1270 | 389 | The diversity and distribution of melliferous plants in the Krivodol municipality (Northwestern Bulgaria) | Nikolay Nikolov, Milena Tocheva, Bilyana Borissova

Conservation of natural heritage is of great importance in the context of emerging environmental and climatic changes. This study aims to identify the species diversity and distribution of melliferous plants in the municipality of Krivodol (Northwestern Bulgaria). Pollination as an ecosystem service ensures the reproduction of a large number of plant species and is an integral part of the natural maintenance of healthy ecosystems. The study utilized field surveys following the Brown-Blanke methodological approach (Westhoff & van der Maarel, 1973) to obtain data on plant abundance and cover within different habitat types. Sample plots were placed in homogeneous and representative sites of plant communities, their size was in accordance with the recommendations by Chytrý & Otýpková (2003) depending on the vegetation type. Species’ abundance and cover percentage within the site boundaries was estimated. Results were obtained for the species diversity of melliferous plants and biogeographically attached to their respective habitat type based on the EUNIS classification and the melliferous plant cover in the descriptions. The spatial distribution of melliferous plant species has been identified, which determines the distribution of floral resources in the different types of natural habitats used by Apis mellifera. Results highlight the melliferous plant species with more than 10% cover in the framework of the different habitat types. Conclusions formed the status of melliferous plants in the study area in close relation to the pollination environment they form. Beekeeping in the area will benefit from protecting as many areas as possible with natural vegetation, both grassland and woodland and where reclamation measures are taken, they should be with native melliferous plants._x000D_
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1.Chytrý, М., Otýpková, Z., Plot sizes used for phytosociological sampling of European vegetation., 2003. _x000D_
2.Westhoff & van der Maarel. The Braun-Blanquet approach., 1973. _x000D_

Nikolay Nikolov, Milena Tocheva, Bilyana Borissova
Faculty of Geology and Geography Sofia University “St.Kliment Ohridski”
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