Coastal vertical cliffs of the National Park of Cilento: reservoirs of endemic species

Vertical cliffs are widely distributed, are characterized by peculiar environmental characteristics and are generally acclaimed for their flora rich of phylogenetic relicts and rare species. Many vertical cliffs occur along the coastline of the National Park of Cilento (Tyrrhenian coast of Southern Italy), an area highly affected by human impact. Using a multidisciplinary approach we aimed at verifying in this habitat the occurrence of a set of features repeatedly reported for vertical cliffs worldwide. The overall analysis of information available in literature and newly elaborated data showed that geological, geomorphological and structural features of coastal cliffs of Cilento and the number of endemic species, much higher than in the surrounding areas, are consistent with those reported for cliffs in other geographical region. Biological and ecological traits of one of the relict species, Primula palinuri Petagna, highlighted that not all the sites on the cliffs are equally suitable for life requirements of the species; moreover, long term survival of the populations is at risk due to large failure in generation turnover. Coastal cliffs of Cilento act as refuge of endemic species and deserve special concern for biodiversity conservation.