Using niche models of indicator species to predict the distribution ofxerophytic shrub dune communities

摘要

Dune plant assemblages are affected by severe conditions, whichmakes them excellent models for studying the effects of species interactionsand environmental conditions on community structure. We evaluate therelationship between the structure of dune communities, local environmentalconditions and the suitability of climatic conditions for theircharacteristic species. Using data from an extensive survey of xerophyticinland sand dune scrub communities from Portugal – one of the mostthreatened habitat types of Europe – we identify the main gradients ofvegetation composition, the different types of communities and theirindicator shrub species. Then, we model the geographical responses of thesespecies to the environment. Soil organic matter, isothermality and thehabitat suitability for Stauracanthus genistoides defined the distribution of three shrubcommunities in the study area.