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Prof. Ioannis Vogiatzakis
School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Open University of Cyprus (OUC), P.O. Box 12794, 2252 Latsia, Nicosia, Cyprus

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Research Keywords & Expertise

0 Ecology and biogeography of Mediterranean islands and mountains
0 the links between geomorphology and vegetation distribution patterns
0 predictive vegetation and habitat mapping
0 landscape based approach to nature conservation delivery
0 effectiveness of protected areas for biodiversity conservation

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predictive vegetation and habitat mapping
the links between geomorphology and vegetation distribution patterns
effectiveness of protected areas for biodiversity conservation

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Original research article
Published: 28 June 2021 in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
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Changes in land use/land cover (LULC) are the key factors driving biodiversity and ecosystem services decline globally. This study examines spatiotemporal LULC changes in a Ramsar coastal temporary wetland (Larnaca Salt Lake) on the island of Cyprus between 1963 and 2015. LULC changes in the area are related to variations in the provision of ecosystem services (ES) namely food provision, climate regulation, avifauna support and landscape aesthetics. LULC mapping was performed based on the interpretation of aerial photos taken in 1963, while 2015 mapping was based on CORINE classification validated by satellite image analysis and fieldwork. We used the following indicators for the ES examined: (1) crops’ yield for the estimation of food supply, (2) carbon storage potential for climate regulation, (3) land cover potential to support avifauna richness and (4) naturalness as a proxy for landscape aesthetics. Quantifications were based on a mixed-methods approach with the use of statistical data, expert opinion and bibliography. Estimates for every service were assigned to CORINE land use classes (CLC) present in the area. Landscape structure was measured using a suite of commonly employed landscape metrics. The results showed that between 1963 and 2015 there has been a significant reduction in food provisioning service by 75%, a 37% reduction in carbon storage capacity, an 11% reduction in the capacity to support avifauna, and a 13% reduction in landscape aesthetics. Increased soil surface sealing, mainly with the construction of the international airport, which resulted in the conversion of natural or semi-natural to artificial surfaces, has been the main reason for the decrease in ES supply over the last fifty years in the study area. The character of the area in terms of land use types richness and diversity remains fairly stable but the dominant land use types have experienced fragmentation. The study sets the basis for a monitoring scheme to evaluate the state of the temporary wetlands with emphasis placed on spatial processes as a link to ES provision.

ACS Style

Ioanna Ioannidou; Paraskevi Manolaki; Vassilis D. Litskas; Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis. Temporary Salt Lakes: Ecosystem Services Shift in a Ramsar Site Over a 50-Year Period. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 2021, 9, 1 .

AMA Style

Ioanna Ioannidou, Paraskevi Manolaki, Vassilis D. Litskas, Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis. Temporary Salt Lakes: Ecosystem Services Shift in a Ramsar Site Over a 50-Year Period. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. 2021; 9 ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ioanna Ioannidou; Paraskevi Manolaki; Vassilis D. Litskas; Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis. 2021. "Temporary Salt Lakes: Ecosystem Services Shift in a Ramsar Site Over a 50-Year Period." Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 9, no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 20 March 2021 in Ecological Complexity
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Rapid qualitative field methods can be used to evaluate ecological integrity (EI) at a landscape level. This study evaluates the EI of 63 landscape types (LCTs) in Cyprus derived from Landscape Character Mapping. Following a stratified sampling, LCTs were evaluated using 209 Land Description Units (LDUs) i.e., homogeneous map entities, sharing a similar pattern of natural and cultural elements. In every LDU, six ecological integrity (EI) indicators were visually assessed consistently namely naturalness, habitat continuity, number of habitats, dominant habitat type, management intensity and scale. TwoStep Cluster Analysis was employed to identify EI categories, and Categorical Principal Components Analysis (CATPCA) to associate the individual indicators with overall EI in the LDUs. Linear regressions were used to predict EI based on the most important indicators. Forested and shrubland landscapes have consistently good EI with low variation, while urbanized and agricultural landscapes have lower EI. There is great variation in the number of agricultural landscape types and their EI. There are significant linear relationships between EI and naturalness, habitat continuity and intensity. The novelty of this work lies with the fact that it provides the first island-wide study in the Mediterranean assessing EI spatially through a small number of indicators. Results indicate that LCA can be an appropriate consistent and inexpensive spatial framework for assessing EI, which can be directly associated with management intervention to maintain or improve EI.

ACS Style

P. Manolaki; S. Chourabi; I.N. Vogiatzakis. A rapid qualitative methodology for ecological integrity assessment across a Mediterranean island's landscapes. Ecological Complexity 2021, 46, 100921 .

AMA Style

P. Manolaki, S. Chourabi, I.N. Vogiatzakis. A rapid qualitative methodology for ecological integrity assessment across a Mediterranean island's landscapes. Ecological Complexity. 2021; 46 ():100921.

Chicago/Turabian Style

P. Manolaki; S. Chourabi; I.N. Vogiatzakis. 2021. "A rapid qualitative methodology for ecological integrity assessment across a Mediterranean island's landscapes." Ecological Complexity 46, no. : 100921.

Journal article
Published: 09 January 2021 in Diversity
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High mountain zones in the Mediterranean area are considered more vulnerable in comparison to lower altitudes zones. Lefka Ori massif, a global biodiversity hotspot on the island of Crete is part of the Global Observation Research Initiative in Alpine Environments (GLORIA) monitoring network. The paper examines species and vegetation changes with respect to climate and altitude over a seven-year period (2001–2008) at a range of spatial scales (10 m Summit Area Section-SAS, 5 m SAS, 1 m2) using the GLORIA protocol in a re-survey of four mountain summits (1664 m–2339 m). The absolute species loss between 2001–2008 was 4, among which were 2 endemics. At the scale of individual summits, the highest changes were recorded at the lower summits with absolute species loss 4 in both cases. Paired t-tests for the total species richness at 1 m2 between 2001–2008, showed no significant differences. No significant differences were found at the individual summit level neither at the 5 m SAS or the 10 m SAS. Time series analysis reveals that soil mean annual temperature is increasing at all summits. Linear regressions with the climatic variables show a positive effect on species richness at the 5 m and 10 m SAS as well as species changes at the 5 m SAS. In particular, June mean temperature has the highest predictive power for species changes at the 5 m SAS. Recorded changes in species richness point more towards fluctuations within a plant community’s normal range, although there seem to be more significant diversity changes in higher summits related to aspects. Our work provides additional evidence to assess the effects of climate change on plant diversity in Mediterranean mountains and particularly those of islands which remain understudied.

ACS Style

George Kazakis; Dany Ghosn; Ilektra Remoundou; Panagiotis Nyktas; Michael A. Talias; Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis. Altitudinal Vascular Plant Richness and Climate Change in the Alpine Zone of the Lefka Ori, Crete. Diversity 2021, 13, 22 .

AMA Style

George Kazakis, Dany Ghosn, Ilektra Remoundou, Panagiotis Nyktas, Michael A. Talias, Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis. Altitudinal Vascular Plant Richness and Climate Change in the Alpine Zone of the Lefka Ori, Crete. Diversity. 2021; 13 (1):22.

Chicago/Turabian Style

George Kazakis; Dany Ghosn; Ilektra Remoundou; Panagiotis Nyktas; Michael A. Talias; Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis. 2021. "Altitudinal Vascular Plant Richness and Climate Change in the Alpine Zone of the Lefka Ori, Crete." Diversity 13, no. 1: 22.

Journal article
Published: 23 October 2020 in Sustainability
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We present for the first time the environmental footprint (EF) of grapes following the methodology proposed by the EU and life cycle assessment (LCA). We used data from three different production systems, conventional high- or low-input and organic from vineyards on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. The life cycle inventory (LCI) data were retrieved from the recently released AGRIBALYSE database, and the EF was determined with the Open LCA software. The system boundary was from “cradle to winery door” and the functional unit was 1 ton of grapes delivered to the winery. Organic grape production had the lowest values for most of the 16 EF impact categories. Machinery, fuel, and sulfur production and use were identified as EF hotspots for organic grapes. Fertilizer production and use were identified as EF hotspots for high-input grape production. The EF impact category values for low-input grapes showed similarities with organic production. Future research needs to enrich the LCI databases with data more applicable to the methods and inputs applied in Mediterranean agriculture.

ACS Style

Vassilis Litskas; Athanasia Mandoulaki; Ioannis Vogiatzakis; Nikolaos Tzortzakis; Menelaos Stavrinides. Sustainable Viticulture: First Determination of the Environmental Footprint of Grapes. Sustainability 2020, 12, 8812 .

AMA Style

Vassilis Litskas, Athanasia Mandoulaki, Ioannis Vogiatzakis, Nikolaos Tzortzakis, Menelaos Stavrinides. Sustainable Viticulture: First Determination of the Environmental Footprint of Grapes. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (21):8812.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Vassilis Litskas; Athanasia Mandoulaki; Ioannis Vogiatzakis; Nikolaos Tzortzakis; Menelaos Stavrinides. 2020. "Sustainable Viticulture: First Determination of the Environmental Footprint of Grapes." Sustainability 12, no. 21: 8812.

Journal article
Published: 24 September 2020 in Environmental and Sustainability Indicators
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We developed a framework to compare the similarities and differences in nature conservation between two highly biodiverse Mediterranean islands; Cyprus and Crete. We relied on a) literature review for the factors which have shaped the state of conservation affairs on the islands (e.g. institutional context) and b) the use of indicators to capture conservation effort (e.g. protected areas extent) as well as the main pressures on the islands (e.g. climate change). Entry to the European Union has improved environmental policy and legislation with both islands involved in several conservation projects. In Cyprus, an overall favorable habitat conservation status is reported compared to Crete and the role of formal education in environmental protection and awareness is more significant. Among the threats examined, fire seems to be important and projected to increase under climate change in both islands. Crete has a larger number of grazing animals but the available areas for stock raising are five times higher than those in Cyprus. Tourism is more intense in Crete but land development is more acute in Cyprus. Climate change is expected to be more severe for Cyprus. Despite the islands’ biotic and landscape affinities and the common threats they face, what seems to be making a difference in nature conservation is a) governance structure, b) the way/extent that these threats are manifested c) adaptive capacity to future threats, in particular climate change. Cyprus seems to be facing more intense threats but is also placed better in terms of institutional context to deal with these threats.

ACS Style

Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis; Vassilis D. Litskas; Theophanis Koumpis; Nikos Kassinis; Elena Constantinou; Stalo Leontiou. The past, present and future of nature conservation in Crete and Cyprus: So close and yet so far. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators 2020, 8, 100070 .

AMA Style

Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis, Vassilis D. Litskas, Theophanis Koumpis, Nikos Kassinis, Elena Constantinou, Stalo Leontiou. The past, present and future of nature conservation in Crete and Cyprus: So close and yet so far. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators. 2020; 8 ():100070.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis; Vassilis D. Litskas; Theophanis Koumpis; Nikos Kassinis; Elena Constantinou; Stalo Leontiou. 2020. "The past, present and future of nature conservation in Crete and Cyprus: So close and yet so far." Environmental and Sustainability Indicators 8, no. : 100070.

Journal article
Published: 19 August 2020 in Journal of Environmental Management
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Mining in Cyprus resulted in a significant number of abandoned sulphide mines without any rehabilitation measures. The present study aims to describe and compare the environmental parameters in three such mines with respect to water chemistry, waste dumps geochemistry, slope-topography and plant growth. The mines under study are that of Kokkinopezoula, North and South Mathiatis located at the northeast of the Troodos massif. A synopsis of the previous studies conducted for the above-mentioned mines is presented, which includes water and soil samples analyses. Although, in these areas environmental degradation is reported, there are some plants which grow naturally. Therefore, a preliminary attempt to report these plants is conducted, while remediation options presented in the literature including technosols, revegetation, phytoremediation and phytostabilization are proposed. Potential use of native plants such as Phragmites australis, Tamarix smyrnensis, Poaceae, Pinus brutia and Schoenus nigricans Poaceace could be applied for phytoremediation of the sulphide mines in Cyprus. These plants seem to have great strength at low pH values and high metal content in contaminated soils and water. The three mines under study are also compared with three other old mines located in the broader area of Cyprus; that of Xeros, Limni and Skouriotissa, which operated under similar climatic conditions. By improving abandoned mines environment with technosols, the action of native plants will be enhanced and thus work towards a successful phytoremediation treatment, resulting in the minimization of future pollutants generated by the solid waste dumps.

ACS Style

Marinos Stylianou; Ifigenia Gavriel; Ioannis Vogiatzakis; Antonis Zorpas; Agapios Agapiou. Native plants for the remediation of abandoned sulphide mines in Cyprus: A preliminary assessment. Journal of Environmental Management 2020, 274, 110531 .

AMA Style

Marinos Stylianou, Ifigenia Gavriel, Ioannis Vogiatzakis, Antonis Zorpas, Agapios Agapiou. Native plants for the remediation of abandoned sulphide mines in Cyprus: A preliminary assessment. Journal of Environmental Management. 2020; 274 ():110531.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Marinos Stylianou; Ifigenia Gavriel; Ioannis Vogiatzakis; Antonis Zorpas; Agapios Agapiou. 2020. "Native plants for the remediation of abandoned sulphide mines in Cyprus: A preliminary assessment." Journal of Environmental Management 274, no. : 110531.

Journal article
Published: 24 May 2020 in Forests
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Cork oak (Quercus suber) is a declining woodland species across the island of Sardinia, despite its former economic importance for wine production and its significance for biodiversity. In particular, cork oak forests (COFs) on the island have seen a 29% decrease in the past 45 years. A spatial GIS model was developed to determine suitability for the expansion of cork oak forests on the island. The model uses a set of simple spatial decision rules based on principles of landscape ecology and expert opinion to assign a suitability score for pure cork oak forests to every land use parcel in Sardinia. These rules include the type of existing land parcel, its size, distance to existing cork oak forest, and the area of seminatural habitats in its neighborhood. This was coupled with a map of landscape types to assist with the development of policy for the protection of cork oak forests across Sardinia. The results show that there is an area of 116,785 ha potentially suitable for cork oak forest expansion in Sardinia, with the largest area of potential habitat on granitic mountains. There is a substantial overall agreement (Cohen’s kappa = 0.61) between the suitability map produced and the historical reference map. The model is flexible and can be rerun to reflect changes in policy relating to agri-environmental targets for habitats and species.

ACS Style

Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis; Geoffrey H. Griffiths; Maria Zomeni. Incorporating Landscape Character in Cork Oak Forest Expansion in Sardinia: Constraint or Opportunity? Forests 2020, 11, 593 .

AMA Style

Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis, Geoffrey H. Griffiths, Maria Zomeni. Incorporating Landscape Character in Cork Oak Forest Expansion in Sardinia: Constraint or Opportunity? Forests. 2020; 11 (5):593.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis; Geoffrey H. Griffiths; Maria Zomeni. 2020. "Incorporating Landscape Character in Cork Oak Forest Expansion in Sardinia: Constraint or Opportunity?" Forests 11, no. 5: 593.

Journal article
Published: 15 January 2020 in One Ecosystem
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Ecosystems deliver a range of services that are important for human well-being. Although Ecosystem Services (ES) assessments have been carried out worldwide in different geographical areas, islands are still under-represented. This research presents the first set of indicators developed for Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES) provided by the ecosystems of Cyprus, as required by the EU Biodiversity Strategy, along with the rationale behind the selection criteria. In total, 269 potential indicators were assessed in terms of data availability at the national/subnational level and their suitability for MAES and were classified using a "traffic light" system on the basis of overall suitability (i.e. conceptually and in terms of datasets). The results showed that 89 indicators (Green indicators) can be directly used for assessing ES in Cyprus. Amongst these 89 Green indicators, 28 are considered to be new additions to the EU MAES list, since they were proposed solely for Cyprus ecosystems, as a result of consultation with local stakeholders. Provisioning and cultural services could be adequately mapped, but lack of data was observed for several regulating services (e.g. erosion, pollution, carbon sequestration). Not all Green indicators, identified herein, are relevant for assessing ES provided by ecosystems in Cyprus, whereas Green indicators which measure similar ES might be redundant. For a given geographical context, there might be relevant (and important) indicators which are not included in the MAES list and this is why consultation with stakeholders is advisable. Knowledge gaps and needs for further improving MAES on the island are also discussed.

ACS Style

Ioannis Vogiatzakis; Savvas Zotos; Vassilis Litskas; Paraskevi Manolaki; Dimitrios Sarris; Menelaos Stavrinides. Towards implementing Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services in Cyprus: A first set of indicators for ecosystem management. One Ecosystem 2020, 5, e47715 .

AMA Style

Ioannis Vogiatzakis, Savvas Zotos, Vassilis Litskas, Paraskevi Manolaki, Dimitrios Sarris, Menelaos Stavrinides. Towards implementing Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services in Cyprus: A first set of indicators for ecosystem management. One Ecosystem. 2020; 5 ():e47715.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ioannis Vogiatzakis; Savvas Zotos; Vassilis Litskas; Paraskevi Manolaki; Dimitrios Sarris; Menelaos Stavrinides. 2020. "Towards implementing Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services in Cyprus: A first set of indicators for ecosystem management." One Ecosystem 5, no. : e47715.

Journal article
Published: 02 January 2020 in Biodiversity
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ACS Style

Konstantinos Konstantopoulos; Aristides Moustakas; Ioannis Vogiatzakis. A spatially explicit impact assessment of road characteristics, road-induced fragmentation and noise on birds species in Cyprus. Biodiversity 2020, 21, 61 -71.

AMA Style

Konstantinos Konstantopoulos, Aristides Moustakas, Ioannis Vogiatzakis. A spatially explicit impact assessment of road characteristics, road-induced fragmentation and noise on birds species in Cyprus. Biodiversity. 2020; 21 (1):61-71.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Konstantinos Konstantopoulos; Aristides Moustakas; Ioannis Vogiatzakis. 2020. "A spatially explicit impact assessment of road characteristics, road-induced fragmentation and noise on birds species in Cyprus." Biodiversity 21, no. 1: 61-71.

Journal article
Published: 29 November 2019 in Land Use Policy
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The aim of the paper is to describe the development and implementation of an integrated framework for landscape sensitivity assessment in Cyprus, a biodiversity hotspot with high landscape diversity. Akamas peninsula, the western tip of the island covering an area of 230 km2, is under great pressure for development, notwithstanding it hosts 21 terrestrial habitats, four of which are priority at European level, in addition to 48 endangered plant species. Following previous coarse scale landscape mapping on the island, a more detailed landscape map at 1:10,000 scale (Level III) was produced, appropriate for local planning purposes. Overall landscape sensitivity was evaluated as a function of ecological, cultural and visual sensitivity of the study area. 66 Land Description Units (LDUs) were mapped and 38 Landscape Types (LCTs) were identified for the Akamas peninsula. Ecological sensitivity assessment for Akamas determined that 85 % of the LDUs have high to very high sensitivity with those within Natura 2000 sites having the highest. Out of 66 LDUs, 35 % were of high or moderate cultural sensitivity and there were 32 LDUs with high overall landscape sensitivity i.e. when visual sensitivity was also considered. Based on the various degrees of sensitivity identified in this study, the task of policy makers is to establish a policy response for each landscape type based on the principles and practice of sustainability. In the Mediterranean, the development of an integrated assessment for landscape sensitivity is critically important at a time of rapid change.

ACS Style

Paraskevi Manolaki; S. Zotos; I.N. Vogiatzakis. An integrated ecological and cultural framework for landscape sensitivity assessment in Cyprus. Land Use Policy 2019, 92, 104336 .

AMA Style

Paraskevi Manolaki, S. Zotos, I.N. Vogiatzakis. An integrated ecological and cultural framework for landscape sensitivity assessment in Cyprus. Land Use Policy. 2019; 92 ():104336.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Paraskevi Manolaki; S. Zotos; I.N. Vogiatzakis. 2019. "An integrated ecological and cultural framework for landscape sensitivity assessment in Cyprus." Land Use Policy 92, no. : 104336.

Original paper
Published: 04 April 2019 in Biodiversity and Conservation
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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.

ACS Style

Elli Tzirkalli; Costas Kadis; John M. Halley; Ioannis Vogiatzakis; Robert J. Wilson; Konstantina Zografou; Andreas Antoniou; Takis Tsintides; Christodoulos Makris; Vassiliki Kati. Conservation ecology of butterflies on Cyprus in the context of Natura 2000. Biodiversity and Conservation 2019, 28, 1759 -1782.

AMA Style

Elli Tzirkalli, Costas Kadis, John M. Halley, Ioannis Vogiatzakis, Robert J. Wilson, Konstantina Zografou, Andreas Antoniou, Takis Tsintides, Christodoulos Makris, Vassiliki Kati. Conservation ecology of butterflies on Cyprus in the context of Natura 2000. Biodiversity and Conservation. 2019; 28 (7):1759-1782.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elli Tzirkalli; Costas Kadis; John M. Halley; Ioannis Vogiatzakis; Robert J. Wilson; Konstantina Zografou; Andreas Antoniou; Takis Tsintides; Christodoulos Makris; Vassiliki Kati. 2019. "Conservation ecology of butterflies on Cyprus in the context of Natura 2000." Biodiversity and Conservation 28, no. 7: 1759-1782.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2019 in Ecologia mediterranea
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ACS Style

Elena Erotokritou; Ioannis Vogiatzakis. Landscape linkages for the distribution of the endangered Hierophis cypriensis in Cyprus. Ecologia mediterranea 2019, 45, 31 -44.

AMA Style

Elena Erotokritou, Ioannis Vogiatzakis. Landscape linkages for the distribution of the endangered Hierophis cypriensis in Cyprus. Ecologia mediterranea. 2019; 45 (1):31-44.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elena Erotokritou; Ioannis Vogiatzakis. 2019. "Landscape linkages for the distribution of the endangered Hierophis cypriensis in Cyprus." Ecologia mediterranea 45, no. 1: 31-44.

Research paper
Published: 01 January 2019 in Ecosystems and People
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Social-ecological systems in the Mediterranean Basin are characterised by high biodiversity and a prolonged cultural influence, leading to the co-evolution of these systems. The unique characteristics of Mediterranean social-ecological systems, current pressures leading to a decline in ecosystem services, and the need for coordinated action are recognised by policies promoting the protection and sustainable use of the region’s heritage. Ecosystem assessments provide valuable information on the capacity of the Mediterranean Basin to ensure the well-being of its population. However, most assessments simplify the complexity of these systems, which may lead to inaccurate ecosystem services supply and flow estimations. This paper uses the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model to guide an expert consultation that identifies the key characteristics of the Mediterranean social-ecological systems and analyses how these should be included in ecosystem assessments. Data collection was carried out through expert consultation with ecosystem services researchers. Multiple sources of complexity were identified, including the relationship between historical human activities, biodiversity spatio-temporal patterns, as well as the seasonal and long-term variability in ecosystem services. The importance of incorporating this complexity in ecosystem assessments for evidence-based decision-making is identified, suggesting that there is a need to adapt assessment approaches for the Mediterranean Basin social-ecological systems.

ACS Style

Mario V. Balzan; Ana Martins Pinheiro; André Mascarenhas; Alejandra Morán-Ordóñez; Ana Ruiz-Frau; Claudia Carvalho-Santos; Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis; Jeroen Arends; Julia Santana-Garcon; José V. Roces-Díaz; Lluís Brotons; C. Sylvie Campagne; Philip K. Roche; Sergio De Miguel; Stefano Targetti; Evangelia G. Drakou; Vassiliki Vlami; Francesc Baró; Ilse R. Geijzendorffer. Improving ecosystem assessments in Mediterranean social-ecological systems: a DPSIR analysis. Ecosystems and People 2019, 15, 136 -155.

AMA Style

Mario V. Balzan, Ana Martins Pinheiro, André Mascarenhas, Alejandra Morán-Ordóñez, Ana Ruiz-Frau, Claudia Carvalho-Santos, Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis, Jeroen Arends, Julia Santana-Garcon, José V. Roces-Díaz, Lluís Brotons, C. Sylvie Campagne, Philip K. Roche, Sergio De Miguel, Stefano Targetti, Evangelia G. Drakou, Vassiliki Vlami, Francesc Baró, Ilse R. Geijzendorffer. Improving ecosystem assessments in Mediterranean social-ecological systems: a DPSIR analysis. Ecosystems and People. 2019; 15 (1):136-155.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mario V. Balzan; Ana Martins Pinheiro; André Mascarenhas; Alejandra Morán-Ordóñez; Ana Ruiz-Frau; Claudia Carvalho-Santos; Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis; Jeroen Arends; Julia Santana-Garcon; José V. Roces-Díaz; Lluís Brotons; C. Sylvie Campagne; Philip K. Roche; Sergio De Miguel; Stefano Targetti; Evangelia G. Drakou; Vassiliki Vlami; Francesc Baró; Ilse R. Geijzendorffer. 2019. "Improving ecosystem assessments in Mediterranean social-ecological systems: a DPSIR analysis." Ecosystems and People 15, no. 1: 136-155.

Journal article
Published: 21 December 2018 in Nature Conservation
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High Nature Value Farmland systems (HNVf) in Europe are recognised for their importance for biodiversity conservation and their extent is one of the impact indicators in the CAP monitoring and evaluation framework for the 2014–2020 cycle. Due to differences in farming typologies and data availability between nations, a common methodology for identifying HNVf does not exist, nor is considered appropriate. In the current study we use the Mediterranean island of Cyprus as a case study to highlight EU-wide issues for the identification and mapping of HNVf. We brought together under a common spatial framework datasets on farming typology, agro-chemical inputs, water use intensity and biodiversity data collected from public authorities and nature/biodiversity conservation organisations. Using an expert driven approach informed by a range of stakeholders, we identified and mapped potential HNVf areas employing a 1 km2 mapping grid as the reporting spatial framework under two storylines for defining farmland area within every grid cell: a liberal with 10% threshold and a conservative with 25% threshold. Areas containing potentially HNVf may extend from 22.5–34.5% of the island, depending on the storyline employed. HNVf Type I is the more restricted type for both storylines, while Type II is the most extensive. The highest overlap was between Type II and Type III for the liberal storyline and between Type I and II for the conservative storyline. HNVfs cover an area between 30 to 57% of the Natura2000 network on the island depending on the storyline. With the liberal storyline for farmland definition, the spatial extent of HNVfs together with the existing Natura2000 sites cover 90% of the study area, while with the conservative storyline this figure drops to ca.75%. The results confirm the role of HNVfs within and around Natura2000 sites in Cyprus and their potential for providing connection and site buffering opportunities, particularly in the lowlands, while they can provide information about policy-making for agri-environmental payments targeting.

ACS Style

Maria Zomeni; Angeliki Martinou; Menelaos Stavrinides; Ioannis Vogiatzakis. High nature value farmlands: challenges in identification and interpretation using Cyprus as a case study. Nature Conservation 2018, 31, 53 -70.

AMA Style

Maria Zomeni, Angeliki Martinou, Menelaos Stavrinides, Ioannis Vogiatzakis. High nature value farmlands: challenges in identification and interpretation using Cyprus as a case study. Nature Conservation. 2018; 31 ():53-70.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Maria Zomeni; Angeliki Martinou; Menelaos Stavrinides; Ioannis Vogiatzakis. 2018. "High nature value farmlands: challenges in identification and interpretation using Cyprus as a case study." Nature Conservation 31, no. : 53-70.

Editorial
Published: 18 December 2018 in Land
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Landscapes have long been viewed as complex, synthetic entities reflecting the human imprint upon the land.

ACS Style

Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis; Theano S. Terkenli; Maria Gabriella Trovato; Nizar Abu-Jaber. Landscapes in the Eastern Mediterranean between the Future and the Past. Land 2018, 7, 160 .

AMA Style

Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis, Theano S. Terkenli, Maria Gabriella Trovato, Nizar Abu-Jaber. Landscapes in the Eastern Mediterranean between the Future and the Past. Land. 2018; 7 (4):160.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis; Theano S. Terkenli; Maria Gabriella Trovato; Nizar Abu-Jaber. 2018. "Landscapes in the Eastern Mediterranean between the Future and the Past." Land 7, no. 4: 160.

Policy perspective
Published: 16 July 2018 in Conservation Letters
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Terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems are connected via multiple biophysical and ecological processes. Identifying and quantifying links among ecosystems is necessary for the uptake of integrated conservation actions across realms. Such actions are particularly important for species using habitats in more than one realm during their daily or life cycle. We reviewed information on the habitats of 2,408 species of European conservation concern and found that 30% of the species use habitats in multiple realms. Transportation and service corridors, which fragment species habitats, were identified as the most important threat impacting ∼70% of the species. We examined information on 1,567 European Union (EU) conservation projects funded over the past 25 years, to assess the adequacy of efforts toward the conservation of “multi‐realm” species at a continental scale. We discovered that less than a third of multi‐realm species benefited from projects that included conservation actions across multiple realms. To achieve the EU's conservation target of halting biodiversity loss by 2020 and effectively protect multi‐realm species, integrated conservation efforts across realms should be reinforced by: (1) recognizing the need for integrated management at a policy level, (2) revising conservation funding priorities across realms, and (3) implementing integrated land‐freshwater‐sea conservation planning and management.

ACS Style

Sylvaine Giakoumi; Virgilio Hermoso; Silvia B. Carvalho; Vasiliki Markantonatou; Mindaugas Dagys; Takuya Iwamura; Wolfgang N. Probst; Robert Smith; Katherine L. Yates; Vasiliki Almpanidou; Tihana Novak; Noam Ben-Moshe; Stelios Katsanevakis; Joachim Claudet; Marta Coll; Alan Deidun; Franz Essl; José A. García-Charton; Carlos Jimenez; Salit Kark; Milica Mandic; Antonios D. Mazaris; Wolfgang Rabitsch; Vanessa Stelzenmüller; Elena Tricarico; Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis. Conserving European biodiversity across realms. Conservation Letters 2018, 12, e12586 .

AMA Style

Sylvaine Giakoumi, Virgilio Hermoso, Silvia B. Carvalho, Vasiliki Markantonatou, Mindaugas Dagys, Takuya Iwamura, Wolfgang N. Probst, Robert Smith, Katherine L. Yates, Vasiliki Almpanidou, Tihana Novak, Noam Ben-Moshe, Stelios Katsanevakis, Joachim Claudet, Marta Coll, Alan Deidun, Franz Essl, José A. García-Charton, Carlos Jimenez, Salit Kark, Milica Mandic, Antonios D. Mazaris, Wolfgang Rabitsch, Vanessa Stelzenmüller, Elena Tricarico, Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis. Conserving European biodiversity across realms. Conservation Letters. 2018; 12 (1):e12586.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sylvaine Giakoumi; Virgilio Hermoso; Silvia B. Carvalho; Vasiliki Markantonatou; Mindaugas Dagys; Takuya Iwamura; Wolfgang N. Probst; Robert Smith; Katherine L. Yates; Vasiliki Almpanidou; Tihana Novak; Noam Ben-Moshe; Stelios Katsanevakis; Joachim Claudet; Marta Coll; Alan Deidun; Franz Essl; José A. García-Charton; Carlos Jimenez; Salit Kark; Milica Mandic; Antonios D. Mazaris; Wolfgang Rabitsch; Vanessa Stelzenmüller; Elena Tricarico; Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis. 2018. "Conserving European biodiversity across realms." Conservation Letters 12, no. 1: e12586.

Original paper
Published: 05 June 2018 in Biodiversity and Conservation
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The cornerstone of EU nature conservation, the Natura 2000 (N2K) network is far from complete in many EU countries, including Cyprus, particularly where new datasets have become available. Thus, an important question in conservation biology is how new data can be incorporated in an effort to redesign N2K where appropriate. We analyse the efficacy of the N2K network in Cyprus, a global biodiversity hotspot, for protecting threatened vascular plants. We used 252 species for which detailed distributional data were available and added new records for 168 species. Overlaying a 1 km2 grid map for Cyprus we identified distributional hotspots of threatened species (sensu IUCN) and assessed their representation level within the N2K network. Based on new recorded data we propose IUCN status changes for 15 species. There were 60 hotspots identified (cells with more than 5 threatened species) in the central-west, south, southeast and north parts of the island. GIS analysis demonstrated that 145 out of 252 species (57.5%) occur within the N2K network, ranging from 4 to 100% of their occurrences. Τhe conservation gaps identified are related to 107 threatened species (42.5% of Red Data Book plants) which are either completely outside the N2K network or in those areas where EU legislation is not applicable due to the complex political situation on the island. The most important conservation opportunities are found in the northern part of the island, where the acquis communautaire is suspended and the UK Sovereign Base Areas, which are excluded from the Accession Treaty of Cyprus. In the area under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus (CYGCA) there are only two important hotspots found outside the N2K network.

ACS Style

C. S. Christodoulou; G. H. Griffiths; Ioannis Vogiatzakis. Using threatened plant species to identify conservation gaps and opportunities on the island of Cyprus. Biodiversity and Conservation 2018, 27, 2837 -2858.

AMA Style

C. S. Christodoulou, G. H. Griffiths, Ioannis Vogiatzakis. Using threatened plant species to identify conservation gaps and opportunities on the island of Cyprus. Biodiversity and Conservation. 2018; 27 (11):2837-2858.

Chicago/Turabian Style

C. S. Christodoulou; G. H. Griffiths; Ioannis Vogiatzakis. 2018. "Using threatened plant species to identify conservation gaps and opportunities on the island of Cyprus." Biodiversity and Conservation 27, no. 11: 2837-2858.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2018 in Ecologia mediterranea
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ACS Style

Savvas Zotos; Ioannis Vogiatzakis. CyROS: towards a common methodological framework for roadkills recording in Cyprus. Ecologia mediterranea 2018, 44, 109 -114.

AMA Style

Savvas Zotos, Ioannis Vogiatzakis. CyROS: towards a common methodological framework for roadkills recording in Cyprus. Ecologia mediterranea. 2018; 44 (1):109-114.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Savvas Zotos; Ioannis Vogiatzakis. 2018. "CyROS: towards a common methodological framework for roadkills recording in Cyprus." Ecologia mediterranea 44, no. 1: 109-114.

Journal article
Published: 20 October 2017 in Land
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The aim of the paper is to examine the variability of eastern Mediterranean landscapes using a common mapping framework relying on Landscape Character Mapping (LCM). LCM was adapted to the region’s specificities placing emphasis on the area’s coastal nature, landform variation, land use, in particular pastoral tradition, and settlement patterns, an important output of this study. We selected six study areas, in four countries namely Cyprus, Greece, Jordan and Lebanon, based on their rich cultural and natural heritage, covering a NW to SE gradient of both environmental and cultural settings. We used commonly employed landscape metrics to quantify landscape diversity in the study areas. Similarity in landscape types among study area was measured using Sørensen similarity index. The Kruskall–Walis test was used to test the variability among countries in terms of landscape character variation due to physical and cultural factors. Linear regression was used to assess whether landscape diversity increases with area size. The work has identified and mapped a total of 69 landscape types, of which 18 are rare. Rare landscape types were related to specific geomorphology or intensive anthropogenic activities, which do not occur elsewhere in the East Mediterranean region. The highest similarity was recorded between islands and between mountainous areas. The larger the area the higher is its landscape diversity. This works fills a gap in Mediterranean and sets a benchmark standard for landscape characterization work in the East Mediterranean, so as to enable much greater consistency between countries in future landscape mapping exercises and, ultimately, facilitate trans-boundary cooperation in landscape-scale nature and culture conservation.

ACS Style

Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis; Paraskevi Manolaki. Investigating the Diversity and Variability of Eastern Mediterranean Landscapes. Land 2017, 6, 71 .

AMA Style

Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis, Paraskevi Manolaki. Investigating the Diversity and Variability of Eastern Mediterranean Landscapes. Land. 2017; 6 (4):71.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis; Paraskevi Manolaki. 2017. "Investigating the Diversity and Variability of Eastern Mediterranean Landscapes." Land 6, no. 4: 71.

Journal article
Published: 03 October 2017 in Nature Conservation
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ACS Style

Paraskevi Manolaki; Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis. Ecosystem services in a peri-urban protected area in Cyprus: a rapid appraisal. Nature Conservation 2017, 22, 129 -146.

AMA Style

Paraskevi Manolaki, Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis. Ecosystem services in a peri-urban protected area in Cyprus: a rapid appraisal. Nature Conservation. 2017; 22 ():129-146.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Paraskevi Manolaki; Ioannis N. Vogiatzakis. 2017. "Ecosystem services in a peri-urban protected area in Cyprus: a rapid appraisal." Nature Conservation 22, no. : 129-146.