The Site of Community Importance Ladmovské vápence

The Site of Community Importance, Ladmovské vápence, is located in the municipalities of Ladmovce and Zemplín, with a total area of 345.02 hectares. It is declared to ensure the favorable condition of dry grassland habitats of European importance. Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates and Sub-Pannonic steppic grasslands hold particular importance in the area. Protected species of Commnity interest found here include steppe iris (Iris aphylla ssp. hungarica) and greater pasque flower (Pulsatilla grandis). Other rare species include the green-winged orchid (Anacamptis morio), lady orchid (Orchis purpurea), yellow pheasant’s eye (Adonus vernalis) and dittany (Dictamnus albus). The presence of butterflies, including the protected large copper (Lycaena dispar), also adorns the grasslands. Ladmovské vápence is represented by Pannonian oak forest and thermophilic shrub habitats. Mature or decaying trees and dead wood in forest-steppe locations host species such as the great capricorn beetle (Cerambyx cerdo) and stag beetle (Lucanus cervus). The mosaic landscape with scattered trees and forest edges is also the habitat of the Štysová grasshopper (Isophya stysi). The area of Community Importance overlaps with the national nature reserve Kašvár and the Protected Landscape Area Latorica.

Project Activities for Improvement of Favorable Conditions

Within the LIFE SUB-PANNONIC project, focused on the restoration of habitats and species of dry grassland vegetation, several activities are being carried out to improve the favorable condition:

Cutting of Overgrown Trees for Pasture Restoration

Overgrown trees are cleared to restore pastures in dry grassland habitats. The aim is to revive these valuable non-forest habitats that naturally existed here in the past due to traditional grazing. The sensitive approach to tree clearing aims to preserve the mosaic of grasslands, shrubs and solitaire trees, which contribute to the character of the pasture landscape.

Removal of Invasive Species

The goal of this activity is to remove invasive non-native plant species, especially trees, present in the area. Efforts are made to suppress the occurrence of the invasive tree species, tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), and prevent its further spread.

Restoration of Traditional Grazing

In Ladmovské vápence, in collaboration with a local farmer and the Ladmovce municipality, grazing of sheep has been reintroduced on over 80 hectares, also thanks to the cutted overgrown tree areas. Grazing directly improves the favorable condition of dry grassland habitats and preserves it, enhancing conditions for the occurrence of protected and rare species.