Red List habitat classification > RLE - Grasslands > RLE1.1g Perennial rocky grassland of Central Europe and the Carpathians

Perennial rocky grassland of Central Europe and the Carpathians

Quick facts

Red List habitat type	code RLE1.1g
Threat status
Europe	Least Concern
EU	Least Concern
Relation to	Annex I habitat types (EU Habitats Directive) Resolution 4 habitat type (Bern Convention)
Source	European Red List habitat factsheet
	European Red List of habitats reports
	European Red List of habitats (Excel table)

Summary

These open to relatively closed perennial grasslands occur on outcrops and steep slopes of mostly calcareous but also siliceous rocks. They are dominated by graminoids such as Bromopsis pannonica, Bromus riparius, Carex humilis, Festuca dalmatica, Festuca pallens and various species of Sesleria and Stipa. Perennial herbs are common, whereas other life forms such as chamaephytes, therophytes and geophytes occur with various abundance, although they are found in most stands. The participation of annuals increases significantly in the southern parts of the habitat’s range because of the stronger Mediterranean influence. From the phytogeographical point of view, these grasslands combine central European species with numerous submediterranean, continental steppic and de-alpine species. Especially on limestone or dolomite these grasslands can be species-rich and contain some species with narrow geographic ranges. Phytosociologically, this habitat type corresponds to the order Stipo pulcherrimae-Festucetalia pallentis (class: Festuco-Brometea).

These grasslands are distributed at low hilly and submontane areas of the Bohemian Massif, Alps, Carpathians, and low mountains and hilly lowlands of the northern and central Balkan Peninsula. Westwards the habitat reaches North-East France and adjacent Belgium, Germany and Switzerland. At many sites these grasslands represent natural vegetation, but in some places they developed as secondary vegetation of deforested areas on shallow soils. Especially on dolomite slopes continuous weathering of the parent rock into gravel particles maintains constant soil erosion which limits encroachment of woody plants and keeps the landscape open. On limestone and dolomite slopes there is often a distinct contrast in vegetation on slopes of different aspect. South-facing slopes harbor more open vegetation, often with less than 50% cover, with dominance of narrow-leaved tussock grasses and aromatic semi-scrubs. In contrast, north-facing slopes support denser grasslands dominated by various species of Sesleria that contain several species typical of higher altitudes of the Alps or the Carpathians which have scattered and in many cases probably relict occurrences at lower altitudes. Soils are various subtypes of Leptosol.

Most of these grasslands occur in naturally treeless areas on steep and naturally eroded slopes that are difficult to access and unsuitable for agriculture. These grasslands are very stable and usually are not directly endangered unless they are destroyed by quarrying. However, secondary grasslands on less steep slopes were traditionally maintained by grazing, especially by goats. When grazing ceases, they are subject to encroachment of shrubs and trees.

Indicators of good quality:

Most valuable stands occur at sites with long historical continuity which contains steno-endemic species and species with isolated occurrences, in many cases probably of relict origin. Indicators of good quality include:

· Occurrence of endemic or rare species, or species at isolated localities far from their continuous range.

· No signs of spread of mesophilous species or development of dense grassland.

· No signs of encroachment of trees and shrubs.

· In secondary grasslands continuation of grazing by goats or sheep.

Characteristic species

Characteristic species:

Flora

Vascular plants: Achillea ageratifolia, Achillea clypeolata, Achillea coarctata, Achillea nobilis, Acinos arvensis, Agropyron cristatum, Allium albidum, Allium cupani, Allium flavum, Allium moschatum, Allium sphaerocephalon, Alyssum alyssoides, Alyssum montanum subsp. montanum, Alyssum saxatile, Anthemis carpatica, Anthericum ramosum, Anthyllis montanta, Anthyllis vulneraria, Artemisia alba, Asperula capitata, Asperula cynanchica, Asperula purpurea, Asphodeline lutea, Asphodelus albus, Asplenium ruta-muraria, Asplenium septentrionale, Asplenium trichomanes, Aster oleifolius, Astragalus onobrychis, Astragalus wilmotianus, Bromopsis cappadocica, Bromopsis pannonica, Bromus moesiacus, Bromus squarrosus, Carduus collinus, Carex caryophyllea, Carex humilis, Centaurea atropurpurea, Centaurea reichenbachii, Centaurea triniifolia, Chrysopogon gryllus, Clypeola jonthlaspi, Convolvulus cantabrica, Coronilla scorpioides, Dianthus carthusianorum, Dianthus giganteiformis, Dianthus giganteus, Dianthus gracillis, Dianthus gratianopolitanus, Dianthus spiculifolius, Edraianthus serbicus, Erysimum witmannii, Euphorbia cyparissias, Euphorbia myrsinites, Euphorbia seguieriana, Festuca dalmatica, Festuca pallens s.l., Festuca pseudodalmatica, Festuca stricta, Fumana procumbens, Galium glaucum, Galium lucidum, Genista jaunensis, Globularia bisnagarica, Helianthemum canum, Helianthemum nummularium agg., Helictotrichon decorum, Hornungia petraea, Hyacinthella leucophaea, Hypericum olympicum, Hypericum rumeliacum, Hyssopus officinalis, Inula aschersoniana, Inula oculus-christii, Inula spiraeifolia, Iris pumila, Iris variegata, Jasione montana, Jovibarba heufelii, Jurinea glycacantha, Jurinea mollis, Koeleria macrantha, Koeleria splendens, Leontodon biscutellifolius, Leontodon crispus, Leontodon incanus, Linaria angustissima, Linum tenuifolium, Melica ciliata, Microthlaspi perfoliatum, Minuartia hirsuta, Minuartia verna, Orlaya grandiflora, Ornithogalum nanum, Paeonia tenuifolia, Paronychia cephalotes, Paronychia kapela, Petrorhagia saxifraga, Peucedanum tauricum, Pilosella officinarum, Poa bulbosa, Poa pannonica, Potentilla argentea agg., Potentilla cinerea, Potentilla incana agg., Psilurus incurvus, Pulsatilla halleri subsp. slavica, Queria hispanica, Rumex acetosella s.l., Sanguisorba minor, Satureja coerulea, Satureja montana, Satureja pilosa, Saxifraga paniculata, Scleranthus perennis, Scorzonera austriaca, Sedum hispanicum, Sedum sexangulare, Selinum silaifolium, Sempervivum marmoreum, Seseli gracile, Seseli leucospermum, Seseli osseum, Seseli pallasii, Seseli rigidum, Sesleria caerulea, Sesleria filiformis, Sesleria heuflerana, Sesleria latifolia, Sesleria rigida, Sesleria sadlerana, Silene armeria, Silene bupleuroides, Silene frivaldskyana, Silene nutans, Stachys recta, Stenbergia colchiciflora, Stipa eriocaulis, Stipa pulcherrima, Teucrium chamaedrys, Teucrium montanum, Teucrium polium, Thesium alpinum, Thymus comosus, Thymus praecox agg., Thymus striatus, Trifolium arvense, Trigonella gladiata, Trigonella monspeliaca, Trinia glauca, Velezia rigida, Veronica spicata, Viola jooi, Xeranthemum annuum, Xeranthemum cylindraceum.

Bryophytes: Ceratodon purpureus, Ditrichum flexicaule, Encalypta streptocarpa, Grimmia sp. pl., Polytrichum piliferum, Syntrichia ruralis agg., Tortella inclinata, Tortella tortuosa, Weissia longifolia.

Lichens: Cladonia convoluta, Cladonia magyarica, Cladonia pyxidata agg.

Fauna

Birds: Anthus campestris, Calandrella brachydactyla, Oenanthe hispanica.

Reptiles: Ablepharus kitaibelli, Elaphe sauromates, Eurotestudo hermannii, Testudo graeca.

Insects: Calliptamus italicus, Oedpioda caerulescens.

For full habitat description, please download the habitat factsheet.

Threat status

Synthesis of Red List assessment

The reduction in quantity and in biotic and abiotic quality over the last 50 years are both relatively small and the habitat is widespread in central and eastern Europe. Therefore a Least Concern (LC) status is concluded for this habitat.

EU
Red List Category	Red List Criteria
Least Concern	-

Europe
Red List Category	Red List Criteria
Least Concern	-

Confidence in the assessment

medium

Red List of habitat categories and criteria descriptions

European Red List of Habitats categories

Based on Scientific Foundations for an IUCN Red List of Ecosystems

European Red List of Habitats criteria

Reduction in quantity (area of distribution)	A	A1 Present decline (over last 50 years) A2a Future decline (over the next 50 years) A2b Future/present decline (over a 50-year period inclunding present and future) A3 Historic decline
Restricted geographic distribution	B	B1 Restricted Extent of Occurrence (EOO) B2 Restricted Area of Occupancy (AOO) B3 Present at few locations
Reduction in abiotic quality	C	C/D1 Reduction in quality over the last 50 years C/D2 Reduction in quality in the future or in a period including present and future C/D3 Historic reduction in quality
Reduction in biotic quality	D
Quantitative analysis of probability of collapse	E

From Scientific Foundations for an IUCN Red List of Ecosystems

Pressures and threats

Agriculture

Abandonment of pastoral systems, lack of grazing

Mining, extraction of materials and energy production

Open cast mining

Human intrusions and disturbances

Mountaineering, rock climbing, speleology

Pollution

Nitrogen-input

Natural biotic and abiotic processes (without catastrophes)

Biocenotic evolution, succession

Habitat restoration potential

Overgrown semi-natural sites possibly can be restored by removal of woody encroachment and re-introduction of a proper grazing system within perhaps 10 years.

Trends in extent
Average current trend in quantity
Decreasing	Decreasing
EU28	EU28+

Trends in quality
Average current trend in quality
Decreasing	Decreasing
EU28	EU28+

Conservation and management needs

While natural stands of this habitat do not need special measures, for semi-natural stands the maintenance of the traditional grazing is essential, possibly accompanied by removal of woody encroachment. Additionally, direct destruction of well-developed examples of this habitat type by quarries or by rock climbing and similar outdoor sports should be prevented.

List of conservation and management needs

No measures

No measures needed for the conservation of the habitat/species

Measures related to agriculture and open habitats

Maintaining grasslands and other open habitats

Distribution

For each habitat a distribution map was produced from a wide variety of sources indicating known and potential occurrences of the habitat in 10x10 km grids within Europe. Occurrences in grid cells were given in two classes: actual distribution from relatively reliable sources (surveys, expert knowledge), and potential distribution based on models or less reliable indicators. Please download the fact sheet to see the map.

Geographic occurrence and trends

EU28	Present or presence uncertain	Current area of habitat (Km²)	Recent trend in quantity (last 50 years)	Recent trend in quality (last 50 years)
Austria	Present	3.1	Decreasing	Decreasing
Bulgaria	Present	493	Decreasing	Decreasing
Czech Republic	Present	4	Decreasing	Decreasing
France mainland	Present	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown
Germany	Present	4.5	Decreasing	Decreasing
Hungary	Present	5	Decreasing	Stable
Luxembourg	Uncertain	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown
Poland	Present	3.5	Decreasing	Decreasing
Romania	Present	10	Unknown	Stable
Slovakia	Present	9.7	Decreasing	Decreasing
Slovenia	Present	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown
Belgium	Present	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown
Croatia	Uncertain	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown

EU28 +	Present or presence uncertain	Current area of habitat (Km²)	Recent trend in quantity (last 50 years)	Recent trend in quality (last 50 years)
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Present	25	Decreasing	Decreasing
Kosovo	Uncertain	Unknown	Decreasing	Unknown
Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)	Present	840	Decreasing	Decreasing
Serbia	Present	Unknown	Unknown	Decreasing
Switzerland	Present	Unknown	Unknown	Decreasing
Liechtestein	Uncertain		-	-

Extent of Occurrence, Area of Occupancy and habitat area

	Extent of Occurrence (EOO) (Km²)	Area of Occupancy (AOO)	Current estimated Total Area	Comment
EU28	1055500	Not provided yet	848	The estimate for Bulgaria might be too high based on an inconsistent interpretation of the habitat type
EU28+	Not provided yet		849	The estimate for Bulgaria and the Republic of Macedonia might be too high based on an inconsistent interpretation of the habitat type

AOO = the area occupied by a habitat measured in number of 10x10 km grid cells.
EOO = the area (km2) of the envelope around all occurrences of a habitat (calculated by a minimum convex polygon).

Characteristic species

Not available

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
Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora - consolidated version 01/01/2007	Annex I: natural habitat types of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation	Rupicolous pannonic grasslands (Stipo-Festucetalia pallentis)	6190	Wider	http://ec.europa.eu/environm...rective/index_en.htm
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)	Inland sand and rock with open vegetation	E1.1	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]

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Sections

Perennial rocky grassland of Central Europe and the Carpathians

Quick facts

Summary

Threat status

Synthesis of Red List assessment

Confidence in the assessment

European Red List of Habitats categories

European Red List of Habitats criteria

Pressures and threats

Habitat restoration potential

Trends in extent

Average current trend in quantity

Trends in quality

Average current trend in quality

Conservation and management needs

List of conservation and management needs

Distribution

Geographic occurrence and trends

Extent of Occurrence, Area of Occupancy and habitat area

Characteristic species

Legal status

Relation to other habitat types mentioned in legal instruments

Vegetation types

Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)

Other classifications