Protecting monuments and plant biodiversity in archaeological sites: the case of the Etruscan necropolis of “Monterozzi” (Tarquinia, central Italy)

In archaeological sites, plants and monuments have close interactions, with several positive and negative effects on both sides. Previous data showed that archaeological sites often host high plant biodiversity values, which benefits from the presence of semi-natural habitats arising from cultural heritage conservation policies. To further investigate such biological value, we selected the UNESCO WHS of “Monterozzi” of Tarquinia, an Etruscan necropolis hosting both a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation for the preservation of nature. In this area, we previously carried out studies on the positive effects of plant cover on the microclimatic stabilisation of the mural paintings in hypogeal tombs, and on the risks due to root penetration. To assess plant biodiversity and ecological characterisation of plant phytocoenoses, we carried out 42 phytosociological field surveys. The evaluation of the ecological features of such communities highlighted the dominance of classes of vegetation of the Mediterranean grasslands together with synanthropic herbaceous communities. Finally, we compared our flora with national and international red lists, laws, and directives to identify their natural interest. Our preliminary results showed an undeniable plant richness of plant communities, with the presence of protected, endangered, or rare species for the region, as in the case of different orchids. Our results highlighted the further natural value of the archaeological site and the importance of planning botanical investigations to balance interventions of plant management, when natural emergencies occur, and to favour the reconstruction of natural landscapes.