Vincenzo Bertolini

• Biodiversity Journal, 3 (4): 375-384

  Vincenzo Bertolini, Anne Damon, Javier Valle Moral & Angel Natanael Rojas Velázquez
  Distribution and ecological patterns of orchids in Monte Pellegrino Reserve, Palermo (Sicily, Italy)

  ABSTRACT
  Despite heavy human impact through the ages, the Monte Pellegrino Reserve maintains an interesting orchid flora currently estimated as 33 taxa, with 9 endemic elements, including Ophrys lunulata Parltore (priority species for the European Commission) and O. sphegodes panormitana (Tod.) Kreutz, which has its locus typicus in Monte Gallo, another reserve close to Monte Pellegrino. The chorological types most represented in this study were Mediterranean and Atlantic Mediterranean. The distribution of the orchids in this site was correlated to various environmental parameters, depending upon species and chorological type. The endemic species were the only chorotype that was positively correlated to two habitats that are relicts of the original Sicilian vegetation: clearings in deciduous thermophilic forest (Rhamno alaterni-Quercetum ilicis subassociation Pistacietosum terebinthi) and Ampelodesmetum meadows (Helictotrico convoluti-Ampelodesmetum mauritanici). Prevailing wind direction and seasonality were determining factors for orchid distribution. Identification of the correlation patterns between chorological types and habitats could be useful for predicting species presence within areas with similar biogeographical characteristics, facilitate species mapping and serve as a tool for the design and implementation of conservation strategies.

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