Cyrno-Sardean oromediterranean siliceous dry grassland

High-mountain siliceous grasslands of the oromediterranean belt of Corsica, occurring mainly at altitudes of 1,800-2,100 m, especially in the massifs of Monte Cinto, Monte Rotondo, Monte Renoso and Monte Incudine. These grasslands are dominated by herbs and graminoids, of which Bellardiochloa variegata, Ligusticum corsicum, Plantago sarda, Sagina pilifera and Luzula spicata subsp. italica are most frequent. Species endemic to Corsica are also common, including Armeria multiceps, Paronychia polygonifolia and Trisetum conradiae. In places dwarf shrubs may occur, especially Genista lobelii, and patches of creeping juniper Juniperus communis subsp. alpina. At altitudes between 2,100 and 2,200 m, these grasslands become more open.

This habitat type might be present also in Sardinia, represented by fragments localized on Mt. Gennargentu. The altitude of this mountain (1,834 m a.s.l.) reaches the oromediterranean climatic belt, and its top is characterized by strong winds that, in areas of ridges, exert a strict selection of the plant species in favor of crawling hemicryptophytes and cushion-like chamephytes, pushing the hemicryptophytic vegetation to find protection in between the dwarf shrubs. The most representative species are Festuca morisiana, Armeria sardoa subsp. genargentea, Hieracium soleirolianum and other endemics.

This vegetation occurs on different types of siliceous rocks, which give rise to soils of pH between 5 and 6. These soils are influenced by cryoturbation and gelifluction.

Indicators of good quality:

·       Occurrence of rare species, especially Corsican endemics

·       Absence of nutrient-demanding, tall-growing competitive species

·       No indication of the spread of (dwarf) shrubs

·       Absence of overgrazing

Synthesis of Red List assessment

Confidence in the assessment

Pressures and threats