Volume: 2, 2023
2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: E003
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.E003
Published online: 19 April 2023
ICDSUPL, 2, E003 (2023)
Translocation – a tool for active conservation of endangered species
Michał Arciszewski1*, Magdalena Pogorzelec1
1 Department of Hydrobiology and Protection of Ecosystes, Faculty of Environmental Biology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Dobrzańskiego 37 st., 20-262 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: michal.arciszewski@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
In an era of rapid development of technology, cities and increasing anthropopressure, effective nature conservation is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges. Progressive climate changes caused by human activity pose a real threat to the functioning of many valuable ecosystems and the survival of plant and animal species. One of the increasingly popular active species conservation method is translocation. This activity involves the planned and deliberate relocation of individuals of plants or animals to other sites in order to increase the chance of restoring their populations or even the survival of the species. The aim of this study was to test the effects of translocation of two relict willow species to its historical sites. The experiment consisted of planting 48 individuals of Salix lapponum and S. myrtilloides, obtained by micropropagation, at each of the two selected sites and observing their survival after one year. During this time, the influence of selected biotic and physicochemical factors on the condition of the plants was also studied. About 70% of S. lapponum individuals and 50% of S. myrtilloides plants survived the one-year period. This result can be considered satisfactory and confirms the effectiveness of this active protection measure. Depending on the studied site and type of peatland, significant differences were noted in the new populations quantity of both willow species. The results of the study made it possible to note clear differences in the habitat conditions of two studied ecosystems, especially in terms of pH values, electrolytic conductivity and the degree of oxygen saturation of acrotelm water. The species composition and phytocenoses physiognomy of the studied habitats were also different. The development of a multi-story structure of one of the phytocenoses intensified competition for light and other environmental resources, which narrowed the potential ecological niche of the reintroduced species.
How to cite
M. Arciszewski, M. Pogorzelec, 2023. Translocation – a tool for active conservation of endangered species. In: 2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.E003