Effect of inter?annual meteorological fluctuations and wild boar disturbance on the vegetation of Mediterranean temporary ponds

Questions Which are the effects of inter-annual meteorological fluctuations on plant species richness and vegetation dynamics in Mediterranean temporary ponds, shallow wetlands characterized by alternating phases drought flooding? wild boar disturbance? How do responses specialist or non-specialist habitat differ? Location NW Sardinia Island (Italy). Methods We assessed cover during six years within one 60 cm × quadrat each five areas. To measure effect vegetation, we used two indices: evapotranspiration synthetic agrometeorological indicator. quantify disturbance boars, compared treatments: disturbed non-disturbed (located outside inside 1.5 m exclosures respectively). As a whole, monitored plots (6 2 treatments 5 replications). analyzed data using ANOVA, PERMANOVA BIO-ENV. Results Plant composition showed significant differences between treatments. Species was correlated with before vegetative peak last period indicator whole period. Specialist much weaker growth, quantified as cover, drier years. Starting from third survey year, were significantly higher than not-disturbed plots. The extent bare soil generally not affected treatment. Conclusions Meteorological affect ponds. sensitivity could make them particularly vulnerable to climate change. Nevertheless, they resilient unpredictable disturbances such burrowing boar. However, our results concerning positive impact cannot be generalized. Elsewhere, lack hunting activity also problem for these habitats.