Plant Science, Ecology, Nature and Landscape Conservation, Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
26
Scopus Publications
669
Scholar Citations
14
Scholar h-index
17
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
PondNet – towards a global network of experiments on the effects of climate change on aquatic ecosystems Miguel G. Matias, Dominique Gravel, Jonathan M. Chase, Carla Pinto‐ Cruz, David García‐ Callejas, et al. Ecography, 2026 Global change is reshaping the distribution of biodiversity and the functioning of ecosystems. Predicting the long‐term consequences of such changes remains a challenge due to a need for a clear understanding of the mechanisms underpinning ecosystem‐level responses, as well as the role of geographical and environmental contingencies. We propose that these gaps can be addressed for freshwater ecosystems using a globally distributed experiment with standardized observations and disturbances. Specifically, this paper outlines the structure of PondNet – a globally distributed network of pond mesocosm experiments – designed to investigate how aquatic food webs respond to environmental change across broad geographical gradients. Pond mesocosms are affordable, low maintenance and easily replicated model ecosystems, with broadly predictable trophic architectures and community size‐structure. PondNet would implement state‐of‐the‐art environmental DNA biodiversity assessments for standardized taxonomic identification across biogeographical regions. A major operational bottleneck for developing a global understanding of environmental change effects on ecosystem functioning is the current lack of standardized experiments across coordinated infrastructures. We propose that by building on existing distributed experiments, we can assemble a modular participation scheme that ensures broad biogeographical coverage whilst accounting for varying levels of resource commitments from local hosts. PondNet aims to answer two overarching questions: 1) how general are community, food web and ecosystem‐level responses to climate change across scales (i.e. local environmental gradients to biogeographical regions)?, and 2) to what extent are such responses contingent on local climate, environment, and regional species pools? PondNet will contribute to developing predictive models that can be adaptively improved from testing with data from globally replicated experiments and monitoring programmes.
Status and future of seed conservation of threatened plants in the post-2020 era Andreas Ensslin, Adelaide Clemente, Udayangani Liu, Elke Zippel, Carla Pinto‐Cruz, et al. Plants People Planet, 2026 Societal Impact Statement Ambitious targets have been set to backup seeds of threatened plants by the global strategy for plant conservation (GSPC), but it is unclear in how far these targets have been met and how seed collection should be organized to meet future challenges. Here, we provide an overview of the status of 44 countries in achieving seed conservation targets. We show that progress varies strongly across countries, but in general, targets of the 2011–2020 GSCP have not been reached. By a regional example, we illustrate how seed collection could be organized to safeguard our threatened flora. Summary Seed banking of wild plants is a central pillar of conservation strategies for threatened plants. Target 8 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) called for at least 75% of threatened plant species to be conserved ex situ by 2020, but to what extent countries have achieved this target is unclear. Consequently, it is unknown how seed banking should be organized in future to safeguard plant diversity and support the increasing demand for seeds for habitat restoration. We conducted a comprehensive survey across 44 countries in Europe and western Asia and collected information on seed bank stocks of native taxa. We harmonized the taxonomic names across the collections and matched them against a database of national plant Red Lists to assign each taxon its IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) threat status in its country of origin. We analysed each country's achievement in terms of the conservation of its threatened flora and evaluated the quality of the collections in terms of genetic representativeness and seed quantity. We found that none of the studied countries had reached Target 8 of the GSPC by 2020. While a few countries had come close to it, on average only 21% of threatened taxa were conserved across countries. Our results demonstrate that the current seed conservation strategy has not met conservation demands. Using an example from Belgium, where considerable progress has been achieved by investing in a network of volunteer seed collectors, we show how future seed collection could be organized in collaborative community‐based approaches.
How can Mediterranean temporary ponds benefit from disturbance? Challenges and lessons learned from vegetation management Carla Pinto‐Cruz, Paula Matono, Erika Almeida, Catarina Meireles, Mariana P. Fernandes, et al. Restoration Ecology, 2023 Mediterranean temporary ponds (MTPs) are seasonal wetland habitats usually flooded during the rainy season but drying out during the warmer months. Due to their biodiversity, uniqueness, and numerous threats, they are listed as a priority for conservation under the Habitats Directive. Despite all the efforts made so far, they are still in poor conservation status in the Mediterranean biogeographic region, making it urgent to define efficient conservation and restoration actions. In this work, we used two case studies to evaluate the conservation status improvement of MTPs located on the southwest coast of Portugal, following the implementation of different management techniques. Sampling was based on floristic surveys to assess plant richness and species frequency, namely of characteristic MTPs species. In the first case, we tested three management techniques (direct grazing, vegetation cutting, and biomass cut/removal, followed by topsoil plowing—simulating wild boar trampling and wallowing) in plots installed in three MTPs between 2017 and 2018. Plots subject to wild boar simulation disturbance showed higher species richness, higher frequency of characteristic species, and lower dominance of Agrostis stolonifera. In the second case, we upscaled this technique as an ecological restoration action by using it in 10 MTPs between 2018 and 2021. We observed a positive effect on the habitat's structure and conservation status, although the possible influence of recurrent drought periods in the last decade is discussed. This study provides insights into a rare wetland habitat based on lessons learned from hands‐on conservation actions, while also identifying new challenges and knowledge gaps.
Sowing wildflower meadows in Mediterranean peri-urban green areas to promote grassland diversity Mariana P. Fernandes, Paula Matono, Erika Almeida, Carla Pinto-Cruz, Anabela D. F. Belo Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 2023 IntroductionThe increase of urban areas and their infrastructure network is homogenizing the landscape and threatening biodiversity and ecosystems functions and services. Wildflower meadows have a high biodiversity value and can prosper in degraded areas dominated by nitrophilous species, making them suitable to be used in peri-urban and urban areas to promote local flora, create habitat for pollinators and other small fauna, and increase overall biodiversity. Moreover, the application of wildflowers seed mixes suitable for rehabilitating anthropized environments should be restricted to native species of regional origin, and the results properly monitored. However, thorough monitoring of seed mixes evolution is uncommon. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a seed mix of wild native species developed to promote grassland diversity in Mediterranean peri-urban areas.MethodsThe study was divided into two sequential phases. Firstly, a preparatory phase consisted in developing two seed mixes and sowing them (autumn 2016) in ex-situ plots (three plots of 5 × 2 m2 per mix) at an experimental field to choose the one with the best performance. The second phase consisted of the in-situ application (autumn 2018) of the chosen seed mix by sowing 14 plots (10 × 2 m2) in pocket parks distributed along pedestrian trails of South Portugal. All plots were monitored through floristic surveys for two springs (ex-situ trials: 2017 and 2018; in-situ trials: 2019 and 2020).ResultsAll sowed species germinated in the in-situ plots over the first 2 years. The seed mix application positively contributed to the floristic community, generating a significant increase in the total species richness, diversity, evenness, and vegetation cover. The seed mix establishment did not require watering nor soil fertilizing and the mowing frequency was low (once in late spring), contributing to sustainable and low-cost management of these green areas.DiscussionThe tested seed mix promoted native flora diversity rapidly and seems suitable for use in peri-urban context under identical climate conditions. Given the small number of native seed mixes tested in the Mediterranean, this study represents a contribution toward improved management standards of native flora diversity in Mediterranean green urban and peri-urban areas.
Result-based payments as a tool to preserve the High Nature Value of complex silvo-pastoral systems: Progress toward farm-based indicators Teresa Pinto-Correia, Isabel Ferraz-de-Oliveira, Maria Helena Guimarães, Elvira Sales-Baptista, Carla Pinto-Cruz, et al. Ecology and Society, 2022 As shown by the Green Deal's ambition, the European Commission is progressively pushing for an environmental shift and climate action in Europe. For the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), this involves a stronger focus on greening policy objectives. For agri-environmental schemes, this entails changes toward performance-based payments, partially replacing traditional activity-based payments. The CAP foresees greater flexibility in national programs and tailor-made solutions centered on results (i.e. environmental outcomes), benefiting farmers who go beyond the minimum environmental performance required. The environmental outcomes of farm practices must be assessed so that changes can be monitored over time and linked to payment delivery. This requires stakeholders to collaborate with researchers to identify farm-based indicators that are easily applicable, to achieve environmental results that are dependent on farm practices, and to assess and monitor changes in outcomes over time. The analysis in this paper is based on a transdisciplinary process that began in 2017 in a Natura 2000 site and its surroundings in Southern Portugal, to identify result-based measures for the Montado silvo-pastoral system. Farmers' understanding of how to adapt their practices to reach better environmental results was combined with scientific knowledge of the relevant environmental outcomes and how these can be assessed with indicators. Ten field-based visual indicators were defined, which farmers applied in the field, and validated by technical staff. These indicators are related to several aspects of the silvo-pastoral system: soil quality, pasture diversity, tree renewal, tree health, singular landscape elements, and biodiversity. The approach used in this process was innovative. We describe each step and present its advantages and drawbacks for designing and implementing result-based payments. Ultimately, their implementation is expected to lead to higher sustainability in the Montado.
Genetic diversity and population structure of Cynara cardunculus L. In southern Portugal Maria Miguel Castro, Daniela Rosa, Ana M. Ferro, Ana Faustino, Ana Paulino, et al. Plos One, 2021 Cynara cardunculusL. is a cardoon species native to the Mediterranean region, which is composed of three botanical taxa, each having distinct biological characteristics. The aim of this study was to examine wild populations ofC.cardunculusestablished in Portugal, in order to determine their genetic diversity, geographic distribution, and population structure. Based on SSR markers, 121 individuals ofC.cardunculusfrom 17 wild populations of the Portuguese Alentejo region were identified and analysed. Ten SSRs were found to be efficient markers in the genetic diversity analysis. The total number of alleles ranged from 9 to 17 per locus. The expected and observed means in heterozygosity, by population analysed, were 0.591 and 0.577, respectively. The wild population exhibited a high level of genetic diversity at the species level. The highest proportion of genetic variation was identified within a geographic group, while variation was lower among groups. Geographic areas having highest genetic diversity were identified in Alvito, Herdade da Abóboda, Herdade da Revilheira and Herdade de São Romão populations. Moreover, significant genetic differentiation existed between wild populations from North-Alentejo geographic locations (Arraiolos, Évora, Monte da Chaminé) and Centro Hortofrutícola, compared with other populations. This study reports genetic diversity among a representative number of wild populations and genotypes ofC.cardunculusfrom Portugal. These results will provide valuable information towards future management ofC.cardunculusgermplasm.
Resolving some nomenclatural issues on Isoeto-Nanojuncetea and four new communities of the Iberian Peninsula Vasco Silva, Sílvia Ribeiro, Jose Antonio Molina, Carla Pinto-Cruz, José Carlos Costa, et al. Mediterranean Botany, 2021 We describe four new vegetation units and propose 17 new typifications and 24 altered names of syntaxa belonging to Isoeto-Nanojuncetea. Information is also provided on the publication dates of the alliances Isoetion and Preslion.
Status and future of seed conservation of threatened plants in the post‐2020 era A Ensslin, A Clemente, U Liu, E Zippel, C Pinto‐Cruz, C Sanchez Romero, ... Plants, People, Planet , 2026 2026
Artificial permanent ponds are valuable for bats: a comparison with temporary ponds in a Mediterranean region J Ribeiro-Silva, C Pinto-Cruz, A Mira, JT Marques BMC Ecology and Evolution 25 (1), 110 , 2025 2025
Promoting Landscape Heterogeneity in Silvopastoral Systems through Very High-Voltage Power Line Pylons: An Unconventional Approach M Fernandes, P Matono, C Pinto-Cruz, E Almeida, A Nunes, A Belo, ... ARPHA Conference Abstracts 8, e148149 , 2025 2025
Monitoring mulch-based solutions to reduce runoff and erosion in a variety of land uses in the Alentejo agro-silvo-pastoral systems J Canedo, NG Vicente European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2024 (EGU24), 5589 , 2024 2024
BIOMONTADO–Montado ecosystem and vineyards C Pinto-Cruz, A Belo, E Almeida, C Janeiro, I Brito, A Alexandre, S Prats, ... Universidade de Évora , 2024 2024
Plantas nativas na cidade-repensar os espaços verdes urbanos A Belo, C Pinto-Cruz AMBIOS PORTUGAL , 2023 2023
How can Mediterranean temporary ponds benefit from disturbance? Challenges and lessons learned from vegetation management C Pinto‐Cruz, P Matono, E Almeida, C Meireles, MP Fernandes, ... Restoration Ecology 31 (8), e14045 , 2023 2023 Citations: 5
Projeto SUMO: Sustentabilidade do Montado-Uma abordagem multidisciplinar ao ecossistema Montado com ênfase na produção animal e na biodiversidade R Charneca, E Bettencourt, L Padre, T Nunes, JM Martins, J Serrano, ... APEZ-Associação Portuguesa de Engenharia Zootécnica , 2023 2023
Farming for nature in the Montado: the application of ecosystem services in a results-based model MH Guimaraes, T Pinto-Correia, MBC Freitas, I Ferraz-de-Oliveira, ... Ecosystem Services 61, 101524 , 2023 2023 Citations: 27
Sowing wildflower meadows in Mediterranean peri-urban green areas to promote grassland diversity MP Fernandes, P Matono, E Almeida, C Pinto-Cruz, ADF Belo Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 11, 1112596 , 2023 2023 Citations: 10
Árvores ao pé da porta-árvores do Centro Histórico de Évora/Trees at your door–trees of the Historic Centre of Évora. ADF Belo, C Pinto-Cruz, MC Castro Companhia das Ilhas, Lda , 2022 2022
Disentangling food-web environment relationships: A review with guidelines F Mestre, D Gravel, D García-Callejas, C Pinto-Cruz, MG Matias, ... Basic and Applied Ecology 61, 102-115 , 2022 2022 Citations: 33
Result-based payments as a tool to preserve the High Nature Value of complex silvo-pastoral systems: progress towards farm-based indicators T Pinto-Correia, MI Ferraz-de-Oliveira, MH Guimarães, E Sales-Baptista, ... ECOLOGY AND SOCIETY , 2022 2022 Citations: 24
Restoration of Mediterranean temporary ponds in Portugal: challenges and opportunities C Pinto-Cruz, E Almeira, N Pedroso, A Belo Sapienza University of Rome & MUSE-Museo delle Scienze di Trento , 2022 2022 Citations: 1
Grazing as a conservation tool in Mediterranean temporary ponds N Pedroso, A Belo, E Almeida, P Matono, C Meireles, C Pinto-Cruz Sapienza University of Rome & MUSE-Museo delle Scienze di Trento , 2022 2022
Isoetes delilei Rothm. em Portugal continental, sua corologia e avaliação da categoria IUCN V Silva, C Pinto-Cruz, S Ribeiro, L Silva, C Miguel, P Paes, ... 2022
Best Pratice Guide to Manage Vegetation and Promote Biodiversity in Linear Infrastructures ADF Belo, C Pinto-Cruz, MP Fernandes, P Matono, P Canha Universidade de Évora , 2022 2022
Seed germination of six Iberian endemic species–a contribution to enhance plant conservation MP Fernandes, C Pinto-Cruz, E Almeida, M Emídio, MP Simões, ... Plant Biosystems-An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant … , 2021 2021 Citations: 3
Genetic diversity and population structure of Cynara cardunculus L. in Portugal ADF Belo, C Pinto-Cruz Plos One , 2021 2021
Plant communities as a tool in temporary ponds conservation in SW Portugal C Pinto-Cruz, JA Molina, M Barbour, V Silva, MD Espírito-Santo Hydrobiologia 634 (1), 11-24 , 2009 2009 Citations: 87
Characterization of Cynara cardunculus L. flower from Alentejo as a coagulant agent for cheesemaking S Gomes, AT Belo, N Alvarenga, J Dias, P Lage, C Pinheiro, C Pinto-Cruz, ... International Dairy Journal 91, 178-184 , 2019 2019 Citations: 74
Natural vegetation management to conserve biodiversity and soil water in olive orchards MP Simoes, AF Belo, C Pinto-Cruz, AC Pinheiro Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research 12 (3), 633-643 , 2014 2014 Citations: 72
Conservation of Mediterranean oak woodlands: understorey dynamics under different shrub management C Canteiro, C Pinto-Cruz, MP Simões, L Gazarini Agroforestry Systems 82 (2), 161-171 , 2011 2011 Citations: 38
Pilularia minuta Durieu, Nova localizacào para Portugal (Província Alto Alentejo). V Silva, CP Cruz, MD Espírito-Santo Acta botánica malacitana, 353-354 , 2008 2008 Citations: 35
Dispersal mode and spatial extent influence distance-decay patterns in pond metacommunities I Tornero, D Boix, S Bagella, C Pinto-Cruz, MC Caria, A Belo, ... PLoS One 13 (8), e0203119 , 2018 2018 Citations: 34
Assessing the conservation status of Mediterranean temporary ponds using biodiversity: a new tool for practitioners A Lumbreras, JT Marques, AF Belo, M Cristo, M Fernandes, D Galioto, ... Hydrobiologia 782 (1), 187-199 , 2016 2016 Citations: 34
Disentangling food-web environment relationships: A review with guidelines F Mestre, D Gravel, D García-Callejas, C Pinto-Cruz, MG Matias, ... Basic and Applied Ecology 61, 102-115 , 2022 2022 Citations: 33
Farming for nature in the Montado: the application of ecosystem services in a results-based model MH Guimaraes, T Pinto-Correia, MBC Freitas, I Ferraz-de-Oliveira, ... Ecosystem Services 61, 101524 , 2023 2023 Citations: 27
Result-based payments as a tool to preserve the High Nature Value of complex silvo-pastoral systems: progress towards farm-based indicators T Pinto-Correia, MI Ferraz-de-Oliveira, MH Guimarães, E Sales-Baptista, ... ECOLOGY AND SOCIETY , 2022 2022 Citations: 24
Biotic and abiotic parameters that distinguish types of temporary ponds in a Portuguese Mediterranean ecosystem C Pinto-Cruz, AM Barbosa, JA Molina, MD Espírito-Santo Ecological Indicators 11 (6), 1658-1663 , 2011 2011 Citations: 24
Temporary ponds and hygrophilous grasslands plant communities in Monfurado Site of Community Importance V Silva, C Pinto-Cruz, MD Espírito-Santo Lazaroa , 2009 2009 Citations: 24
Vegetação de Charcos Temporários. A Vegetação de Portugal. C Pinto-Cruz, V Silva Imprensa Nacional , 2021 2021 Citations: 20
Plano de gestão de charcos temporários mediterrânicos no concelho de odemira APNF Canha PQDT-Global , 2010 2010 Citations: 15
Contribución al conocimiento de la flora y vegetación de los humedales temporales del noroeste de Marruecos JA Molina, H Tahiri, E Agostinelli, FE El Alaoui-Faris, A Lumbreras, ... Mediterranean Botany 30, 251 , 2009 2009 Citations: 14
Habitat variation in vernal pool ecosystems on both sides of the Strait of Gibraltar A Lumbreras, H Tahiri, C Pinto-Cruz, C Pardo, JA Molina Journal of Coastal Research 28 (5), 1032-1039 , 2012 2012 Citations: 13
Sowing wildflower meadows in Mediterranean peri-urban green areas to promote grassland diversity MP Fernandes, P Matono, E Almeida, C Pinto-Cruz, ADF Belo Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 11, 1112596 , 2023 2023 Citations: 10
Genetic diversity and population structure of Cynara cardunculus L . in southern Portugal MM Castro, D Rosa, AM Ferro, A Faustino, A Paulino, T Brás, E Machado, ... PLoS One 16 (6), e0252792 , 2021 2021 Citations: 8
Nova associação de charcos temporários mediterrânicos do SW da Península Ibérica: Eryngio corniculati-Isoetetum setacei V Silva, JA Molina, JC Costa, C Pinto-Cruz, MD Espírito-Santo Univ. de Malaga , 2009 2009 Citations: 8
Sobre as orlas e bosques higrofílicos do divisório português V Silva, E Portela-Pereira, JC Costa, P Arsénio, T Monteiro-Henriques, ... Silva , 2012 2012 Citations: 6
