Conservation of endemic species and dry grassland habitats in the contact zone of Pannonian and Alpine bioregions

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

This project targets six plant species and three dry grassland habitats in 17 Slovakian Natura 2000 sites as well as seven sites in Hungary in the contact zone of the Pannonian and Alpine bioregions. The plants comprise Linum dolomiticum, Ferula sadleriana, Vincetoxicum pannonicum, Dianthus lumnitzeri, Tephroseris longifolia subsp. moravica and Crambe tataria, the first five of which are endemic. The main threats to these species and habitats are: excessive pressure from visitors and game; overgrowth by non-native and invasive alien species (IAS), including trees and shrubs; absence of traditional management; extreme microclimatic conditions; habitat fragmentation and small populations; and lack of scientific knowledge and public awareness.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of LIFE endemic PANALP is to improve the conservation status of the six plant species and three dry grassland habitats targeted. For the endemic species, the projects actions will cover the majority or the whole population. It will use a complex set of conservation measures, addressing all the main threats (trampling and soil erosion caused by tourists and paragliders, pressure from game, non-native and IAS shrubs, extreme microclimate) and improve their situation long term. Minor restoration actions are also planned for five insect species listed in annexes II and IV of the EUs Habitats Directive, namely: the large blue (Maculinea arion), clouded Apollo (Parnassius mnemosyne), Apollo (Parnassius apollo) and Eriogaster catax butterflies and the great capricorn beetle (Cerambyx cerdo). This work will restore a mosaic of stepping stones, increasing the functionality and overall connectivity of the restored Natura 2000 sites within the project area.

LIFE endemic PANALP will contribute to implementation of the EUs Habitats Directive and the IAS Regulation, as well as the political framework for tourism in Europe (COM/2010/0352), while being fully in line with the national prioritised action frameworks of Hungary and Slovakia for financing the Natura 2000 network. The project also aims to improve the setting of common agricultural policy eco-schemes in Slovakia.

RESULTS

Expected results:

Population decline of L. dolomiticum halted and long-term conditions secured for its stabilisation and future growth, improved habitat conditions on 140 ha (100% of the species area) and habitat enlarged by at least 0.4 ha;

F. sadleriana population stabilised within the project sites, population increase of 5% achieved by the projects end and habitat conditions improved on almost 1 ha (covering more than 50% of the species population worldwide);

10% increase in V. pannonicum population by the projects end, improved habitat conditions on over 30 ha (covering 80-90% of the species total population), new habitat created on at least 4 ha, and population increase at a Hungarian site (Szrsomly) by ex-situ cultivation of a minimum of 60 individuals, establishing a new micro-population;

D. lumnitzeri population increased by at least 5%, habitat conditions improved on 30 ha (in Slovakia) and new habitat created on a minimum of 6 ha;

Increase in population of T. longifolia subsp. moravica in the project area by a minimum of 10%, suitable habitat created and new micropopulations established on at least 0.3 ha;

C. tataria population increased by at least 10%, habitat conditions improved on 60 ha and extensive grazing secured as sustainable long-term management of the species habitat on at least 10 ha;

Improved conservation status of dry grassland habitats targeted on almost 440 ha (nearly 220 ha in Hungary and 220 ha in Slovakia);

Long-term and sustainable management secured (by extensive grazing or mowing) on 90 ha of target habitats (10 ha in Hungary, 80 ha in Slovakia);

Habitat connectivity improved by restoring 12 ha of stepping stones in at least five locations; and

Infrastructure created for visitors (elevated trails, platforms, etc.), diverting tourism pressure from target species and habitats whilst enabling visitors to enjoy the sites.