Anthropic impact upon the ecosystems in the proximity of the Lower Prut Natural Park

Abstract

The present study is the result of investigations performed in the proximity of the Lower Prut Natural Park. The causes and the consequences of the anthropic impact, in the last 50-60 years, from the Lower Prut hydrographic basin are given especially by: the disturbances of hydrological conditions of the Prut River (after the building of the Stanca-Costesti accumulation dam, which stopped yearly flooding , the water supply in pools and the lakes being insufficient; the lack of seasonal floods led to excessive soil salinization); draining up of some sown areas of wet lands (easily flooded lands); poaching, hunting; the diminution of meadow forest areas; intensive grazing, the protected area perimeters included etc. The extension of agricultural surfaces by means of ploughing has destroyed the fallow lands and the natural meadows of the Lower Prut area, very rich in numerous species of flora and fauna. The massive deforestation of the previous century, interested in changing former forest areas into agricultural zones has led to important changes to the climate, plant complexity and soil characteristics. Important changes occurred: steppe characteristics prevailed, so that the climate was no longer wet and cool, but drier and warmer, the lands losing part of their vegetation