Karstic microrefugia reflect diverse biogeographic affinities of vascular plant species

Microrefugia are small areas that allow species to persist in changing environments. Dolines in karst landscapes may function as such safe havens. By analysing vegetation data from 270 plots collected within nine large dolines and on the surrounding plateau in Northern Hungary, we found that topographic complexity in dolines has the potential to support a wide array of plant species with diverse biogeographic affinities. To safeguard the large number of endangered plant species and the high biodiversity associated with dolines, conservation management should take into account the complex interactions among topographic complexity, environmental conditions, and species distributions in karstic microrefugia and their surrounding areas.

Affinities · Biodiversity · Endangered species · Karst · Species complex · Vascular plant · Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies · Species Distribution and Climate Change · Subterranean biodiversity and taxonomy