EDP Baixo Sabor: Construction Phase – Invasive Plant Species (work fronts) [2010-2014]

The methodology used in the work fronts consisted of line transects, generally carried out on foot, to detect invasive exotic species. The area surveyed was 30 m to each side of the transect axis. Each individual species (or habitat) of interest was mapped with a Garmim Colorado 300 GPS. In each patch of invasive species detected, the number of individuals (or the area occupied by) the relevant species was counted (or estimated). In the case of construction works such as yards, heaps and quarry, among others, an S-shaped path was performed, trying to cover as much area as possible.

A record was also kept on the level of damage caused to the patch by the work (“TD” = totally destroyed; “PD” = partially damaged, or “ND” = not damaged). The partially damaged (PD) category ​​means that part of the patch had been deforested or buried, eliminating part of the individuals or affecting part of the nucleus area. In general, each patch was visited once per season and year. However, terrain and logistical difficulties dictated that, sometimes, more than one trip per patch was necessary.

Most species were identified “in loco” although, in some cases, samples were collected to further identification in the laboratory. The nomenclature is mostly in accordance with Flora Ibérica (Castroviejo et al., 1986-2009) for the volumes already published and for Nova Flora de Portugal (Franco, 1971, 1984; Franco & Rocha Afonso, 1994, 1998 and 2003) for the remaining groups.