A Landscape Assessment Protocol

"Reading the landscape": LAP - a new assessment protocol 

Published in "Sustainability" April 2019

In a recent paper, we introduce an on-site field survey method to assess the conservation condition of landscapes, the LAP.

ASSESSING LANDSCAPES...a daunting task...

Using a popular rapid assessment format - scoring metrics from viewpoints - this study defines observable “stressed states” in each metric in order to gauge overall landscape degradation. Fifteen metrics within six thematic categories were selected through a literature review and extensive field trials.

The protocol effectively goes beyond a traditional visual aesthetic assessment; it can be used both by experts and non-scientists as a conservation-relevant procedure to support a holistic landscape diagnosis. The combination of an on-site experiential survey and its simple integrative format may be useful as a screening-level index, and for promoting local participation, landscape literacy and educational initiatives.

Please read at: Sustainability 11, 2019

The protocol sheet and criteria: 

Landscape_Assessment_Protocol-LAP

In the near-future we will present a how-to-guide on this protocol, for now any correspondence on the issue should go to Panayotis Dimopoulos (pdimopoulos@upatras) and Vassiliki Vlami (vas.vlami@gmail.com).

The LAP field form’s scoring card with the 15 metrics used to assess landscape conservation status (these are scored by the assessor using a 10-1 (Excellent-Bad) scale and guided by a detailed guidance narrative. 

Results of index calculation of 35 landscape sites on Samothraki, as assessed by a single expert.

Field tests on Samothraki show a positive correlation between a single expert’s scores and five assessor’s scores at 35 landscape sites.

Kozbeyli wind farm and the noticeable changes to landscape and ecosystems due to this ridge-line location site; typical of many wind turbine developments in Turkey and other areas (from paper on scoring wind park impacts, see: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032115014008). Photo curtesy of Serhat Kucukali.

This is a descriptive poster from an initiative that describes restoration actions and gives the impression that we are dealing with the landscape scale. It focuses on functions such as water cycles etc. (see: https://www.behance.net/gallery/73243657/Ecosystem-Restoration-Camps)

And finally, the much tweeted graphic showing that wildlife is a good indicator of landscape degradation (origins unknown, but definately a true graphic). Same could be said about flora and natural vegetation metrics.

Introduction to the Wildlife of Cyprus: A Book Review

Book review: 

An introduction to the Wildlife of Cyprus

July 2017, Athens

Edited by D.J. Sparrow and E. John. Published by Terra Cypria (2016; 870 pages).  

I bought the book at my favorite bookstore in Lefkosia this June, the Mouflon Bookshop http://www.moufflon.com.cy/. Price: 60 €.

The book is absolutely amazing and everyone should get it - I wager it will go OP (out-of-print) soon.

First, I urge all to buy the book ASAP! It is a welcome gift for any Mediterranean natural history library and is a wonderful book for both visitors, students and children. 

Second, some points on its nature interpretation value: wholesome natural history!

 

The English writing and editing and the graphic art is rich and thorough and flows wonderfully throughout. Most importantly the book fills a scarce genre in books (and "book-building" as well). This genre is now possible and "easier" to build due to two things: a) various contributing experts who can and are willing to do popularised writing, and b) the amazing local photography and guidance of many good local or visiting naturalists (digital cameras...). This kind of review and popularized interpretation was not possible 20 years ago.

Third; it is a wonderful contribution to the island's non-vertebrate natural heritage. The chapters on dragonflies, moths, and many other insects are generally astounding. I learned so much and just smiled throughout. The work on the verts is also excellent, the herps and mammals and the zoogeographical issues especially (...did you know that hippos can't swim?).

Other great books exist on Cyprus's birds, herps and butterflies, but there is a lack of popularized literature on everything else of an invertebrate nature (especially the small ones...). So much of this read is novel stuff to me, refreshing, exciting!

Some criticism for the authors to consider in the revised second version. Firstly, the book has no marine section, maybe it should, even a very short one (a synoptic review like the one on the island's habitats). Secondly, some chapters do have very uneven coverage - no real reference to many groups of water bugs, water snails (except a list). There is some important missing stuff in the fish chapter. Effort should be made to narrow down the popular groups (e.g. butterflies, since Chr. Makris's 2003 book does this group justice). The authors should maybe increase aspects of other inverts in this book. But its already a huge book - I understand the restrictions. So maybe make two books!!!  Go for it authors! 

I also think there should be an effort to seek contributions from some really keystone naturalists who have worked for decades on the Island, including both G/Cypriot and T/Cypriot (but I understand this is not easy to accomplish). But this is not really criticism, its just is personal opinions by yet another critically-minded naturalist. The book is an amazing feat! To include 44 contributing authors and over 100 photographers - this is truly a work of great love, expert management and talented editing. An amazing contribution to society. 

I do not know the two British editors personally, but they seem to be amazing people - they have gathered world-experts and reviewed all-taxa macro-animals on this biodiversity-distinctive island in a scientific, artful and entertaining way. Also, they have left a legacy that should be mimicked by other Med countries (or provinces). 

The book makes a great gift.

My thanks,

Dr. S. Zogaris

David Sparrow (L) and Eddie John (R) at the book launch and signing of ‘An Introduction to the Wildlife of Cyprus’, Lemessos Town Hall, 30 November, 2016. Note the incredible girth of the book!!! (Photo: Ros Sparrow, from: http://www.cyprusbutterflies.co.uk).