Some Natura 2000 habitats, including 7220* (Petrifying springs with tufa formation – Cratoneurion), are sensitive to variations in climatic factors, respectively to the reduction of water intake. This priority habitat, closely related to the limestone rocks, has a linear or punctiform distribution, along the springs and rivers. The patches included in the 7220* habitat represent a significant part of natural patrimony of the Nera Gorges–Beuşnița National Park (NG-BNP), equally (considering some minor differences in their areas) a site of community importance (SCI – code ROSCI0031) and a special protection area (SPA – code ROSPA0020). Subsequent to field researches, conducted under a Sectoral Operational Programme-Environment (SOP-Envi), we present here data about the spatial distribution of 7220* patches, pressures and threats upon them, and conservation measures proposed as a part of a national park, SCI and SPA integrate management plan. The areas of petrifying springs with tufa formation are partially included in nature reserves and represent hot spots of biodiversity. The habitat patches were found as active tufa deposits in the beds of Nera, Miniș, Bei, Șușara, Ducin, Cremenița, Valea Mare and other minor tributaries to these rivers, as well as inactive tufa deposits mainly on Moceriș and Ducin rivers. Threatened at European scale, the habitat in this area was in good condition, until 2016. Since then, the conservation status of the habitat has worsened within the NG-BNP. The pressures and the threats are diverse. The conservation measures, proposed and thenceforth included in the integrate management plan, concern: maintaining the water regime of the streams and rivers, pollution prevention and control, interdiction to tufa (travertine) exploitation, reduction of forestry and agriculture negative impacts on this sensitive habitat. Special attention must be paid to the impact caused by the increasingly intense tourism. The application of conservation measures and habitat monitoring are important, especially for this national park for which springs, rivers, and waterfalls with travertine are the most visible tourist attractions.

tufa, Natura 2000, 7220*, Nera Gorges–Beuşnița, conservation measures

biology

Presentation: poster