The orchid flora of the Westhoek nature reserve (Belgium, De Panne) and the Flemish dunes revisited …

Some 25 years after a previous overview of the orchid flora of the Westhoek nature reserve (De Panne), this publication presents a recent update of the situation in the Westhoek reserve and, in extension, the whole of the Flemish dunes (between Sangatte and Breskens). The most obvious trend is the (very) outspoken increase in the number of individuals and populations of most of the already present species. The causes are a changing climate (Anacamptis pyramidalis, Himantoglossum hircinum, Ophrys apifera, …), improved nature protection and, especially, active nature management (Epipactis palustris, Dactylorhiza incarnata, Herminium monorchis, …) and an improved hydrology. But on top of that we must, for some species, also mention the side effects of urbanization and industrialization. However, for species as Anacamptis morio or Liparis loeselii only very little progress could be observed and the possibilities of their recovery are discussed. Unfortunately, some of the most vulnerable and formerly present species (Anacamptis palustris, Spiranthes spiralis) even remain completely absent from the Flemish dunes. The text also treats the increasing taxonomical tangle of Dactylorhiza taxa, partly as a side effect of successful nature management and confronts data from international literature with the preliminary results of additional FCM-analysis. Finally, the avail and efficiency of the existing legislation on plant (and orchid) species protection in Flanders is discussed.

Jaar van publicatie:2022

Toegankelijkheid:Open