Vegetation Ecology and Conservation of Undervalued or Threatened Habitats in South-eastern Europe

South-Eastern Europe is one of the continent’s most biodiverse regions - a mosaic of plant communities shaped by complex topography, climatic gradients, and centuries of land use. Yet many of its ecologically significant habitats remain poorly studied and underrepresented in conservation planning. Alpine fens, serpentine outcrops, thermophilic oak forests, and alluvial meadows are often fragmented, inadequately mapped, and increasingly exposed to climate change, land degradation, and development pressure.This Research Topic focuses on the structure, composition, ecology, and dynamics of these undervalued and threatened habitats across Southeast Europe. It brings together research spanning the Balkans, Carpathians, and Mediterranean, with a particular emphasis on transboundary and interdisciplinary approaches.We welcome contributions covering, but not limited to, the following themes:o Vegetation ecology and phytosociology of threatened or rare habitat typeso Plant functional traits and community assemblyo Habitat mapping, monitoring, and condition assessmento Red List assessments of habitats and plant specieso Biogeography and endemism in Southeast European florao Restoration ecology and evidence-based conservation strategieso Responses of plant communities to climate change and land-use changeRelevant article types include: Original Research, Review, Systematic Review, Mini Review, Methods, Data Report, Perspective, and Hypothesis & Theory.By assembling current knowledge on these overlooked ecosystems, this collection aims to strengthen the scientific basis for regional biodiversity planning and conservation policy across Southeast Europe. Topic editors: Boris Radak, Anna Mastrogianni Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/75810/vegetation-ecology-and-conservation-of-undervalued-or-threatened-habitats-in-south-eastern-europe