Plants and grazing: an evaluation of the effects on Sardinian endemic plants conservation

We analysed the relationship between the 302 endemic entities of the Sardinian flora and the free-ranging domestic herbivores. This study highlights that the presence of spines, toxic compounds, resins, aromas and the adaptation to specific habitats are very effective defense traits that concur to the conservation of these species. The presence and abundance of 45.4 % endemic entities of the Sardinian flora is not affected by grazing and browsing, while domestic herbivores promote the presence and abundance of 38.4 % of endemic entities by reducing other competing species such as pabular herbs and woody species. However, grazing and browsing may threaten 16.2 % of the endemic species. This study remarks the importance of the management of free-ranging domestic herbivores for effective conservation politics aiming to protect the endemic entities of the Sardinian flora.