EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > U - Inland habitats with no or little soil and mostly with sparse vegetation > U3 - Inland cliffs, rock pavements and outcrops > U37 - Temperate, lowland to montane base-rich inland cliff

Temperate, lowland to montane base-rich inland cliff

Description (English)

Calcareous or base-rich rock faces and crevices of the lowland to montane belts of European mountains in the temperate region. Though conditions are not so severe as at higher altitudes, plant species growing on these rocks are adapted to extreme habitat conditions, such as strong solar radiation, a low water content, strong fluctuations in day/night and seasonal temperature, strong winds, absence of snow cover, and poorly developed soil. Many endemic and rare species occur here.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code U37
Relation to	Resolution 4 habitat type (used for designation of Emerald sites)

Legal status

Relation to other habitat types mentioned in legal instruments

Legal text	Annex	Name in legal text	Code in legal text	Habitat type relationship	More information
Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats	Revised Annex I of Resolution 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention on endangered natural habitats types using the EUNIS habitat classification (year of revision 2010)	Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation	8210	Narrower	https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc....ckColorLogged=FDC864 Resolution No. 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention lists endangered natural habitats requiring specific conservation measures [and the designation of Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCIs) forming the Emerald network]
Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats	Revised Annex I of Resolution 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention on endangered natural habitats types using the EUNIS habitat classification (year of revision 2010)	Basic and ultra-basic inland cliffs	H3.2	Narrower	https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc....ckColorLogged=FDC864 Resolution No. 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention lists endangered natural habitats requiring specific conservation measures [and the designation of Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCIs) forming the Emerald network]

Vegetation types

Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)

Not available

Indicator species

Diagnostic species

Constant species

Dominant species

Ferns Asplenium ruta-muraria

Diagnostic species occur concentrated in the habitat in question, but are absent or rare in other habitats. They are good positive indicators of the habitat, but they do not need to occur in every location of the habitat.

Species scientific name	English common name	Species group
Asplenium ruta-muraria		Ferns

Ferns Asplenium ruta-muraria

Flowering Plants Sanguisorba minor

Ferns Asplenium trichomanes

Flowering Plants Campanula rotundifolia

Flowering Plants Euphorbia cyparissias

Flowering Plants Asperula cynanchica

Flowering Plants Sesleria caerulea

Flowering Plants Sedum album

Constant species occur frequently in the habitat, but they may include generalist species that are also frequent in other habitats.

Species scientific name	English common name	Species group
Asplenium ruta-muraria		Ferns
Sanguisorba minor		Flowering Plants
Asplenium trichomanes		Ferns
Campanula rotundifolia		Flowering Plants
Euphorbia cyparissias		Flowering Plants
Asperula cynanchica		Flowering Plants
Sesleria caerulea		Flowering Plants
Sedum album		Flowering Plants

Dominant species are those that often reach high cover in the habitat, thus determining the habitat physiognomy.

Species scientific name	English common name	Species group

Please note that a maximum of 20 species of each indicator category is shown.

Other classifications

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	H3.2	Basic and ultra-basic inland cliffs	narrower
European Red List of Habitats	H3.2c	Temperate, lowland to montane base-rich inland cliff	same

For relation to plant communities (syntaxa), see Vegetation types

History

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	H3.2	Basic and ultra-basic inland cliffs	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308	H3.2	Basic and ultra-basic inland cliffs	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202	H3.2	Basic and ultra-basic inland cliffs	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910	H3.2	Basic and ultra-basic inland cliffs	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199811	H3.2	Basic and ultra-basic inland cliffs	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199712	H3.1	Calcareous inland cliffs	same
Palaearctic Habitat Classification 199905	62.1	Vegetated calcareous inland cliffs	same
Palaearctic Habitat Classification 1997	62.1	Vegetated calcareous inland cliffs	same
Palaearctic Habitat Classification 1996	62.1		same
Palaearctic Habitat Classification 1993	62.1		same
CORINE Biotopes Classification 1991	62.1		same
CORINE Biotopes Classification 1989	62.1		same

Write to us

Call us

Sections