Photo taken by: Trichas, A., NHMC

 

AKOMM-Psiloritis, Α.Ε. Ο.Τ.Α. Development

Photo of Three-lobed Sage, Salvia fruticosa, in its natural environment in Kounavi village, in Heraklion district, Greece.
credits: A.Trichas, NHMC.

The climate is characterised by hot dry summers and humid, cool winters but it can also be notoriously capricious with sudden torrential downpours or bouts of high winds (eg. the Sirocco, the Mistral) occurring at various times of the year. These climatic conditions have a profound influence on the vegetation and wildlife of the region. So does its varied and contrasting topography – the Mediterranean Region offers an ever changing landscape of high mountains, rocky shores, impenetrable scrub, semi-arid steppes, coastal wetlands, sandy beaches and a myriad islands of various shapes and sizes dotted amidst the clear blue sea.

Contrary to the classic ‘sun, sea and sand’ images portrayed in most tourist brochures, the Mediterranean is surprisingly hilly. One is almost never out of sight of the mountains, even on the islands.

Having escaped the last Ice Age, all these areas harbour their own special kind of wildlife and habitats. As a result, the Mediterranean has not only a very rich biodiversity but also a large number of species that exist here and nowhere else in the world. The rate of endemism is exceptionally high both on land and in the sea. Of the 25,000 flowering plants identified so far–representing around 10% of all known plants on earth – more than half are endemic to the region. Not surprisingly, the Mediterranean is considered one of the top biodiversity hotspots in the world.

Bussoti and Gerosa indicated in their studies that the impacts of air pollutants (ozone) on Mediterranean forest ecosystems (evergreen sclerophyllous forests and maquis) were poorly understood. In their 2002 study they examined the way by which many of the typical morphological and ecophysiological features of Mediterranean forests were influenced by prolonged ozone exposure. Sclerophyllous Mediterranean species (typified by leaves with dense mesophyll, little intercellular air space and containing an abundance of primary, e.g. ascorbate, and secondary metabolites, e.g. tannins and phenylpropanoids, that are capable of protecting key biomolecules from oxidative stress) might be expected to be hardier than their counterparts in Northern Europe. They suggested that soil water shortage during the height of summer causes partial stomatal closure (in the leaves) for lengthy periods, thus avoiding taking-up the ozone when concentrations are at their highest. There are several confirmed reports of visible symptoms of ozone damage (chlorotic mottle, necrosis, reddening etc.) on important crops and forest trees.

A recent study (2015) investigated the impact of land management practices on soil erosion and land degradation during 3 consecutive years (2008–2011) in a rural area sensitive to desertification (Crete, Greece). The area was characterized by soils formed on flysch parent material (deposits of dark, fine-grained, thinly bedded sandstone shales and clay, soil texture related to the parent materials flysch and limestone which have favored the formation of moderately fine-textured soils), dry sub-humid climate with water concentrated in summer, and frequent drought episodes. Precipitation, water runoff, sediment loss, soil moisture, air and soil temperature, and plant cover were recorded at two sites experiencing overgrazing and sustainable grazing. Sustainable grazing was associated with lower water runoff, reduced sediment loss and lower soil temperature than overgrazing. The study identified overgrazing as a driver of land degradation. In the other hand the study pointed out that sustainable management of pastoral landscapes can play an important role in the mitigation of desertification risk.
                 

Rural fires in Greece have proliferated at alarming rates during the past two decades, seriously threatening the country's forest resources. Researchers and policy makers appear to agree on some key fire policy elements determined on the basis of reasonable hypotheses. Various research papers analysed statistical evidence of fire incidence covering the period 1978–1987. And the devastating summer 2007 fire. The conclusion was that political events and economic development leading to increased demand for land along with some cultural and ecological phenomena are responsible for the spread of forest fires and the extensive damage caused in the Greek forests. The problem of fires in forests of the Mediterranean basin and the increasing numbers in the last decades created the perception to people that fires are disastrous to forests. A review suggested that although many Mediterranean ecosystems are highly resilient to fire (shrublands and oak forests), some are fire-sensitive (e.g. pine woodlands). After fires the erosion rates are in some cases relatively high. But also, studies showed that Mediterranean basin plants have traits to cope with fire and a large number of ecosystems found in the region to have strongly altered.Remote sensing of forests fires in the Mediterranean basin has been applied in the last years by scientists a standard methodology for the estimation of the loss of forest and other wooded lands after fires. Also, remote sensing can focus on the impact of prolonged droughts and on forests and the consequences of forest fires, forest management and predictions of impacts on forest conservation

 

 03/02/2019
More information:

https://www.facebook.com/samaritakisnikos/photos/a.530452306977887/2166826040007164/?type=3&theater

Cretan zelkova, and on Crete proper as abelitsia (αμπελιτσιά), is a species that belongs to the genus Zelkova and is endemic to the Greek island of Crete. It is found in small numbers and is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN red list of endangered species. Cretan Zelkova is the only representative of this Asiatic genus, and we can find it in the high mountains of Crete. (source: greek-flora.gr)

It is by far the most preferred wood for making the katsouna (κατσούνα), the famous traditional Cretan shepherd's versatile crook, for it is virtually indestructible. Today it is forbidden by law to use abelitsia for making a katsouna, since it is made of an entire young tree. 

Zelkova abelicea is a medium-sized tree that grows from 3 m (10 ft) to 5 m (16 ft) tall. The tree is strongly branched resulting in a dense, crown shaped habit that extends close to the ground. The leaves are small and green with serrated edges. Z. abelicea produces perfect hermaphroditic flowers which are small and scented, and pollination is therefore thought to be achieved by insects. 

This species is capable of suckering, a form of reproduction where new shoots arise from an existing root system rather than from a seed. Natural regeneration by seed is rarely seen. Root cutting seem to show a 50% success rate, though best results may be seen in the cuttings taken from late August. Branch cutting of young shoots also root with moderate success when taken in late mid to late summer. This species is usually found on rocky, mountainous areas at altitudes between 850 and 1,800 m (2,790 and 5,910 ft). 

The most severe pressure on all
investigated populations is overgrazing and browsing by
livestock. This is followed by soil erosion, which is clearly
correlated with intensive trampling and grazing and was
observed in almost 60% of the plots. The potential
influence of drought during the summer months is
difficult to establish, although symptoms of water stress
(e.g. dead branches without signs of browsing, dry and
brownish leaves during the vegetative period) were
observed.

[source:The Tertiary relict tree Zelkova abelicea (Ulmaceae):
distribution, population structure and conservation
status on Crete, Kozlowski et al.2013]

Zelkova abelicea is listed on Annex II of the Habitats Directive and under Appendix 1 of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention). It is protected in Greece by the Presidential Decree 67/81 and included in the Red Data Book (Phitos et al. 1995). Almost all of the population of the plant is included in the Natura 2000 sites.
The current in situ and ex situ protection measures are inadequate (Kozlowski et al. 2012). Ex situ conservation of this species requires major planning and coordination efforts including the establishment of well-documented collections in botanic gardens in Greece and especially in Crete. Collections should be created using plant material collected from all the mountain regions where Z. abelicea still occurs. Presently, the majority of the gardens cultivate Zelkova plants almost exclusively from the Levka Ori region, which has the biggest, accessible and thus best known occurrence of Z. abelicea. The gene bank and cultivation at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania, for example, was based exclusively on plant material collected in Levka Ori. In contrast, the populations from small, threatened and genetically highly isolated populations of the Cretan Mountains (Psiloritis, Dhikti and Thripiti) have rarely if ever been used in ex situ culture (Kozlowski et al. 2012, Christe et al. 2012).   Conservation efforts and field studies conducted by the authors could be reactivated and included in local conservation action plans, ideally in collaboration with botanic gardens and/or other relevant scientific institutions in Crete (Kozlowski et al. 2012).

The Forest Directorate of Chania, which is responsible for the largest part of the population, has attempted to fence some areas unsuccessfully due to conflicts between landowners and shepherds but has had one successful operation against illegal trading (Fournaraki and Thanos 2006).  Much more attention should be given to the following disjunct populations: (1) Afendis Kavousi, the only populations in the Thripiti Mountains; and to both of the remaining populations of the Psiloritis Mountains: (2) Kedros, and (3) Rouvas Forest. Furthermore, a fourth population growing at the highest elevation on Crete in the vicinity of the Eligas Gorge (potentially well adapted to the extreme and changing environmental conditions), should also be considered as a conservation priority. Additional and very important reason to protect these isolated populations is the fact that Z. abelicea has an unexpected high variability that is additionally structured according to the four mountain ranges in the island (Christe et al. 2012). Thus, each mountain range possesses unique genetic compositions and should be treated as independent conservation unit. 

https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/30319/17701987#conservation-actions

 
photo: M.Avramakis, NHMC 

Horstrissea dolinicola is only found on Mt. Ida (Psiloritis mountain range) in central Crete at about 1500 m a.s.l., and grows only in a few limestone sinks (dolines) in a region where many goats and sheep graze during the summer season. These sinks are seasonally flooded as they work as outlets for rain (from autumn to spring) and for melting snow (spring) . Its total population counts just a few dozen individuals in an area of about 3000 m^2.

 This species has been categorized as CR (Critically Endangered) according to IUCN Red List Criteria. This means that the only site where the species occurs is very small and covers approximatively 0.012 km². 90-100% of mature individuals belong to one single subpopulation. In recent years, a degradation of its habitat was observed during field work sessions. It is estimated that there may be less than 100 mature individuals left in the wild. H. dolinicola is mainly threatened with overgrazing, trampling and soil eutrophication both due to sheep and goat excrements, to the punctual use of fertilizers , and by future road construction, as some shepherds already have created several off road paths with their 4x4 cars inside some populations  

Legally: Currently there is no legal protection for this species. The plant enjoys indirect protection as its population falls within the Natura 2000 site GR4330005 .
In situ: up to now no specific measures have been carried out in order to perform a better conservation of the dolines hosting the extant populations of H. dolinicola.
Ex situ: Seeds of the species are stored in the seed bank of the Mediterranean Agronomic institute of Chania where its germination ecophysiology has been studied. This information is useful for reinforcement or re-introduction measures should the main natural population undergo further reduction.
Conservation

The creation of a Plant Microreserve for the species would ensure the long-term monitoring of its population and the legal protection of its habitat. The plant Microreserve network is already established in Western Crete for the protection of 7 threatened plants in the framework of Cretaplant project (LIFE04NAT_GR_000104, 2004-2007). The expansion of the network in other areas of the island of Crete would be relatively easy as the local authorities are aware of the project and would support this idea. Moreover, the project itself would contribute to the awareness of local people, land-owners and users about the importance of this plant.

At the moment it would be reasonable to go on with experiments on the seed germination of H. dolinicola in order to use the seeds stored in seed banks for future re-introduction or re-enforcement activities.

Further field investigations should be carried out in order to find new populations and to better understand the effect of competition of co-occurring plants. Regular monitoring of the number and size of extant populations is recommended in order to check for ongoing demographic trends.

https://top50.iucn-mpsg.org/species/41

The plant species Ammanthus glaberrimus grows among calcareous coastal rocks on the islets of Imeri and Agria Gramvousa and nowhere else in the world. These islets are located along the NW corner of Crete.

It is protected by the Greek Presidential Decree 67/81 and the Bern Convention, and is included in the Annexes II* and IV of the Habitats Directive. It is considered as one of the Top 50 most threatened Mediterranean island plants according to IUCN (The World Conservation Union). It is an endangered species according to the Red Data Book of Rare and Threatened Plants of Greece, because the areas where its populations grow are very limited and they are both vulnerable and susceptible to many types of threats (e.g. climatic changes).

To date, it is not yet known whether the plant has pharmaceutical properties and thus it is not utilised by man. In the framework of the CRETAPLANT project, the Micro-reserve of the plant has been set up in an area of 4.5 hectares on the northern side of the islet Agria Gramvousa.
 The subpopulation of Imeri Gramvousa is relatively isolated and not threatened by human impact (tourists visiting the islet in summer). The subpopulation of Agria Gramvousa is apparently threatened by grazing and also probably by sea pollution (deposition of tar and waste from the sea). Invasive species are potentially a serious threat.
Conservation Actions

This species is listed as priority species on Annex II of the Habitats Directive and under Appendix I of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention). It is protected in Greece by the Presidential Decree 67/81 and listed in the National Red Data Book as Critically Endangered (CR) B2ac(iv) (Fournaraki and Thanos in: Phitos et al. 2009).

Actions in Place
In situ: a Micro-Reserve of 4.4 ha has been established on Agria Gramvousa islet. There has also been an intensive awareness campaign for the education of the local authorities and the general public. The plant is included in a Natura 2000 site (GR 4340001) which gives it indirect protection.
Ex situ: Seeds are stored the Seed Bank of the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania.

Actions Needed
Given the number of species endemic to Agria Gramvousa, the islet should be designated as a nature reserve, and a management plan put in place to prevent the introduction of herbivores and invasive plants.
source:http://cretaplant.biol.uoa.gr

This species has been categorized as CR (Critically Endangered) according to IUCN Red List Criteria B1ab(v)+2ab(v), since its distribution range is extremely fragmented, with only two subpopulations occurring and located in two very distant areas of the island, while the very small size of the subpopulations (only 14 and 60 mature individuals at Psoriaris and Rokka respectively, in 2015) is expected to decline further unless concrete conservation actions are undertaken. The final blow could be wildfires, rare plant collectors , or the great difficulty to perform sexual reproduction , considering the very low number of mature individuals and the low probability of genetic exchange within the population, leading to a possible genetic depression. C. argyrothamnos is also threatened by overgrazing 

Legally: on the international level, C. argyrothamnos is included in two legal documents: Appendix I of the Bern Convention and in Annexes II and IV of the 92/43 EC Directive as a priority species. The subpopulation of Lassithi prefecture enjoys indirect protection as it falls within the Natura 2000 site GR4320002 ‘Dikti: Oropedio Lasithiou, Katharo, Selena, Krasi, Selakano, Chalasmeni Koryfi.
In situ: As C. argyrothamnos is listed as a priority species in Annexes II and IV of the 92/43 EC ‘Habitats’ Directive, it is included in a 6-year cycle national monitoring program (funded by the EU and national resources) for the assessment of its conservation status.
Ex situ: two plants, propagated by cuttings, are currently being cultivated at the Technological Education Institute of Heraklion in Crete. Although they flower, they do not produce fruit. Several adult plants are also cultivated at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania (MAICh) in Crete, where a program of seed collection and storage has also been launched. The plants at the MAICh produce seeds (stored in the Seed Bank of MAICh) and seed germination of the species was studied in the framework of a PhD thesis.

The setup of microreserves would ensure long-term monitoring activities on the local plant population and the effective protection of its habitat. The plant Microreserve network has already been established in Western Crete for the protection of 7 threatened plants in the framework of the Cretaplant project (LIFE04NAT_GR_000104, 2004-2007). The expansion of the network to other areas of the island would be relatively easy as local authorities are aware of the project and would support this idea. Moreover, the project itself may improve the awareness of local people, land-owners and users on the importance of nature conservation. The survival of this species is unlikely unless it can be rapidly propagated ex situ by botanical gardens, followed by in situ reinforcement of the current sites and translocation actions in other suitable sites. It is equally important to protect the sites legally, and to undertake effective conservation and management measures.
https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/61677/102932388
https://top50.iucn-mpsg.org/species/40

https://www.greekflora.gr/el/flowers/2444/Convolvulus-argyrothamnos

 Taking into account new available information issuing from recent field surveys, the species is no longer considered as CR (Critically Endangered) and should now be categorized as Endangered (EN) according to IUCN Red List Criteria. This is justified from the fact that B. kakiskalae occurs in 5 distinct locations in a single massif (Lefka Ori). Additionally, the number of mature individuals presents extreme yearly variations, as depending on the year, between 20 to 200 flowering plants have been observed in the same population. The main threats affecting the survival of B. kakiskalae are the low probability of genetic exchange within the same population due to the small number of individuals flowering at the same time , and cliff instability, as the substrate on which it grows is subject to periodical collapses. Browsing by goats and seed gathering by rare plant collectors  may represent a threat for the few accessible individuals.

Legally: B. kakiskalae is included as a priority species in Annexes II and IV of the 92/43 EC ‘Habitats’ Directive and in Appendix I of the Bern Convention. The species is also protected by the Greek Presidential Decree 67/81. All populations enjoy indirect protection as they fall within the Natura 2000 site GR4340008 ‘Lefka Ori kai paraktia zoni’.
In situ: a plant microreserve of 1 ha for the species (in the Kakiskalo area) has already been established in the framework of the Cretaplant project The setting up of microreserves ensures long-term monitoring activities on the local plant population and the effective protection of its habitat. Moreover, the project itself improves the awareness of local people, land-owners and users on the importance of nature conservation. As B. kakiskalae is listed as a priority species in Annexes II and IV of the 92/43 EC ‘Habitats’ Directive, it is included in a 6-year cycle national monitoring program (funded by the EU and national resources) for the assessment of its conservation status.
Ex situ: A few specimens are cultivated in the forest nursery of Xyloskalo managed by the Forest Directorate of Chania. Seeds are stored in the seed bank of the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania in Crete.

Studies on the biology and ecology of this species must be continued to properly define the needed conservation measures. Additional fieldwork should be encouraged to determine whether any other populations exist. Regular collection of seeds should be made in order to conserve the entire genetic pool of the species. The accessible plants should be better protected from wild goats and from plant collectors.

http://cretaplant.biol.uoa.gr/en/plants/bupleurum/

https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/61611/12522056

The majority of endemic species are located at the mountainous areas of the island. In these areas, there has been a change the last years from traditional to semi-intensive form of stock-farming that is also combined with the opening of rural streets even to sub-alpic regions, in order to carry the farming products. In these areas also, there is a great development of touristic activities (small hotels, accommodation centers, reaming of new streets). Finally, another threat for the wild-flora of Crete are the big installations of renewable energy sources(photovoltaic units, wind turbines) for whom huge areas are cleared and new roads are built for their installation and their function.

The alteration from traditional to more intense cultivation in Crete, increased the use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers and the wild flora is also reduced due to invasive species that dominate the indigenous populations. Moreover, for some years, municipalities used of pesticides for the cleaning of roads or side slopes, as a preventive measure for fire.

Volunteer group together with scientific help must:

·        Explain the irreversible consequences of species extinctions.

·        Discuss the impact of fast and slow climatic changes on plants.

·        Explain the importance of invisible plant diversity.

·        Illustrate how spreading human populations causes decline of natural habitats.

·        Explain why human transport, roads, soil erosion drastically transforms global biogeography.

·        Illustrate the spread of invasive alien species in time.

·        Name the inventories of threatened plant taxa.

·        Explain the importance of medicinal plants and their uses of many years in Crete.

·        Explain why natural reserves and wild nurseries play an important role in medicinal plants conservation

First of all, the stakeholders should know why it is important to protect these species. With informational activities, like talks to villages (from the village square until the schools), projection of documentaries, spreading informational leaflets etc., the locals will feel much more closer to the volunteer team. Τhe strategies of the volunteer team have to make local people trust them, in order to start a dialogue, in which both aspects exchange their arguments. The final aim is to make a fair agreement, for both aspects with respect to the needs of local people but without the overexploitation and damage of the environment.

The scientific proof and argument should be precise and legit but of course, when talking to citizens, must be simplified. Simplification doesn’t mean that we say lies or wrong science, is just the way that the other people without this particular knowledge in biology, will understand the main point of the problem and will feel more confident and able to help and talk with the volunteer team.

Very important is , when talking to people about something you disagree and you want to change it, to offer them other alternatives. For example, the use of other trees instead of Ζelkova abelicea to make the “katsounas”. In other regions of Crete, where Zelkova is absent, already shepherds use other type of woods eg. (Μorus sp.). Without knowing the importance for the species Zelkova Abelicea to be conserved, a lot of times there is an uncontrollable exploitation of these tree’s wood.

 

Also, the cultivation of the plants near to their habitats (inter situ) seem to be the best method for the multiplication of taxa and the enrichment of sperms collections, the study of their biology, mainly for plants that are rare and its populations are located in unapproachable locations.(eg. in high altitudes like the species Bupleurum kakiskalae).

 

Small botanic gardens near villages of Crete, that can be organized and maintained easily would be a very nice idea and approach for citizens and volunteers. Moreover, these botanical gardens could help the scientific community too, keeping seeds from the local plants. So, in every botanical garden could be a small- local seed bank. These banks could be in coordination with natural history museums and research institutions (eg. NHMC, Maich) and also, with a bigger seed bank for the whole country, that’ll keep duplicates of the seeds in case of loss or disaster. The taxa that’ll be in those local botanical gardens won’t have a great problem of adaptation and hybridisms can be avoided because the cultivated plants represent only the local populations.

For sure, botanical gardens will contribute to the communication and awareness of the local people for the rare flora of their region whose protection depends on them. Responsible persons for the protection and function of the botanical gardens should be the Municipalities of each region, Forests Directories, the managing units of Natura 2000 etc. 

Moreover, in case of clear forest or habitat loss we should use the indigenous species for the degraded areas and not alien species. For this reason is very important to multiply the material from the local species (for reforestations, quarries, opening up new roads) and to keep it in botanical gardens near to the region affected.

Finally, botanical gardens could be a place where local people could work and get paid together with volunteers.

 

Municipalities and authorities like Police or Fire Brigade should protect the areas of Natura 2000 and the areas protected with greek or european legislation laws so that overgrazing will be regulated and illegal building of roads and fires could be prevented. Although, it’s important to involve shepherds in the conservation project and persuade them to pay more attention with the grazing of their animals, sometimes, governments’ forces are necessary.

Volunteers could also put signs and marks that say that collection of plants/or grazing is prohibited, to organize some trips to the areas where these plants are found, so that all the stakeholders learn to recognize the plants and its habitats.

Finally, as about the fundraising of the volunteer group, municipalities together with the volunteers could organize some events (eg. eco-tours) to inform people as well as earning a financial support. The group of volunteers should be connected also with organizations that are aware οf similar problems, all over Greece or even in a European/global level. Financial support could also give EU, greek government, NGO in Crete as also crowdfunding.

 

It is similar to the tsipouro made in mainland Greece, to the Spanish orujo, Italian grappa, French marc, Georgian chacha, Portuguese bagaceira and Bulgarian, Serbian, Croatian rakija (in Istria: grappa), Romanian tescovină. It is often produced at home in villages throughout Crete, and so the alcohol content varies by producer. Typically each Cretan village has one or two residents who are licensed to distill, and tsikoudia is produced continuously for two or three weeks in late October and early November. 

Tsikoudia is sometimes served cold from a bottle kept in a freezer. This is commonly offered as an after dinner digestif and in most tavernas in Crete it is offered as a complimentary digestif with fruits and sweets after the meal. 

It can be flavored using lemon rind, rosemary, or honey (rakomelo). 

Ιn Crete, among other edible wild plants, Rumex sp - in greek called "lapatho" is really popular as a tea but also as a food component. We mainly use the leaves, to make the tradiotional greek food "ntolmadakia". Also, combined with other edible plants , we use it very frequently in  salty pies or it is cooked together with meat in the saucepan.

In the Enquiry into Plants, Theophrastus classifies and describes varieties—covering trees, plants of particular regions, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and cereals; in the last of the nine books he focuses on plant juices and medicinal properties of herbs. 

In De Causis Plantarum, Theophrastus turns to plant physiology.  Theophrastus studies cultivation and agricultural methods. The work deals mainly with the economical uses of plants rather than their medicinal uses, although the latter are sometimes mentioned. 

Theophrastus’s celebrated characters is of a quite different nature. This collection of descriptive sketches is the earliest known character-writing and a striking reflection of contemporary life.