Synanthropisation of coastal vegetation in southern Spain

Coastal dunes have a high ecological value but are often damaged or overexploited by beach tourism. The main problems for the vegetation of this ecosystem are the physical destruction and the synanthropisation, the latter due to colonisation by alien and apophyte species favoured by human action. This study determines the synanthropisation of the vegetation of a stretch of coastline in southern Spain, based on the floristic analysis of six habitats: upper beach, foredune, mid-dune, back-dune, creek and rocky area. The percentage of synanthropic species was 51%; 33% were apophytes, mainly ruderal species and weeds, and 18% were alien species, mostly from gardens adjacent to the coastal zone. The degree of synanthropisation varied for each habitat, with a marked increase from the beach inland: nil on the beach and up to 63% on the back dune. Richness and diversity were higher in habitats with greater synanthropisation, but at the cost of less naturalness. Land protection has ensured the physical conservation of the vegetation but is not preventing increased colonization by alien species, some of them with high invasive potential. Measures must be taken to protect coastal vegetation from destruction and synanthropisation.

Automated summary

Coastal dunes in southern Spain are facing physical destruction and synanthropisation, primarily influenced by the colonization of alien and apophyte species. The study reveals that 51% of the vegetation in the area is synanthropic, with 33% being ruderal species and 18% being alien species from adjacent gardens. The degree of synanthropisation varies among habitats, with the back dune being the most affected at 63%. While habitats with higher synanthropisation show greater richness and diversity, they also exhibit lower naturalness. Measures must be implemented to protect coastal vegetation from destruction and invasive species.