Habitat e paesaggio vegetale del Nurcàra (Sardegna nord-occidentale)

The aim of the research project is to analyse the complexity of the rural landscape and vegetation of Nurcàra through inductive analysis of its habitats and vegetation types. This historical and geographical region of North West Sardinia lies within the present administrative boundaries of Villanova Monteleone, Monteleone Rocca Doria, Romana, Mara and Padria. Habitat identification will be carried out according to the “CORINE Biotopes” international system, “EUNIS” and “Natura 2000” network using ISPRA “Nature Map” (“Carta della Natura”) methodology at a scale of 1:50.000. The Habitat Map will be obtained through automised Remote sensing procedures using LANDSAT TM satellite images from 2000, photo-interpretation of aerial IT 2000 Orthophotos, field analysis and GIS data processing. The mapped habitats will be evaluated on the basis of a set of appropriate structural and ecological indicators, estimating their overall ecological value, sensitivity, human pressure and fragility of the ecosystems identified. The study will conclude with the production of a Map of landscape macro-categories, deriving from the aggregation of natural, rural and artificial macro-ecosystems with vegetation macro-typologies (herbaceous, shrub and tree canopies). Cartographic data provide valid technical support for all aspects of land management with a view to integrating the need to protect natural habitats and preserve biodiversity with policies of social and economic development.