The Site of Community Importance Zobor

The Site of Community Importance, Zobor, is located within municipalities of Dolné Štitáre, Dražovce, Mechenice, Nitrianske Hrnčiarovce, Sokolníky, Zobor, and Žirany, covering a total area of 1906.94 hectares. It is designated to ensure the favorable status of forest and non-forest habitats of European interest. Several steppe plant species of European importance are found in this area, including the Eastern lizard orchid (Himantoglossum caprinum), which is ecotonal and often occurs in open forests, forest-steppes, or on the edges of forests and meadows. Another protected species is the Slovak penny-cress (Thlaspi jankae), which blooms from April to May on dry slopes, forest-steppes, and in light warm oak forests of Zobor. The Greater Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla grandis) is also occured in this area.

The fauna consists mainly of species associated with habitats representing the transition between warm forest communities and open cultural landscapes. The biodiversity represents various invertebrate species. Rare protected species include Eurasian toothed grasshopper (Stenobothrus eurasius), European stag beetle (Lucanus cervus), great capricorn beetle (Cerambyx cerdo), and Rosalia longicorn (Rosalia alpina). Among endangered butterflies associated with open landscapes, the Jersey Tiger (Euplagia quadripunctaria) occurs here, and among vertebrates, the European fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina) and several species of bats complement the ecosystem.

Historically, the area was largely afforested. The southern slopes above the town of Nitra were primarily deforested and used as pastures. Currently, these areas are abandoned and gradually disappearing due to secondary succession (overgrowth with shrubs, accumulation of dead straws). The negative changes are least developed on exposed southern slopes.

For the continued existence of many steppe species such as the Eastern lizard orchid, is necessary partial reduction of overgrown wood species, removal of spreading non-native species (such as black locust, manna ash, or black pine), removal of cut material, and protection against browsing by wild animals. However, the most suitable method for the protection and maintenance of steppe species and habitats is the reintroduction of grazing, which is actually very problematic.