Natural protected areas from the panonic biogeographic region, Romania

Abstract

Although it only covers 3% of the territory of the European Union, the Pannonian bioregion is home to a high biodiversity with some endemic species. In Romania, the Pannonian bioregion covers 6% of the national territory, and lies on a strip in the Western part of the country. The main purpose of our study is to evaluate the number, surface and distribution of protected natural areas at the level of Pannonian bioregulation in Romania. According to the data processed by specific GIS methods, before the designation of Natura 2000 sites, the area covered by protected areas was 1.59% (22371.86 ha) in the Pannonian bioregion, and now the area coveredby protected areas has increased up to 13, 92% (217409.01 ha). Of the 79 protected bioreales, 2 have management structures, 26 are managed by the custodians and 51 do not have management or custody facilities, and 25 are under an approved management plan.