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Magazine articles by Dario Botti

Research paper thumbnail of Wilderness in Foreste Casentinesi National Park, Italy

European Wilderness Journal, Sep 2014

Authors: Botti, D., Paris, G., Speranza, M., & Vančura, V. Contextualization of Italian situatio... more Authors: Botti, D., Paris, G., Speranza, M., & Vančura, V.
Contextualization of Italian situation about wilderness and non-intervention management. Brief description of Foreste Casentinesi National Park and its natural values. Description of National Park management zones. Discussion about potential for wilderness and compliance with European Wilderness Quality Standard and Audit System (EQWA).

Web articles by Dario Botti

Research paper thumbnail of Saving large carnivores

Research paper thumbnail of Wolf culling and role of media

European Wilderness Society website, Apr 5, 2016

In this article I share and comment the outcomes of a new research by Fernández-Gil et al. (2016... more In this article I share and comment the outcomes of a new research by Fernández-Gil et al. (2016), which shows that wolf culling is counterproductive. Indeed, wolf damages on livestock correlated positively with, among other, number of wolves culled. In addition, media have an important role in wolf culling.

Research paper thumbnail of Wolf in Italy: under threat!

European Wilderness Society website, Mar 11, 2016

Wolf in Italy is strictly protected since 1971. Since then, wolf population increased and spread ... more Wolf in Italy is strictly protected since 1971. Since then, wolf population increased and spread to whole Apennine, to Alps and further. This situation (and the current image of Italy as wolf-friendly Country) could soon change, if Environment Ministry will approve the new “Wolf conservation and management plan”. Such a plan will permit to cull wolves, hybrids and to hunt free ranging dogs. Wolf population in Italy faces to many difficulties and a very heavy poaching. The author reviews briefly some papers to summarize Italian wolf situation and expected negative effects of culling.

Research paper thumbnail of Why Italy is interested in wilderness. Wilderness conservation issues in Italy with examples from Region Emilia-Romagna.

In this paper (originally written for the European Wilderness Academy Days, 2014), wilderness con... more In this paper (originally written for the European Wilderness Academy Days, 2014), wilderness conservation issues in Italy are discussed and some examples coming from Emilia-Romagna Region are given. Topics are as follows: 1. Wilderness into existing protected areas, 2. Wilderness in unprotected semi-natural areas and anthropogenic landscapes, 3. Types of wilderness, and their different roles, 4. Wilderness as land planning / management tool, 5. Current difficulties to promote and create wilderness areas in Italy, 6. Proposals and conclusion.

Papers by Dario Botti

Research paper thumbnail of A phytoclimatic map of Europe

Cybergeo

This paper presents a high-resolution quantitative phytoclimatic map of Europe (PME). Ecological ... more This paper presents a high-resolution quantitative phytoclimatic map of Europe (PME). Ecological studies and landscape planning need quantitative and reproducible tools to assess the environment and to define land based ecological units characterized by spatial and temporal boundaries. At small scales, Phytoclimatic maps seem appropriate to fulfill such requisites because climate determines broad ecosystem type and distribution. PME is based on Defaut’s system of phytoclimatic stages (DSPS). DSPS relies on a combination of mean annual temperature, mean temperature of the warmest month, thermal continentality and the Qn2 aridity/humidity index. Boundaries of phytoclimatic stages are defined by zonal phytosociological syntaxa. PME was developed by GIS processing, by kriging interpolation of phytoclimatic temperature classes, aridity/moisture and thermal continentality of 1113 climatological stations. PME shows fifty different phytoclimatic stages. Distribution and coverage of such stages and their main plant formations are described and discussed. PME was compared to the Map of the Natural Vegetation of Europe (MNVE) by Kappa analysis. Good agreement was found between PME and MNVE, but as expected, PME and MNVE do not match perfectly. Major circumstances that could lead to discordance between the two maps are discussed. In conclusion, it is felt that PME, thanks to its reliability and relative simplicity could be a useful and robust tool in ecological analysis and environment assessment, as well as in climate change studies, and for educational purposes.

Research paper thumbnail of Phytoclimatic Stages and Vegetation in Baden-Württemberg and Emilia-Romagna

Landscape Online

The assessment of ecosystems and landscapes requires reliable and simple tools. Climate determine... more The assessment of ecosystems and landscapes requires reliable and simple tools. Climate determines broad type and distribution of ecosystems. Therefore, it is a major factor to consider in environmental analysis and ecological regionalization. A standardized bioclimatic classification would be useful to characterize and compare different ecosystems. In this paper, Defaut’s Phytoclimatic System (DSPS) was tested at regional scale in two European areas: Baden-Württemberg (Germany) and Emilia-Romagna (Italy). DSPS phytoclimatic units and vegetation belts and climatic parameters are illustrated and discussed. In addition, as an example application, a map of phytoclimatic units of Emilia-Romagna is designed. Some challenges in matching vegetation to DSPS were found: 1) in areas where transition from one stage to another are not sharply delineated and different vegetation types are intermixed; 2) in alluvial lowlands; 3) in heavily anthropized areas. In conclusion, the results of this stu...

Research paper thumbnail of Phytoclimatic Stages and Vegetation in Baden - Württemberg and Emilia - Romagna

Landscape Online, 2019

The assessment of ecosystems and landscapes requires reliable and simple tools. Climate determine... more The assessment of ecosystems and landscapes requires reliable and simple tools. Climate determines broad type and distribution of ecosystems. Therefore, it is a major factor to consider in environmental analysis and ecological regionalization. A standardized bioclimatic classification would be useful to characterize and compare different ecosystems. In this paper, Defaut's Phytoclimatic System (DSPS) was tested at regional scale in two European areas: Baden-Württemberg (Germany) and Emilia-Romagna (Italy). DSPS phytoclimatic units and vegetation belts and climatic parameters are illustrated and discussed. In addition, as an example application, a map of phytoclimatic units of Emilia-Romagna is designed. Some challenges in matching vegetation to DSPS were found: 1) in areas where transition from one stage to another are not sharply delineated and different vegetation types are intermixed; 2) in alluvial lowlands; 3) in heavily anthropized areas. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that DSPS can be a useful tool in ecological regionalization and in landscape analysis.

Research paper thumbnail of A phytoclimatic map of Europe

Cybergeo: European Journal of Geography

A high resolution, quantitative phytoclimatic map of Europe (PME) is presented. Ecological studie... more A high resolution, quantitative phytoclimatic map of Europe (PME) is presented. Ecological studies and landscape planning need quantitative and reproducible tools to assess the environment and to define land based ecological units characterized by spatial and temporal boundaries. At small scales, Phytoclimatic maps seem appropriate to fulfill such requisites because climate determines broad ecosystem type and distribution. PME is based on Defaut’s system of phytoclimatic stages (DSPS). DSPS relies on a combination of mean annual temperature, mean temperature of the warmest month, thermal continentality and aridity/humidity index Qn2. Boundaries of phytoclimatic stages are defined by zonal phytosociological syntaxa. PME was developed by GIS processing, by kriging interpolation of phytoclimatic temperature classes, aridity/moisture and thermal continentality of 1113 climatological stations. PME shows fifty different phytoclimatic stages. Distribution and coverage of such stages and their main plant formations are described and discussed. PME was compared to the Map of the Natural Vegetation of Europe (MNVE) by Kappa analysis. Good agreement was found between PME and MNVE, but as expected, PME and MNVE do not match perfectly. Major circumstances that could lead to discordance between the two maps are discussed. In conclusion, it is felt that PME, thanks also to its reliability and relative simplicity could be a useful and robust tool in ecological analysis and environment assessment, as well as in climate change studies, and for educational purposes.

Research paper thumbnail of Wilderness in Foreste Casentinesi National Park, Italy

European Wilderness Journal, Sep 2014

Authors: Botti, D., Paris, G., Speranza, M., & Vančura, V. Contextualization of Italian situatio... more Authors: Botti, D., Paris, G., Speranza, M., & Vančura, V.
Contextualization of Italian situation about wilderness and non-intervention management. Brief description of Foreste Casentinesi National Park and its natural values. Description of National Park management zones. Discussion about potential for wilderness and compliance with European Wilderness Quality Standard and Audit System (EQWA).

Research paper thumbnail of Saving large carnivores

Research paper thumbnail of Wolf culling and role of media

European Wilderness Society website, Apr 5, 2016

In this article I share and comment the outcomes of a new research by Fernández-Gil et al. (2016... more In this article I share and comment the outcomes of a new research by Fernández-Gil et al. (2016), which shows that wolf culling is counterproductive. Indeed, wolf damages on livestock correlated positively with, among other, number of wolves culled. In addition, media have an important role in wolf culling.

Research paper thumbnail of Wolf in Italy: under threat!

European Wilderness Society website, Mar 11, 2016

Wolf in Italy is strictly protected since 1971. Since then, wolf population increased and spread ... more Wolf in Italy is strictly protected since 1971. Since then, wolf population increased and spread to whole Apennine, to Alps and further. This situation (and the current image of Italy as wolf-friendly Country) could soon change, if Environment Ministry will approve the new “Wolf conservation and management plan”. Such a plan will permit to cull wolves, hybrids and to hunt free ranging dogs. Wolf population in Italy faces to many difficulties and a very heavy poaching. The author reviews briefly some papers to summarize Italian wolf situation and expected negative effects of culling.

Research paper thumbnail of Why Italy is interested in wilderness. Wilderness conservation issues in Italy with examples from Region Emilia-Romagna.

In this paper (originally written for the European Wilderness Academy Days, 2014), wilderness con... more In this paper (originally written for the European Wilderness Academy Days, 2014), wilderness conservation issues in Italy are discussed and some examples coming from Emilia-Romagna Region are given. Topics are as follows: 1. Wilderness into existing protected areas, 2. Wilderness in unprotected semi-natural areas and anthropogenic landscapes, 3. Types of wilderness, and their different roles, 4. Wilderness as land planning / management tool, 5. Current difficulties to promote and create wilderness areas in Italy, 6. Proposals and conclusion.

Research paper thumbnail of A phytoclimatic map of Europe

Cybergeo

This paper presents a high-resolution quantitative phytoclimatic map of Europe (PME). Ecological ... more This paper presents a high-resolution quantitative phytoclimatic map of Europe (PME). Ecological studies and landscape planning need quantitative and reproducible tools to assess the environment and to define land based ecological units characterized by spatial and temporal boundaries. At small scales, Phytoclimatic maps seem appropriate to fulfill such requisites because climate determines broad ecosystem type and distribution. PME is based on Defaut’s system of phytoclimatic stages (DSPS). DSPS relies on a combination of mean annual temperature, mean temperature of the warmest month, thermal continentality and the Qn2 aridity/humidity index. Boundaries of phytoclimatic stages are defined by zonal phytosociological syntaxa. PME was developed by GIS processing, by kriging interpolation of phytoclimatic temperature classes, aridity/moisture and thermal continentality of 1113 climatological stations. PME shows fifty different phytoclimatic stages. Distribution and coverage of such stages and their main plant formations are described and discussed. PME was compared to the Map of the Natural Vegetation of Europe (MNVE) by Kappa analysis. Good agreement was found between PME and MNVE, but as expected, PME and MNVE do not match perfectly. Major circumstances that could lead to discordance between the two maps are discussed. In conclusion, it is felt that PME, thanks to its reliability and relative simplicity could be a useful and robust tool in ecological analysis and environment assessment, as well as in climate change studies, and for educational purposes.

Research paper thumbnail of Phytoclimatic Stages and Vegetation in Baden-Württemberg and Emilia-Romagna

Landscape Online

The assessment of ecosystems and landscapes requires reliable and simple tools. Climate determine... more The assessment of ecosystems and landscapes requires reliable and simple tools. Climate determines broad type and distribution of ecosystems. Therefore, it is a major factor to consider in environmental analysis and ecological regionalization. A standardized bioclimatic classification would be useful to characterize and compare different ecosystems. In this paper, Defaut’s Phytoclimatic System (DSPS) was tested at regional scale in two European areas: Baden-Württemberg (Germany) and Emilia-Romagna (Italy). DSPS phytoclimatic units and vegetation belts and climatic parameters are illustrated and discussed. In addition, as an example application, a map of phytoclimatic units of Emilia-Romagna is designed. Some challenges in matching vegetation to DSPS were found: 1) in areas where transition from one stage to another are not sharply delineated and different vegetation types are intermixed; 2) in alluvial lowlands; 3) in heavily anthropized areas. In conclusion, the results of this stu...

Research paper thumbnail of Phytoclimatic Stages and Vegetation in Baden - Württemberg and Emilia - Romagna

Landscape Online, 2019

The assessment of ecosystems and landscapes requires reliable and simple tools. Climate determine... more The assessment of ecosystems and landscapes requires reliable and simple tools. Climate determines broad type and distribution of ecosystems. Therefore, it is a major factor to consider in environmental analysis and ecological regionalization. A standardized bioclimatic classification would be useful to characterize and compare different ecosystems. In this paper, Defaut's Phytoclimatic System (DSPS) was tested at regional scale in two European areas: Baden-Württemberg (Germany) and Emilia-Romagna (Italy). DSPS phytoclimatic units and vegetation belts and climatic parameters are illustrated and discussed. In addition, as an example application, a map of phytoclimatic units of Emilia-Romagna is designed. Some challenges in matching vegetation to DSPS were found: 1) in areas where transition from one stage to another are not sharply delineated and different vegetation types are intermixed; 2) in alluvial lowlands; 3) in heavily anthropized areas. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that DSPS can be a useful tool in ecological regionalization and in landscape analysis.

Research paper thumbnail of A phytoclimatic map of Europe

Cybergeo: European Journal of Geography

A high resolution, quantitative phytoclimatic map of Europe (PME) is presented. Ecological studie... more A high resolution, quantitative phytoclimatic map of Europe (PME) is presented. Ecological studies and landscape planning need quantitative and reproducible tools to assess the environment and to define land based ecological units characterized by spatial and temporal boundaries. At small scales, Phytoclimatic maps seem appropriate to fulfill such requisites because climate determines broad ecosystem type and distribution. PME is based on Defaut’s system of phytoclimatic stages (DSPS). DSPS relies on a combination of mean annual temperature, mean temperature of the warmest month, thermal continentality and aridity/humidity index Qn2. Boundaries of phytoclimatic stages are defined by zonal phytosociological syntaxa. PME was developed by GIS processing, by kriging interpolation of phytoclimatic temperature classes, aridity/moisture and thermal continentality of 1113 climatological stations. PME shows fifty different phytoclimatic stages. Distribution and coverage of such stages and their main plant formations are described and discussed. PME was compared to the Map of the Natural Vegetation of Europe (MNVE) by Kappa analysis. Good agreement was found between PME and MNVE, but as expected, PME and MNVE do not match perfectly. Major circumstances that could lead to discordance between the two maps are discussed. In conclusion, it is felt that PME, thanks also to its reliability and relative simplicity could be a useful and robust tool in ecological analysis and environment assessment, as well as in climate change studies, and for educational purposes.