Early detection of alien plants in xeric Natura 2000 sites in Southern Belgium

The Natura 2000 network consists of sites designated by the member States of the European Union, under the Habitats and Birds Directives. Setting up that network is one of the biggest challenge in nature conservation in Europe, since habitats and species for which Natura 2000 sites are designated must be maintained in a “favorable conservation status”. Little is known so far, however, about how Natura 2000 sites are invaded by exotics species. Xeric habitats of high biological value included in the Natura 2000 network are among the most species-rich in Southern Belgium. They include calcareous... Mehr ...