Vegetation of the estuary at risk in urban environments

The case of the river Himera South

Abstract

Anthropogenic impact on river and coast ecosystems favors significantly the reduction or extinction of species and phytocoenosis. This study shows the results of a survey conducted along the urban stretch of the Imera Meridionale River, through the town of Licata. Natural vegetation is characterized by specialized phytocoenoses such as the psammophylous communities of Cakiletea maritimae and Ammophiletea, the halophilic communities of Saginetea maritimae, Sarcocornietea fruticosae and Pegano-Salsoletea, as welle as helophytic associations of Phragmito-Magnocaricetea. Several hygrophilous and riparian phytocoenoses such as Galio-Urticetea, Nerio-Tamaricetea and Salicetea purpureae were also found. Environmental degradation factors and management actions were discussed.