Classification and monitoring of the ecotope types and rangeland ecosystems on Akarnanika Mountains

Remote Sensing Technology and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) were used for monitoring, classification and mapping of changes in the vegetation of Akarnanika Mountains, an area with important types of natural ecotopes. Recognition and delineation of the ecotopes found on Akarnanika Mountains was performed by use of analysis of satellite pictures and photomaps, and changes were located. From low to high elevations, the area is covered by: phrygana of Phlomis fruticosa and Sarcopoterium spinosum, evergreen species of Quercus coccifera, Juniperus phoenicea, Arbutus unedo and Erica arborea, oak forests of Quercus ithaburensis subsp. macrolepis (dehesas), broadleaved oak and Q. ilex, fir forest of Abies cephalonica, alpine grasslands with Astragalus angustifolius, and bare rocky places. This study provides evidence that certain threatened ecotope types and grasslands ecosystems were reduced in the last decade. Moreover, changes in species composition, and lack of natural regeneration of forest species were observed, as a result of forest fires, uncontrolled grazing and deforestation for agricultural use.