, Eugenia NAGODĂ, Marilena Viorica HOVANEȚ, , Mihaela URZICEANU

ALIEN PLANT SPECIES IN GIURGIU COUNTY, ROMANIA: AN INVENTORY AND DISTRIBUTION ANALYSIS

Introduction

Alien plant species in giurgiu county, romania: an inventory and distribution analysis. Discover 89 alien plant species, 58 new, in Giurgiu County, Romania. This inventory details their distribution, vital for biodiversity conservation and invasive species management.

Abstract

Giurgiu County, a crucial hub in the Pan-European Corridor with the sole Danube bridge to Bulgaria, plays an important role in  potential pathways for introducing alien plant species. However, the information regarding the distribution of alien plants in this county is incomplete. Our study aims to address this gap by providing a comprehensive analysis of the current distribution of alien  plant species based on field records collected from September 2019 to November 2022. Following the guidelines of the POIM/178/4/1/120008 project, data were collected across diverse habitats. Our findings reveal 89 alien plant taxa, including 58 newly reported at the county level. Over half of the alien plant species (66.29%) are also present in the natural protected areas. The study contributes essential information for biodiversity conservation, emphasizing ongoing monitoring and invasive species management  within Giurgiu County's protected areas.

Review

This manuscript presents a timely and important inventory and distribution analysis of alien plant species within Giurgiu County, Romania. Given the county's strategic position as a critical hub in the Pan-European Corridor and a gateway to Bulgaria, understanding the presence and spread of alien flora is paramount for regional biodiversity conservation. The authors effectively address a recognized gap in current knowledge, providing a comprehensive update on alien plant distribution based on robust field records. The study's findings, including a significant number of newly reported taxa and their presence within protected areas, underscore its immediate relevance. A major strength of this research lies in its extensive data collection methodology, involving dedicated field work conducted across diverse habitats from 2019 to 2022, adhering to established project guidelines. This rigorous approach has culminated in the identification of 89 alien plant taxa, with a remarkable 58 species being new records for Giurgiu County. This substantial contribution significantly updates the phytosociological knowledge of the region. Furthermore, the revelation that over two-thirds (66.29%) of these alien species have already encroached upon natural protected areas is a critical finding, highlighting an urgent conservation concern. The implications of this study are profound, offering essential information for guiding biodiversity conservation efforts and invasive species management strategies within Giurgiu County. The emphasis on ongoing monitoring and targeted intervention within protected areas, as highlighted by the authors, is well-justified given the identified prevalence of alien species in these sensitive habitats. This work serves as a foundational reference for local authorities and conservation practitioners, providing the necessary data to develop effective management plans and potentially inform broader regional and national strategies for mitigating the ecological impacts of alien plant introductions along major transport routes.

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