Mediterranean and Black Sea coastal dune scrub

Scrub and thicket on stabilized or semi-stabilized dune systems of the Mediterranean, thermo-Atlantic (southern Portugal) and Black Sea coasts. The dominant shrubs and herbaceous species are diverse and may vary from site to site. These scrub and thickets often constitute the transition between grey dunes and coastal woodlands. In the Mediterranean region the most widespread coastal scrub and thickets are dominated by Juniper species: Juniperus phoenicea and Juniperus oxycedrus (subsp. macrocarpa, subsp. transtagana). In the warmest areas of the thermo-Mediterranean climate, various sclerophyllous, lauriphyllous or drought-deciduous scrub and thickets are found, from the classes Ononido-Rosmarinetea, Quercetea ilicis, Cisto-Lavanduletea, Retametea raetami, Cisto-Micromerietea. These communities dominated by shrubs and thickets and vegetation cover could be very close but in some cases it could be also relatively open. On open spots, many herbaceous species from the surrounding dune grasslands are common between the shrubs. Along the Black Sea coast several deciduous shrubs may dominate, such as Paliurus spina-christii, Osyris alba and Carpinus orientalis, but also some small evergreen species, such as Ruscus aculeatus and Jasminum fruticans may participate in the scrub or form very large stands on the dunes. Dunes with communities of Hippophae rhamnoides, which are typical for north-western Europe, are restricted to northern Italy in the Mediterranean and to the Danube Delta in the Black Sea region. Some anciently cultivated plants, like Ziziphus jujuba, represent semi-natural shrub plantations in the dunes of the Southern Black Sea coast. Invasive species, like Eucalyptus sp., Amorpha fruticosa, Eleagnos angustifolia may expand with important impacts on native vegetation.

Indicators of good quality:

In good conditions these scrubs and thickets are dominated by native species. They could be subjected to the natural succession (expanding of forest vegetation), often related to stabilization of the dune systems.

The following characteristics may be considered as indicators of good quality:

• High species richness and prevalence of native shrubs and herbaceous species
• Absence of communities dominated by invasive species
• Absence of forest plantations and forest expansion
• Long-term stability of the relative proportions of scrub and grasslands in the mosaics of the dune landscape

Synthesis of Red List assessment

Confidence in the assessment

Pressures and threats