Earth Observation for Forestry Applications in Cyprus

This paper presents an overview of how space-based and earth observation techniques can be used for forestry applications in Cyprus. Indeed, an example of how the Department of Forests in Cyprus can further promote the importance of using remote sensing techniques in Cyprus. Examples are shown of how mapping of burned areas is performed using remote sensing data (Landsat ETM, Sentinel) as well of how post-fire management is implemented. Examples of the Solea fire event occurred in Cyprus is presented. Finally, remote sensing is also used for risk assessment study for developing fire hazard index. Ground spectro-radiometric measurements are also used in combination with remote sensing imagery and burned severity measures to develop a simple, fast, accurate and reliable methodology for the assessment of the burn severity levels on a forest fire scar in Cyprus forests. The need to develop a national observatory of forests using earth observation and GIS is highlighted

Conservation ecology of butterflies on Cyprus in the context of Natura 2000

[EN] In this study we investigate the environmental factors influencing butterfly communities and evaluate the Natura 2000 network’s effectiveness in representing butterfly species richness and abundance, taking as a case study the island of Cyprus. We sampled butterflies and 11 environmental factors in 60 randomly selected sites across four 500-m elevation zones, representing seven habitat types. Rural mosaics and riverine vegetation were the habitats with the highest diversity of butterflies. Within habitats, the number of flower heads was the most important factor favouring butterfly species richness and abundance and endemic butterfly richness, while soil humidity had a positive effect on species richness and abundance. Although the Natura 2000 network succeeds in including the majority of butterfly species and all Cyprian endemics, the transects sampled within the network did not support more butterfly species than those outside it, and were significantly poorer in terms of butterfly abundance and endemic butterfly species richness and abundance. We found a similar pattern for the Habitats Directive priority habitats, which held poorer overall and endemic butterfly communities than the other habitats. The effectiveness of existing protected area networks may need to be reassessed in regions such as the South East Mediterranean, to ensure that regionally important components of biological diversity are adequately protected. To this aim, our results suggest that new European and national policies as well as further inclusion of rural mosaics and riverine habitats in protected area networks are needed for effective butterfly conservation in Cyprus.Research Promotion Foundation of Cypru

The forest on the peninsula: impacts, uses and perceptions of a colonial legacy in Cyprus

Throughout history the values and meanings attached to habitats and species in particular places have seen considerable change. Such shifts in perspective are of particular relevance to the biology of invasions, with human attention and values often determining both the initial movement of species around the world, and the decision that subsequent independent spread should be considered damaging to the environment. This chapter examines such a case for the Akrotiri peninsula, Cyprus, where a particular colonial story about the degraded state of the environment, and the need to combat malaria, led to the introduction of various Australian trees for sanitation and other purposes. Today, some of these non-native species are considered invasive, and are having impacts on valued wetland habitats on the peninsula. We use archival research to investigate the changes in policy towards these habitats and the non-native species that affect them, and field research to describe the ecological context. Our study illustrates the complex interactions between ideas, practical aims, and values that lie behind the planned and invaded habitats at Akrotiri