title: Overview of temporary ponds in the Mediterranean region: threats, management and conservation issues.
abstract: Mediterranean temporary ponds (MTPs) comprise an endangered habitat with several endemic species that can be found in many countries, mainly in the Mediterranean region but are disappearing at a high rate. For designing optimal conservation and management strategies for the particular ecosystems, appropriate characterization and classification of these ponds is necessary based on the different type of habitats and on their varying environmental conditions. This paper presents the current ecological status and the threats of Mediterranean temporary ponds and summarizes some management and conservation issues based on the existing experience on a regional level. Emphasis is given in the Greek MTPs with respect to their characteristics and the pressures received mainly from human activities such as agriculture and water overexploitation. Restoration practices should be commenced immediately aiming at the reestablishment of the ponds' hydroperiod and water quality at the natural levels.
authors: University of Ioannina, Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, 2 Seferi Str., 30100 Agrinio, Greece.
authors: Ierotheos
authors: I
authors: Zacharias
authors: Elias
authors: E
authors: Dimitriou
authors: Angela
authors: A
authors: Dekker
authors: Edith
authors: E
authors: Dorsman
mesh_terms: D000663:Amphibians; D000818:Animals; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D017753:Ecosystem; D005618:Fresh Water; D007448:Invertebrates; D019083:Mediterranean Region; D010944:Plants