Habitat type mapping in the vicinity of Podutik

Podutik is a settlement on the foothills of Toško čelo, on the west side of Ljubljana. In this area, there is a great diversity of habitat types and vegetation due to diverse geological bedrock. Three quarries and a great number of ruderal surfaces make this area also very interesting, especially regarding the presence of a great number of invasive alien plant species. Habitat type is a specific plant or animal association determined by abiotic environmental factors in the specific area. Results of habitat type’s cartography are widely useful, especially in the creation of special conservational areas with the aim to preserve species and habitat types. The aim of our study was (A) to determine the habitat types of the research area and compare them with the cartography conducted in the years 2002 and 2009, and (B) inventarisation of invasive alien plant species. The comparison of the results of habitat types mapping showed significant differences between mappings from years 2002, 2009 and today. In our field work in 2015 a more accurate cartography was made, using a modernized typology of habitat types. Differences in habitat types between years are mostly the result of overgrowth, abandonment of agricultural surfaces and renewed use of some abandoned areas. In the selected area we also catalogued some habitat types which are marked as important by the Directive of habitat types from 2013. These habitats take up 11% of the mapped area. Some habitat types are an important place for orchids (Orchidaceae), so a more detailed catalogue of all plant species in this area would be prudent. Invasive alien species are a threat to natural habitats. In the research area we found 14 such species: ashleaf maple (Acer negundo), tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), annual fleabane (Erigeron annuus), Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus), Indian balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), small balsam (Impatiens parviflora), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia agg.), false acacia (Robinia pseudacacia), Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) in Japanese spiraea (Spiraea japonica). Because of a great number of invasive alien species, the status of habitats should be monitored and appropriate action should be taken