ESPECIES EXÓTICAS DE FLORA EN LA RED NATURA 2000 DE ESPAÑA: PROPUESTA METODOLÓGICA DE ACTUACIÓN

Abstract

The Natura 2000 Network has one purpose: to ensure the long-term survival of the species and the most threatened habitats in Europe, in this way, contributing to stop the loss of biodiversity. It is convenient to let every one know the importance of the Spanish contribution to Natura Network, even higher being the contribution to the tree cover. Many of these mountains are of reafforestation done at the beginning of the XXth century under the General Plan Reafforestation. One aspect to keep in mind to preserve biodiversity is to avoid the introduction of alien species outside its natural range. Exotic species are a component of global change and a major threat to the conservation of biodiversity and natural ecosystems, since they compete with native species, alter the dynamics of communities, alter habitats, change the disturbance regime and pose risk of genetic introgression. The goal of this paper is to study the situation, legislation, initiatives, actions and proposals carried out to identify and where appropriate, eradication of flora alien species present in the Natura 2000 Network sites in Spain and propose a methodological strategy for action. Keywords: alien species; flora; Natura Network 2000; conservation; management and biodiversity