PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The project area comprises 13 sub-areas, which are part of designated Natura 2000 sites. These areas are situated in the Thuringian basin (Thüringer Becken), with hills of clay, gypsum and the Triassic limestone substratum (Keuper, Muschelkalk) and in the north-eastern part of the area from metalliferous Permean strata. Locally there are Pleistocene loess and alluvial sediments. The climate of all sub-areas is dry-warm (sub-continental/continental); the region is one of the driest in Germany. This region harbours the main distribution of the sub-Pannonian steppe grasslands of Germany that are narrowly interspersed with other dry grassland types. The sub-Pannonian steppes and dry grasslands provide extreme habitat conditions, which result from the dry climate, the poor development of soil and the location's barren setting. They offer a habitat for many highly specialised animal and plant species and are characterised by high biodiversity. Among them numerous species are distributed mainly in Mediterranean and Eastern areas; their populations in the Thuringian basin display the western range margin and are partially rated as national or European rarities. The sub-Pannonian steppes and dry grasslands are home to botanical and animal treasures, including rare plant species such as stem-less milkvetch (Astragalus exscapus), viper's grass (Scorzonera purpurea), wolly milkvetch (Oxytropis pilosa), pheasant's eye (Adonis vernalis) and toothed orchid (Orchis tridentata), the butterfly Chazara briseis, the blue-winged grasshopper (Oedipoda caerulescens) and the land snail (Trochoidea geyeri).
OBJECTIVES
The project aims at the long-term conservation, development and enlargement of the Sub Pannonian steppe grasslands (*6240), semi-dry grasslands and scrubland areas on calcareous substrates (order Festuco-Brometalia) (important orchid sites *6210) and Rupicolous calcareous or basophil grasslands of the alliance Alysso-Sedion albi (*6110) of Thuringia, all of which are of nationwide importance. Further aims of the project are the improvement of transhumance, restoration of habitat corridors, specific management actions for the protection of endangered species and promotion of acceptance of the Natura 2000 programme. The implementation of the project will take place over six years. It could serve as model and give a practical boost to steppe grasslands conservation in Germany and some neighbouring countries. Management plans are being prepared for every project area and will include a grazing concept. The purchase of 220 ha has been foreseen. The project will improve the sheep-farming infrastructure of the project areas. It is the intention that land users will become long-term partners for biotope management in the project areas, and comprehensive public relations activities will inform the public about the importance of the target habitats and the Natura 2000 network. The management will be closely monitored and indicator species evaluated. At the end of the project the restored steppe and dry grasslands will be protected through long-term management measures.
