Fine-scale EUNIS habitat mapping and forest spatial pattern analysis in a small Mediterranean city

The map of habitats of the municipality of Campobasso (Italy), at a scale of 1:5,000, was produced through the interpretation of aerial and satellite imagery, complemented by thematic maps, field surveys, and literature reviews. A total of 28 habitat types were identified according to the European Nature Information System (EUNIS). The spatial composition and configuration of EUNIS habitat types were analyzed across the study area along a natural-agricultural-artificial gradient and among six forest categories. The results indicate that native forests persist only in medium to large patches, whereas land-use-driven fragmentation leads to their replacement by smaller patches dominated by invasive alien species. This study represents one of the first high-resolution applications of EUNIS-based habitat classification in urban environments, adopting an ecosystem-based approach that may be useful for the implementation of European policies such as the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the Nature Restoration Law.