Improving alkaline fen functioning and Liparis loeselii (L.) Rich., 1817 preservation: towards a better water level management

TL;DR

This study investigates how water level management influences the preservation of Liparis loeselii in alkaline fens, highlighting the importance of hydrological conditions for conservation efforts and fen restoration.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the relationship between water levels, elevation, and Liparis loeselii presence, informing better water management for fen conservation.

Findings

Optimal water levels promote Liparis loeselii occurrence.

High water levels may hinder population dispersal.

Hydrological management can enhance fen restoration efforts.

Abstract

Alkaline fens are known to be wetlands that host large quantities of carbon, but also a huge biodiversity. However, anthropic pressures are degrading the peatlands with drainage, and conversion to agriculture or urbanization. These pressures induce externalities like a large release of greenhouse gas (GHG) by peat mineralization, and a loss of biodiversity, since they host numerous protected or endangered species. One of them is the Liparis loeselii, a small orchid facing declines in Europe and for which conservation measures are taken. Nevertheless, if recent studies inferred some factors shaping its population dynamics, they are still not clearly understood, particularly in fen contexts. This study aims at disentangle the processes shaping a continental population of L. loeselii in the Somme valley, among factors related to the hydrology of the site and the elevation of the individuals. We used Bayesian generalized linear models to infer the seasonal water level effects on the presence of L. loeselii. Moreover, we showed that the elevation of L. loeselii population is around the mean water levels of winter, and that the occurrence can be promoted by water level, notably in summer. Conversely, the highest water levels reported seemed detrimental to the L. loeselii population, suggesting a probably negative effect of flooding acting on local dispersal. Finally, this study provides insights to take restoration measures of alkaline fens, like a better hydrological functioning and an optimal water management.