results into an overall very high regional sensitivity (Table 8.17). Characteristic for
lowland to midland vegetation types, the ecological envelope ranges from medium
temperature values during the vegetation period to habitat specific soil moisture
demands (Table 8.18, Fig. 8.8). Continental habitats are more or less indifferent in
their sensitivity against changing temperatures, but sensitive when it comes to
alterations in the soil moisture. However, the high magnitude changes of the
exposure temperature, especially in the dormant period and first 1/3 of the vegetation period, will induce phenological shifts as already stated by many studies
Table 8.17 Regional sensitivity values for the Continental region
Habitat type
Cnt. CONS REGE HORI ALTI WATER COVER NEOP Sum SEN
Freshwater
habitats
5 3
3
2
2
3
2
3
18 3
Grassland
formations
12 2
3
2
2
2
3
3
17 3
Bogs, mires and
fens
10 3
3
3
2
3
2
3
19 3
Rocky habitats
3 3
2
3
3
1
1
2
15 2
Forests
17 3
3
2
2
3
3
3
19 3
Table 8.18 Continental indicator values
Habitat type
Cnt. Spec
Temperature
Temp. SEN
Moisture
Moist. SEN
Freshwater habitats
78
Med
~
Moist/Wet
>Dry
Grassland formations
313
Med
~
Dry/Moist
>Wet
Bogs, mires and fens
191
Med
~
Moist
~
Rocky habitats
42
Low/Med
>High
Dry/Moist
>Wet
Forests
287
Med
~
Moist
~
Cnt. Spec indicates the number of species; Temp. SEN, Moist. SEN sensitivity for changes in
temperature and moisture
Fig. 8.8 Proportional distribution of the indicator values per habitats in the Continental region
8 Assessment of Climate-Induced Impacts on Habitats
127