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Common snowdrop as a climate change bioindicator in Czechia
Lenka Hájková1, Martin Možný2, Veronika Oušková2
1Department of Biometeorological Applications, Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, Na Šabatce 17, Prague, Czech Republic. lenka.hajkova@chmi.cz.
International Journal of Biometeorology
|January 18, 2023
Summary
The common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) is flowering earlier due to climate change, with significant shifts observed in Czechia between 1923-2021. This earlier flowering correlates with reduced snow cover and warmer temperatures, especially in urban areas.
Area of Science:
- Phenology and Climate Change
- Plant Ecology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Species exhibit varied phenological responses to climate change.
- The common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) is a sensitive indicator species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the timing of G. nivalis flowering in relation to meteorological variables in Czechia from 1923-2021.
- To investigate trends and correlations between flowering onset and climate factors in urban and rural settings.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of long-term phenological and meteorological data from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI).
- Temporal and spatial evaluation using Geographic Information System (GIS).
- Application of Mann-Kendall test for trend analysis and Pearson's correlation for variable relationships.
Main Results:
- A significant negative trend in the onset of G. nivalis flowering was observed (-0.20 days/year in urban areas, -0.11 days/year in rural areas).
- A turning point in flowering and meteorological variables occurred around 1987-1988, with increased variability post-1988.
- Flowering onset strongly correlated with reduced snow cover duration and increased February mean, January maximum, and March minimum air temperatures.
Conclusions:
- Climate change is causing a significant advancement in G. nivalis flowering in Czechia.
- Reduced snow cover and warming trends are key drivers of these phenological shifts.
- Urban areas show a more pronounced acceleration in flowering compared to rural environments.
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