Biodiversity & Ecology

English

Abstract: The Hellenic Natura 2000 Vegetation Database (GIVD ID EU-GR-005) was developed using TURBOVEG software package and currently comprises approximately 16,500 vegetation plots (relevés), most of which (ca. 14,000) were sampled during the years 1999 and 2000. The remaining relevés were derived from literature (period 1952 to 2000). Cover-abundance is given by the 7-grade Braun-Blanquet scale for vascular plants. More than 90% of the plots are georeferenced and environmental data such as altitude, slope, aspect, geological substrate are given. All data refer to the Sites of Community Importance of the Natura 2000 network and all vegetation types of Greece that could be classified in the habitat types of the Dir. 92/43/EEC are represented. Vegetation and habitat maps of the sites are kept by the owner of the database. Quality control of relevés is necessary before use. The significance and usefulness of the HelNatVeg database is high as it includes about 40% of relevés ever sampled in Greece. Use of the database should be requested from the owner, the Hellenic Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change.