Arctic-alpine calcareous grassland

This type of grasslands occurs in the alpine or subalpine belts of the high mountains of the nemoral zone, being best developed in the Alps but occurring also in boreal Scotland and Scandinavia, in the Carpathians and Pyrenees, and with small fragmentary stands also in the Sudetes. The cover of these grasslands varies considerably between 20 and 100%, depending mainly on soil depth (deeper soils usually support denser vegetation). The dominant species are graminoids such as Sesleria caerulea, S. bielzii, S. tatrae, Carex austroalpina, C. ferruginea, C. firma, C. sempervirens, Festuca versicolor or Kobresia myosuroides. In the matrix of graminoids numerous non-graminoid herbs occur. On south-facing slopes in the subalpine belt, mountain calcicolous species can be mixed with some species of lowland dry grasslands such as Carex humilis. In general, these grasslands are rich in species and colorful at the peak of the growing season. They occur on limestone or dolomite slopes and ridges, most typically on shallow soils of the Rendzic Leptosol type. On steeper slopes these soils are affected by solifluction. Tussocks of the dominating graminoids can act as small dams that prevent downslope movement of fine soil particles, which results in a stairway-like appearance of these grasslands with fine-scale mosaic of patches with soil erosion and accumulation. Calcareous grasslands above the timberline are natural vegetation, occasionally used as summer pastures. Below the timberline, these grasslands occur either as natural vegetation on steep slopes and rock outcrops, or as secondary vegetation of mountain pastures at the sites of potential spruce, larch or beech forests.

Indicators of good quality:

Calcareous grasslands above the timberline are natural vegetation which is generally rather stable. In some places it is disturbed by tourism, e.g. trampling, skiing or building touristic infrastructure, but these negative effects tend to be rather localized. More endangered are the calcareous grasslands below the timberline, which were traditionally grazed by cattle but are currently being abandoned and overgrow by shrubs and trees.

The following characteristics can be considered as indicators of good quality:

·        High species richness.

·        No encroachment of trees and shrubs.

·        No spread of tall-growing herb species after abandonment of grazing.

·        In the subalpine belt, continuation of traditional management by grazing.

·        Absence of overgrazing that would strongly reduce grassland cover or disturb the soil.

·        No signs of disturbance by trampling, skiing or construction works.

Synthesis of Red List assessment

Confidence in the assessment

Pressures and threats