Assessing early-stage vegetation recovery after an Alpine wildfire using field and remote sensing data (South Tyrol, Italy)

Wildfires represent a growing disturbance in Alpine ecosystems. In Val Venosta (South Tyrol), we conducted the first assessment of vegetation recovery five months after a wildfire in Laces (Latsch). By integrating field surveys and remote sensing, we evaluated regeneration dynamics and fire severity. We analyzed floristic and vegetation composition, life forms, functional traits, and seed dispersal strategies. Our results revealed a community dominated by pioneer species, with Asteraceae as the most represented family (21.43%) and hemicryptophytes as the prevalent life form (57.1%). The burn severity analysis, evaluated at the landscape scale using satellite images, classified severity as mostly low (76.3%) to moderate-low (23.7%). At this early stage, no statistically significant differences in plant diversity were found between fenced and unfenced plots. A key finding was the presence of the invasive alien species Senecio inaequidens at 1350 m a.s.l., signaling a potential threat to the native plants. Additionally, the review of the phytosociological nomenclature of one association within the Pyrolo-Pinetea sylvestris class is provided. This study establishes a critical baseline for monitoring post-fire succession in Laces. While initial regeneration is proceeding, driven by resprouters and efficient seed dispersal, the encroachment of invasive species requires careful monitoring. These findings are fundamental for developing targeted, long-term conservation and management actions for this fire-affected Alpine ecosystem. Graphical abstract