Project title: Conservation of endemic species and dry grassland habitats in the contact zone of Pannonian and Alpine bioregions
Project scheme: LIFE+, Nature and Biodiversity
Project acronym:  LIFE endemic PANALP
Project code: LIFE19 NAT/SK/000895
Duration: 01/09/2020 – 28/02/2027
Budget: 5,279,511 Euro (75 % EU financial contribution)

 

Project focus: The main goal of the project is to improve the status of 3 priority habitats of European importance, 6 species of plants of European importance (of which 5 endemic) and 5 species of insects of European importance at 17 sites of the NATURA 2000 network in Slovakia and 7 sites in Hungary. At present, the project sites are threatened by overgrown trees and expansive grasses, as well as plantings and the spontaneous spread of non-native species, due to the abandonment of traditional management. Target species populations are often small and fragmented.

Through appropriate management measures, the project will significantly contribute to the construction of the NATURA 2000 network in Slovakia, to the improvement of its functionality and the preservation of the natural heritage of the regions of Slovakia. In addition to improving the condition of the habitats in question, the aim of the project is to ensure sustainable care for the restored areas and to restore ecosystem services. A substantial part of the project’s activities will be implemented in cooperation with local farmers and communities, which will also bring significant socio-economic benefits and contribute to job creation in the regions.

Specific goals:

1. Restoration of grassland habitats 6210 *, 6240 * (in Hungary also habitat 6190) and securing of long-term care for them
2. Improving the state of habitats and populations of Dianthus praecox lumnitzeri in Slovakia
3. Improving the state of habitats and populations of Tephroseris longifolia moravica in Slovakia
4. Improving the habitat and population of Crambe tataria in Hungary
5. Improving the state of Ferula sadleriana habitats and populations in Hungary
6. Improving the status of habitats and populations of Linum dolomiticum in Hungary
7. Improving the state of Vincetoxicum pannonicum habitats and populations in Hungary
8. Improvement of habitats and invertebrate populations Cerambyx cerdo, Eriogaster catax, Maculinea arion, Parnassius mnemosyne and Parnassius apollo in Slovakia

Crambe tataria

Steppe species, so-called “Steppe runner” reaching the western edge of its area in Pannonia. Endangered due to the decline of traditional management and overgrown sites. Target species in Hungary.

 

Dianthus praecox subsp. lumnitzeri

(c) Marián Mokráň

Endemic species widespread on rocky steppes on limestones, dolomites and volcanics in western Pannonia and in the foothills of the Carpathians. It is endangered especially by overgrowing of localities and the plantings of non-native trees. Target species in Slovakia.

 

Ferula sadleriana

(c) Róbert Šuvada

Pannonian endemic and relict, one of the rarest plants in Europe. The locality is threatened by mass tourism and the bite of numerous mouflons. The project covers 90% of the species’ population. Target species in Hungary.

 

Linum dolomiticum

Endemic and pre-glacial relic with a limited occurrence of about 140 ha in the Szénás hills in Hungary. There has been recorded a downward trend in population size. The locality is threatened by trampling by visitors, damage by game and overgrowth by non-native black pine.

 

Tephroseris longifolia subsp. moravica

West Carpathian endemic with a small area and link to mowed meadows and forest edges, usually in steep or other not so accessible localities. Populations are declining and are threatened by the extinction of traditional farming, overgrowing of sites with woods, and partly by animal bites.

 

Vincetoxicum pannonicum

(c) Bérces Sándor

Pannonian endemic, the project will cover all of its sites in the three territories of European importance in Hungary. It is endangered by visitors, motorcyclists and overgrown sites with non-native black pine.

 

Great capricorn beetle – Cerambyx cerdo

(c) Ivan Klučiar

A species tied to old solitary dazzled oaks. Its habitats are disappearing due to the overgrowth of former pastures and the planting of non-native tree species (black pine). One of our biggest bugs. Males have very long tentacles – their length is greater than the rest of the body.

Eastern eggar – Eriogaster catax

(c) Martin Jagelka

A species tied to a sparsely bushy slope and forest edges in lower, warm locations. It is especially threatened by overgrowing of localities due to the abandonment of grazing. Adult butterflies are active at night, but their presence can be detected by typical larval nests. Larvae are most common on sloes, hawthorns and wild pears.

 

Large blue – Maculinea arion

(c) Viliam Ridzoň

A species associated with dry extensively grazed steppe grasslands with scattered shrubs. It is threatened by overgrowing of habitats due to the abandonment of grazing and planting of non-native trees (black pine). The larvae are tied to the flowers of the Breckland thyme and oregano. They complete their development in the nests of ants (so-called myrmecophilia).

Mountain Apollo – Parnassius apollo

A species associated with the southern slopes with eroded, rocky areas with the occurrence of stonecrops. It is threatened by overgrowing of sites due to abandonment of grazing and secondary succession, as well as plantings of pines and other trees.

 

Clouded Apollo – Parnassius mnemosyne

(c) Pavol Kolárik

A species of mesophilic and drier grassland habitats and pastures on the edges of forests and forest meadows. It is threatened by the extinction of small forest meadows, overgrowth of forest edges with shrubs and planting of conifers.

 

Target habitats

6210* – Seminatural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (*Important orchid sites)

Very diverse communities with a dominance of thermophilic, xeromezophilic species of broadleaf grasses, sedges, perennial herbs, shrubs and semi-shrubs. Many localities are significant for the occurrence of species from the Orchidaceae family. In recent decades, these habitats have been gradually declining due to the cessation of traditional use, overgrown with shrubs, or monocultures of pines and other trees have been planted on them. Due to the great biodiversity of these communities, the occurrence of rare and biogeographically important species, it is necessary to maintain their sufficient representation and connectivity in the country. As relatively nutritious pastures, they are also of economic importance.

6240* – Sub-Pannonic steppic grasslands

Xerophilic lawns with a predominance of narrow-leaved skeletons, perennial thermophilic herbs, shrubs, semi-shrubs and numerous spring-flowering terophytes. Typical steppe communities at the foot of the Carpathians and in Pannonia linked to drier and warmer areas or shallower and drier soils than communities of habitat type 6210 *. Due to the abandonment of grazing, secondary succession and planting of wood – often non-native black pine, habitats of these communities are gradually disappearing. They are a habitat for many rare species of plants and animals.

 

6190 – Rupicolous pannonic grasslands

Rocky steppe communities on limestones and especially dolomites with the occurrence of dealpine (mountain) plant species, as well as a representation of various endemic species. As less productive, rocky habitats have often been planted with Scots pine, black pine and manno ash, which has severely damaged many sites. This habitat is targeted in the project only in Hungary. 

Activities:

A. Preparatory actions

A1 Expert study on the ecology and optimal management of Linum dolomiticum

A2 Expert study on restoration and long-term management of dry grassland habitats in Slovakia

A3 Obtaining technical documentation and necessary permissions for infrastructure for action C3

 

B. Purchase/lease of land and/or compensation payments for use rights

B1 Land purchase and long-term lease

 

C. Conservation actions

C1 Restoration management of target species and target habitats

C2 Reintroduction of extensive grazing

C3 Diverting the pressure of mass tourism and game from target species

C4 Propagation of target species on project sites

C5 Restoration of stepping stone habitats for target insect species

 

D. Monitoring of the impact of the project actions

D1 Monitoring of project impact on target species and habitats

D2 LIFE performance indicators monitoring

D3 Assessment of project impact on ecosystem services

D4 Assessment of projects socio-economic impacts and impact of dissemination actions

 

E. Public awareness and dissemination of results

E1 Awareness raising – public

E2 Awareness raising – key stakeholders

E3 Replication toolkit

E4 Networking and policies

E5 Developing of volunteer involvement

 

F. Project management

F1 Project management and reporting

F2 Project bookkeeping, financial management and auditing

F3 After-LIFE plan

On this page, you will find a summary of the project’s results achieved so far. In addition to the necessary preparatory, monitoring, and administrative activities, we have so far been able to carry out a large number of specific practical conservation actions (activities C and E). You can view an overview of the implemented activities at project sites on an interactive map, and in summary for each activity in the text below.

C.1 Restoration management of target species and target habitats

C.1.1 Selective removal of (non-native) tree plantations (Pinus nigra, P. sylvestris, Fraxinus ornus):

– the activity is mainly taking place in the Tematín and Strážov Mountains, where we have already restored a total of 40 ha of valuable steppe and pasture habitats,
– in Hungary, selective pine removal has so far been carried out on more than 100 ha.

C.1.2 Removal of undesirable shrubs and pioneer trees and restoration of grassland habitats

– the work has already been carried out and is ongoing at more than 15 sites, especially in the SACs Strážov Mountains, Temeš Rock, Baske, Omšenská Baba, Vršatec Cliffs, and Brezovské Carpathians, totaling over 100 ha,
– in Hungary, this activity was carried out within activity E.5 with volunteers at the project sites Budaörs, Pilis-tető, and Nagy Szénás on an area of approximately 30 ha so far.

C.1.3 Removal of invasive alien species:

– in Slovakia, several important sources of invasive trees have been identified and either removed or injected over an area of about 12 ha, mainly at project sites in the Little Carpathians. These included Ailanthus altissima, Robinia pseudoacacia, and Fallopia japonica,
– in Hungary, tree injection was carried out from June 2022 to October 2023, with 39 ha treated across two project areas – Rád and Budaörs.

C1.4 Planting of native trees on extreme dolomite habitats to create suitable microclimate and habitat conditions for *Linum dolomiticum:

– the activity is being implemented by DINPD staff and started in October 2022, and is expected to be successfully completed by the projected final date.

 

C.2 Restoration of extensive grazing

– in total, we have so far restored grazing on more than 240 ha in the Little and White Carpathians and the Strážov Mountains, with additional sites being prepared for grazing restoration in the final years of the project,
– the success of this activity (the minimum target of 60 ha has already been exceeded by 180 ha) has a highly positive impact on target habitats, species, and biodiversity as a whole. The restoration of pastures also brings significant socio-economic benefits to local farmers, with whom we are jointly restoring grazing, and improves awareness and the positive perception of nature conservation and the European Union in rural communities.

 

C.3 Diverting the pressure of mass tourism and game from target species

C3.1 Diverting the tourism pressure from *Ferula sadleriana:

– in Hungary, PP agreed with DINPD on final plans regarding the investment in building a viewing platform at the Pilis site, which was completed in 2025.

C3.2 Diverting the tourism pressure from *Linum dolomiticum:

– in 2023, a tourist shelter was built below Nagyszénás Hill, and in 2024, an educational trail was renovated.

C3.3 Diverting the pressure of game from target species in Hungary:

– at the Gerecse site, fences were repaired or newly built.

C3.4 Diverting pressure of game from Tephroseris longifolia ssp. moravica:

– protective enclosures for the endemic Moravian fleawort were placed in numbers of 70–90 at the Vršatec Cliffs and Omšenská Baba sites. Browsing by game, whose populations are currently extremely high, would otherwise have a very negative impact on both populations.

C.4 Propagation of target species on project sites

– in Slovakia, sowing plots of Tephroseris longifolia subsp. moravica were established at the SAC sites Vršatec Cliffs and Omšenská Baba,
– in Hungary, an external expert was contracted until 2026 for the sowing of Linum dolomiticum, Vincetoxicum pannonicum, Crambe tataria, and Ferula sadleriana. The first research report was submitted in December 2023.

C.5 Restoration of stepping stone habitats for target insects species

– for this action, many suitable locations were identified during the first years of the project by the project team and experts while preparing study A.2. Given the limited budget for this action, we are gradually selecting sites with the highest conservation value,
– for the conservation of Parnassius mnemosyne (Clouded Apollo butterfly), stepping stones have been restored at the Molpír, Horná Pustá Ves, and Krasín sites; for Parnassius apollo (Apollo butterfly) at Klapy, Babiná, and Mokrá Skala; and for Phengaris arion (Large Blue butterfly) in the Rajecká Valley and Beckovské Skalice.

 

E. Public awareness and dissemination of results

E.1 Public awareness raising:

– we created a project communication plan that is regularly updated according to current needs, and launched the project’s website, which is also regularly updated; project results are communicated through the social media channels of the project partners,
– more than 50 articles about the project have been published in online and print media, and 2 press releases have been issued,
– 17 information panels were installed on restored sites in Slovakia and another 8 by project partners in Hungary,
– we have prepared and are distributing various promotional materials about the project, such as T-shirts, canvas bags, herbal teas, chocolates, and pens,
– we organized 16 excursions for nearly 400 representatives of the local public and students, and presented the project through public lectures and information stands.

E.2 Awareness raising – key stakeholders:

– we have held dozens of personal meetings with land managers and owners,
– we organized 2 seminars for farmers focused on agricultural subsidies and environmentally friendly livestock deworming,
– we organized field seminars on the removal of invasive trees with foresters and state conservationists.

E.3 Replication toolkits:

– we selected groups of experts and contact persons to provide information and share best practices for management benefiting the restoration of non-forest habitats,
– we held consultations with 5 entities that subsequently carried out activities similar to the project’s in other areas of Slovakia (Kysuce, Ponitrie) on their own initiative, and further consultations are ongoing,
– we organized 2 field workshops for nature conservation stakeholders focused on grassland habitat restoration.

E.4 Networking and policies:

– we held numerous meetings with organizations with similar aims,
– we co-organized the For a Living Landscape campaign, which led to improved settings of the Common Agricultural Policy rules for 2023–2027 in Slovakia,
– we participated in the development of forest management plans in project areas to improve protection of target habitats, contributed to the expansion of the Natura 2000 network, and helped the Bratislava City Museum and two private companies set better grassland management practices.

E.5 Developing of volunteer involvement:

– in Slovakia, we organized more than 40 volunteer events focused on various conservation activities (mowing, raking, removing branches), during which participants learned about the importance of active management of valuable non-forest habitats,
– we organized the international conservation mission Apollo 11, with more than 70 volunteers from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and France participating at the Vršatec Cliffs and surroundings, as well as Czech-Slovak conservation missions Apollo 24 and Apollo 25, with almost 100 volunteers from both countries in total,
– altogether, more than 900 participants have joined volunteer activities in Slovakia and Hungary.

 

A. Preparatory actions, elaboration of management plans and/or of action plans

A.1: Expert study on ecology and optimal management of Linum dolomiticum (Hungary):

– DINPI assembled a team of scientific experts studying the specific requirements of this extremely rare and sensitive species, ensuring that subsequent activities to halt its population decline are as effective as possible,
– based on their recommendations, DINPI acquired LIDAR layers for the entire Linum dolomiticum habitat and contracted a cenological expert in 2023,
– throughout the project, DINPI prepares annual reports on the conservation status of Linum dolomiticum, providing regular input for the expert team’s work.

A.2: Expert study on restoration and long-term management of dry grassland habitats in Slovakia:

– the study is completed and describes in detail the priority sites and suitable management for their restoration within the project areas in Slovakia,
– in addition, it includes a list of so-called “stepping stone” sites and three areas outside the project sites (SACs Hrehorkové, Závlačná, and Drietomské bradlo) that are particularly suitable for implementing project activities C.1 and C.2, and we have therefore requested their inclusion in the project.

A.3: Obtaining technical documentation and necessary permissions for infrastructure for action C.3 (Hungary):

– all necessary permits have been obtained,
– preparations also included obtaining official permissions for fieldwork related to habitat restoration, which were successfully secured, and activities proceed in accordance with the requirements of nature conservation authorities.

 

B: Purchase/lease of land and/or compensation payments for use rights

– in Hungary, DINPI purchased 14.7 ha of land suitable for project activities, thus fulfilling the project target,
– in Slovakia, leases were successfully concluded for land in the SACs Dolné Lazy and Vršatec Cliffs, where project activities C.1 and C.2 are being implemented, and negotiations with landowners for additional purchases and leases at other sites are ongoing.

 

D: Monitoring of impact of the project actions

D.1 Monitoring of project impact on target species and habitats:

– experts have been contracted, and all planned project monitoring is being carried out on selected restored or restoration-targeted areas.

D.2 LIFE performance indicators monitoring:

– LPI monitoring has been conducted regularly since the start of the project.

D.3 Assessment of project impact on ecosystem service:

– we have procured and contracted an external provider for this monitoring. The initial mapping and assessment of the current state of ecosystems and their services have been completed.

D.4 Assessment of projects socio-economic impacts and impact of dissemination actions:

– we have procured and contracted an external provider for monitoring and evaluating the impact of project activities. The design of expert interviews and online questionnaires for various public target groups was discussed and approved in spring 2022, with data collection taking place until August 2022.

 

F. Project management

– the mid-term project progress report was completed and submitted in May 2023,
– the project team has been fully assembled and is effectively working on the implementation of project activities.

For more information about project species, habitats, but also about means of their protection and management, eventually, if you plan to do something similar on other sites, you can consult with our colleagues: 

Mário Duchoň, duchon@broz.sk, tel. number: 0915 165 677

Pavol Littera, littera@broz.sk, tel. number: 0948 177 555