Comparing diversity indices in rangelands in different areas of Sardinia (Italy)

An evaluation of diversity indices was carried out on 144 plots in Sardinia (Italy), located in natural or semi-natural rangelands, in three different sites (Goceano, Ogliastra and Marmilla-Sarcidano-Barigadu) across a geographic gradient. These rangelands are grazed by different animal species (sheep, goats, pigs,cattle, horses, donkeys) throughout the year. Vegetation surveys were conducted applying the Braun-Blanquet phytosociological method. Significant similarities and differences were found between diversity indices in the three sites examined. In this study, we propose a methodology for selecting a reduced set of diversity indices for Sardinian rangelands.