The diversity of woodland vegetation in Central Albania along an altitudinal gradient of 1300 m

Abstract

The woodland vegetation of Central Albania is studied and discussed along an altitudinal gradient in the Dajti National Park (DNP). The plant species combinations recorded in 168 plots were classified and subjected to indirect gradient analysis using environmental variables of geology, soil, topography, disturbance and grazing impact. The transect over more than 1300 m reflects the biogeographically intermediate paramediterranean vegetation zonation and the relatively humid Mediterranean “hygric series” at its eastern margins. It reveals the total range of woodland types known to occur in Central Albania, thus stressing the representativity of the area regarding biodiversity and biogeography, and its importance for nature conservation. Along the elevation gradient, we found three plant communities of the mesomediterranean Quercetalia ilicis, five of the supramediterranean Quercetalia pubescentis and five of the montane or oromediterranean Fagetalia sylvaticae.

Keywords:

• Balkan
• biogeography
• Fagus forests
• nature conservation
• phytosociology
• Quercus forests
• vegetation classification
• wood-pasture

Acknowledgements

The analysis was carried out within the framework of DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Program, at the Department of Vegetation Analysis and Phytodiversity, University of Göttingen. The first author (AK) is grateful for the support provided by the departmental staff members and especially for the financial aid provided by DAAD. DNP woodland vegetation was recorded by AK in the framework of her doctorate thesis with the support and supervision of Prof. Petrit Hoda and Prof. Arsen Proko, Botanical Garden, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana and Section of Botany at the Faculty of Forestry, to both of whom AK wishes to express her gratitude for introducing her to the study of vegetation.