the taxa is indicated in two
maps.
Key words: Centaurea soskae—triniifolia group, Balkan endemics, Albania, Greece, FYR Macedonia, taxonomic revision
Këtu jepen mendimet e ekspertëve mbi ndërtimin e HEC-eve në Luginën e Valbonës (Bajram Curri). Por këtu jemi mbështetur kryesisht në gjykimet mbi “Raportin e Vlerësimit të Ndikimit në Mjedis nga Ndërtimi i HEC-eve në Kaskadën e Dragobisë (në këtë dokument RVNMKD)”, Qëllimi është që të sigurojë një kuptim më të mirë në lidhje me cilësinë e raportit të përgatitur nga zhvilluesi i HEC-eve.
Komentet e siguruara nga ekspertët mund të konsiderohen si opinionet e tyre personale. Opinionet e tyre nuk duhet të interpretohet si një reflektim i pozitës zyrtare të institucioneve të tyre ose vendeve të punës. Opinionet e ekspertëve janë të mbështetura në leximin dhe studimin e seksioneve përkatëse të Raportit të VNMKD, dhe reflektim i njohurive të tyre sipas fushave të ekspertizës që ata mbulojnë dhe janë të kufizuara në këtë kuadër. Vështruesit e raportit inkurajojnë ekspertë të fushave të tjera për informacione, komente ose sqarime shtesë.
Flora and vegetation of the north-eastern parts of the country, as much as in the other tranboundary parts of Albania, have been little studied being military zone and difficulties to explore freely in the former time. The north-eastern border of the country and adjacent parts in Kosovo are part of Scardo-Pindic mountain system, which includes Sharri mountain range in Kosovo, Korabi mountain range in Albania and FYR of Mecedonia in the studied area. They represent the richest part in the flora point of view for both our countries. In the following, four taxa, Cerastium eriophorum Kit., Edraianthus graminifolius (L.) DC. subsp. albanicus Deg. & Kumm., Edraianthus montenegrinus Horák and Schivereckia doerfleri (Wettst.) Bornm. were discussed and proposed to conserve their names. Also, distribution and mapping of the new records and neglected species between northeastern parts of Albania and Kosovo, is given.
Keywords: New plant species, neglected, distribution, Albania, Kosovo, FYR Macedonia
Parolly, G. & Tan, K.: A new species of Hesperis (Brassicaceae) from SW Anatolia, Turkey. — Willdenowia 36: 851–856. — ISSN 0511-9618; © 2006 BGBM Berlin-Dahlem. doi:10.3372/wi.36.36215 (available via http://dx.doi.org/) Hesperis kuerschneri, from the vilayet of Denizli in the Western Taurus is described as a species new to science and illustrated. Its affinities are with H. theophrasti, which has several infraspecific taxa in the Balkans and Anatolia. The new species occurs on steep serpentine scree slopes together with other serpentine plants of the Western Taurus and is rather local in distribution.
We studied the vegetation of the aquatic ecosystems of Lake Mikri Prespa. The lacustrine vegetation comprises three distinct forms: floating plants, benthic hydrophytes and helophytes, which are described and classified from the phytosociological point of view, as follows: (a) the vegetation of the floating plants belong to the Lemnetea class and is represented by two plant communities; (b) the vegetation of the benthic hydrophytes, belongs to the Potametea class consisting of two different categories, namely the submersed formations and the emergent formations of the hydrophytes. Various plant communities were recognised in this type of vegetation and three among them are considered as the most representative; (c) the vegetation of helophytes, the prevailing life form in this wetland, belongs to the Phragmitetea class and is represented mainly by seven well organised plant communities. The respective vegetation of two of the five more important wetland sites is described.
The terrestrial vegetation is composed of forest and meadow vegetation. The forest vegetation of the National Park belongs to the class Querco-Fagetea and shows the following zonation: (a) in the vicinity of the lake, at the elevation of 860–1000 m, two associations have been found: the mixed deciduous and evergreen forests of Ostryo-Carpinion orientalis and the evergreen forests of Ostryo-Carpinion adriaticum; (b) the deciduous oak forests surround the previous zone at the altitude of 900–1300 m with two principal associations, namely the Quercetum frainetto and the Quercetum petraeae; (c) in the upper forest layer between 1200–1800 m asl, dominate beech forests of the association Fagion moesiacum and the less extensive occurrence of the mixed beech-fir stands (Ass. Abieti-Fagetum moesiacum).
The zone above the tree limit is distinguished by its subalpine character semi-shrub vegetation extending higher than the forest (1800–2000 m), whereas alpine meadows cover the vegetation at higher altitudes. On the plains and in the forest clearings exist herbaceous meadow formations of variable structure, in parallel with the vegetation of specific habitats, such as nitrophilous and ammophilous plants.
New combinations and new names in Umbelliferae
@BULLET Tutin TG (1967) New combinations and new names in Umbelliferae. In: Heywood, VH (Ed.)