ROMANIA BIODIVERSITY

As a consequence of its geographical location and evolution of the human society in the region, Romania has a unique and high level of biodiversity and intact ecological systems. The vast reed beds of the Danube Delta, the high density of large carnivores and the extensive forests covering the Carpathian Mountains are some of the most significant and best known aspects attesting Romania's biological richness.

Ecosystems Diversity The extensive range of ecosystem types occurring in Romania is the result of influences from climate and elevation. A major importance in affecting ecological conditions have the Carpathian Mountains, 60% of which are located in Romania. A total of 17 major terrestrial ecosystem formations exist in Romania, including all the major ecosystem types existing in Europe. There is also a rich diversity of aquatic ecosystems, including river floodplains, glacial lakes, coastal wetlands, bogs and mountain rivers. In the more humid regions, at lower altitudes (up to 300 m), broad-leaved forests predominate. In the less humid climate areas there are the steppe grasslands, while in the mixing areas between the two regions there is a zone of silvosteppe containing a mix of forests and grasslands. ecosystem types

The three major vegetation areas in Romania are: the alpine zone, the forest zone and the steppe zone. A total of about 3,700 species of higher plants exist in Romania. Among them, 39 species are endangered, 171 are vulnerable, and 1,256 are rare species according to the Red List of Higher Plants of Romania, as established by the Romanian Academy in Grassland species include 37% of the total species represented, while 74 species of higher plants are extinct. About 600 species of algae and a total of more than 700 species of marine and coastal plants exist. A very high percentage of the species of plants (4%) are endemic. In total there are 57 endemic taxa (species and subspecies) and 171 subendemic taxa (with their territory lying mostly in Romania).

In addition to manifesting a high level of plant diversity, Romania is particularly important as a centre of population density for a variety of animals. Of greatest significance is the favourable state of the bear, wolf and lynx populations. All three large carnivore species are a symbol for the wilderness of habitats. Because of their ecological position at the top of the food pyramid they have a strong role in the state of the ungulate populations. The state of the ungulate population has in its turn a large influence on plant communities and overall ecological state. The maintenance of stable and healthy population of large carnivores in Romania provides a base for the repopulation with these species of other areas within Europe.

Romania hosts more than 33,802 other species, sub-species and varieties of animals, out of which 33,085 invertebrates and 707 vertebrates. The vertebrates comprise a number of 191 species of fish, 9 of which are endangered, 20 amphibian species, 9 of which are endangered, 30 species of reptiles, 6 of which are endangered, 364 species of nesting and migratory birds, 2 of which are extinct and 6 are endangered, and 102 species of mammals, 2 of which are extinct and 2 are endangered. The insect fauna are includes 227 species specifically adapted to the underground life in caves, 97% of which are endemic. Of the total Romanian fauna more than 1,000 species are considered endemic although the geographical distribution of many of these species is only poorly known.

The Danube Delta is the place where hundreds of species of birds exist, including pelicans, swans, wild geese and flamingos, birds that are protected by law. The delta is also a seasonal stopover for migratory birds.pelicansswans wild geeseflamingos A rich hydrological network contributes to the enhancement of biodiversity. Over 1000 km of the Danube River and many of its tributaries flow through Romania. Before the river flows into the Black Sea, the Danube Delta spreads over a surface of about 580,000 ha (113,000 ha of which are permanently covered by water). It is the largest delta in Europe and conserves a very wide range of biodiversity specific to wetlands. The Danube Delta has been awarded the status of Biosphere Reserve in 1990, and has been registered as Ramsar Site and world natural heritage site since 1991.Danube Delta

Some rare species from the Danube Delta are pelicans flamingo, cormorant Red-breasted Goose, White-fronted Goose and the Mute Swan Romania's territory also includes a large portion of the Black Sea coast (228 km) and associated sand dune and coastal ecosystems. Also, more than 8,000 caves, located primarily in the south-west of the country, add to the richness of the ecosystem diversity.

Biodiversity in Romania in numbers In Romania about 3,700 plant species have been identified, out of which 23 are declared natural monuments, 74 are extinct species, 39 are endangered species, 171 are vulnerable species and 1253 rare species animal species have been identfied, out of which invertebrates and 707 vertebrates. Climate change might be a threat for Romanian biodiversity in the following ways: modifications of the species behavior, as a result of the stress induced on their adaptation capacity (shorter hibernation period, the modification of the behavioral physiology of the animals as a result of the hydric and thermal stress or the stress by solar radiation; the impossibility to provide the transpiration conditions at normal physiological levels, negative irreversible influences on the migratory species, disturbance of plants evapo-transpiration, essential changes in the plants rhizosphere which may lead to their extinction); modification of the habitats’ distribution and composition as a result of the change in the species structure; increase of the exotic species at the level of the actual natural habitats and the increase of their potential to become invasive; modification of the distribution of the ecosystems specific to wet areas, with the possible limitation up to their extinction; changes in the freshwater and marine aquatic ecosystems generated by water warming and sea level rise; extinction of certain flora and fauna species.

Highest priority for conservation in Romania should be on: The Danube Delta complex of ecosystems; Low attitude, broad-leaved forests on the plains; Danube River floodplain ecosystems – especially the shallow lakes; Brackish water lagoons.

ADAPTATION STRATEGIES A selection of adaptation strategies that has been proposed: Creation of a national monitoring system for the endangered species; Management plans of the natural habitats to prevent and limit the degradation process of these habitats as a result of the climate change impact; Decrease of the additional pressures which affect vulnerable species; Decrease of the agricultural activities in the areas directly affected and the implementation of appropriate measures to protect the natural and semi- natural habitats close to the agricultural areas, including the identification of compensatory measures necessary for the survival of the affected population; Reduce the impact of industrial activities on the underground water and air quality, by isolation with forest belts; Increase forest areas by the rehabilitation of waste and other areas.