Serpentinophilous grassland of Cyprus

Description (English)

Perennial herb communities restricted to ultramafic areas of Cyprus such as the Troodos mountains and the Akamas peninsula. The vegetation consists of small patches of sparse plant cover on rocky outcrops and stony places with a specialised flora, including several endemic species. Occurs at 700 to 1950 m in the central Troodos range although the most representative communities occur above 1700m. There are also similar communities at lower altitudes (350 –450m) on Akamas (western Troodos). The substrates are ultramafic rocks such as serpentine, dunite, werhlite & hurzburgite.

Source: Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats, version EUR 28 (2013)

Quick facts

EU Habitats Directive Annex I habitat type (code 62B0)
EU conservation status by biogeographical region Mediterranean - Favourable
Habitat type Priority
Natura 2000 sites 4 are designated for this habitat type

Distribution

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Conservation status

EU conservation status

Conservation status assesses every six years and for each biogeographical region the condition of habitats and species compared to the favourable status as described in the Habitats Directive. The map shows the 2007-2012 assessments as reported by EU Member State. Assessments are further detailed in the summary document available behind the link below.

Favourable: A habitat is in a situation where it is prospering and with good prospects to do so in the future as well
Unfavourable-Inadequate: A habitat is in a situation where a change in management or policy is required to return the habitat to favourable status but there is no danger of disappearance in the foreseeable future
Unfavourable-Bad: A habitat is in serious danger of disappearing (at least regionally)
Unknown: The information available for the habitat type is scarce and does not allow a proper assessment of its conservation status
Sources:

Species mentioned in habitat description

Flowering Plants Alyssum akamasicum
Flowering Plants Corydalis rutifolia
Flowering Plants Cynoglossum troodi
Flowering Plants Minuartia pichleri
Flowering Plants Onosma troodi
Species scientific name English common name Species group
Alyssum akamasicum Flowering Plants
Corydalis rutifolia Flowering Plants
Cynoglossum troodi Flowering Plants
Minuartia pichleri Flowering Plants
Onosma troodi Flowering Plants

Natura 2000 sites

Protected in the following Natura 2000 sites

Sitecode Country Site name Action
CY4000010 Cyprus CHERSONISOS AKAMA Map
CY4000023 Cyprus ZONI EIDIKIS PROSTASIAS CHERSONISOS AKAMA Map
CY5000001 Cyprus DASOS LEMESOU Map
CY5000004 Cyprus ETHNIKO DASIKO PARKO TROODOUS Map

Protected sites

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Relation to habitat classifications

Classification Code Habitat type name Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200711 H3.2763 Troodos serpentine chasmophyte communities same
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