Vegetazione e artropodofauna delle geoforme pro- e perglaciali: significato ecologico e biogeografico di un complesso di habitat

High altitude ecosystems are particularly sensitive to climatic change; the temperature increase is causing an upward shift of altitudinal belts on the Alps, thus threatening the uppermost biotic communities. Species may respond to this trend by adaptation, migration, or extinction; however, an increasing attention has been given to the possibility for plant and animal species to survive within local favorable habitats (refugia). This topic is of great importance as it could help modeling of future scenarios for biodiversity at regional level, as well as understanding local patterns of distribution.



The main aim of the project is the definition of the ecological and biogeographical role of some Alpine landforms characterized by the occurrence of ice, such as debris-covered glaciers, glacier forelands and rock glaciers. The project involves the main components of the ecosystems, i.e. physical environment, flora and fauna. The projects aims to outline specific plant and animal communities for each landform, to evaluate the role of physical factors on plant and animal distribution and to evaluate the role played by these environments in the frame of the present climatic warming.



The understanding of the dynamics of this habitat complex not only could provide important ecological and biogeographical information, but could also help the elaboration of scientifically sound monitoring and management actions on highly valuable and threatened ecosystems.