Artificial lakes play an important role in maintaining the valuable biodiversity linked to water bodies and related habitats. The vascular plant diversity of eight reservoirs and surrounding areas in southern Italy was inventoried and further analysed in terms of biodiversity. A total of 730 specific and subspecific taxa were recorded, with 179 taxa in the poorest area and 303 in the richest one. The results indicate a good richness of the habitats surrounding the water basins, with some species of nature conservation interest and only a few alien species.

vascular plants; reservoirs; southern Italy; wetlands; flora

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