Distribution and environmental requirements of stream habitat with Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation in lower Belgium (Flanders)

An Leyssen, Luc Denys, Anik Schneiders, Ans Mouton

    Research output: Contribution to journalA1: Web of Science-articlepeer-review

    414 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    1. Streams with Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation – or habitat type 3260 according to
    the European Habitats Directive – require particular conservation at biogeographic level but Member States carry
    individual responsibility. Within this framework, the environmental requirements of this habitat type in lower
    Belgium (Flanders) were analysed.
    2. Overall, current vegetation composition was not significantly related to adjacent land-use but correlated
    mainly with physical–chemical conditions and to a lesser extent with distance to source and channel width.
    Even though sites with habitat 3260 generally showed lower levels of human impact, their abiotic features
    overlapped considerably with those of sites without habitat 3260 but still showing hydrophyte development.
    3. Thresholds occurred in the distribution of responsive macrophyte taxa, including the more common
    characteristic species of the habitat type, along gradients of increasing solutes and nutrients. Comparison with
    water quality standards proposed so far to support good ecological status for the European Water Framework
    Directive in lowland rivers suggests that compliance would probably allow this habitat to persist in most cases,
    although some discrepancies occur. This implies that more stringent objectives may be required in some water bodies.
    4. The present analysis focuses on the conditions delimiting occurrence of HT 3260, and therefore its range and
    area in lower Belgium. A comprehensive understanding of its favourable conservation status remains difficult in
    lowland regions where most rivers are subject to strong human impact and will require a more long-term
    perspective that also considers management regime, physical habitat structure and connectivity.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalAquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
    Volume24
    Pages (from-to)601-622
    ISSN1052-7613
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2014

    Thematic List 2020

    • Water

    Taxonomic list

    • macrophytes (aquatic plants)

    Policy

    • Habitats Directive
    • biodiversity policy
    • Water Framework Directive
    • local conservation status
    • water policy

    Geographic list

    • Flanders

    Technological

    • fieldwork (observations and sampling)

    Cite this