Riparian Vegetation Along the Scroafa Stream and Its Tributaries (Southern Transylvanian Tableland) Under Changing Ecological Conditions and Human Intervention

The riparian softwood galleries of the Scroafa Stream basin, part of the South Eastern Transylvanian Tableland are presented and discussed under the aspect of their site conditions, species composition, vertical structure by different layers, ecological requirements and their change along the stream banks from the source to the mouth in the Târnava Mare River. Their stretches are compared, with commonalities and differences highlighted. The impact of human dependent changes and the future of the galleries with climate changes are addressed. The importance of the riparian softwood stands is also presented in the context of the Natura 2000 network, as they are included in the list as priority habitat types.