Vegetational and Structural Features of Forest Clearings in Plitvice Lakes National Park

A comprehensive analysis of forest clearings in Plitvice Lakes National Park reveals five distinct plant communities, with the Salicetum capreae being the most prevalent. The study identified 257 vascular plant species across 60 families, dominated by Asteraceae, and highlighted significant representation of hemicryptophytes (H) and Eurasian chorological types. Notably, 11 strictly protected, 6 nearly threatened, 3 vulnerable, 2 data-deficient, and 4 endemic species were documented. The research, employing taxonomic keys and the Braun-Blanquet approach, also found that most clearings have an anthropogenic origin, are irregular in shape, occupy small areas (<1000 m²), and are located along forest edges or roads. This study provides the first detailed vegetational and structural data for this habitat type, offering a foundation for future research.

Sirovica, I., Medak, J., Magdić, N., & Vukelić, J. (2024). Vegetational and Structural Features of Forest Clearings in Plitvice Lakes National Park. South-East European Forestry, 15(1), 29–42. https://doi.org/10.15177/seefor.24-02