The ground vegetation management of wood-pastures in Romania - Insights in the past for conservation management in the future

Abstract

Wood-pastures are important elements of the European natural and cultural heritage, fulfilling several ecological functions at local and landscape scale (e.g. providing a valuable habitat for a wide range of species, as well as a link to traditional landscape management practices), but are nowadays in decline especially due to land-use changes begun in the 20th century and lack of legal recognition. Wood-pastures are relatively common in Southern Transylvania (Romania), and, contrary to the majority of similar habitats from Europe, are not threatened mainly by abandonment and subsequent secondary succession, but by modifications in the traditional management regime. Using a wide range of historical documents, this paper presents an overview of the traditional and the current management of the ground vegetation in wood-pastures. These habitats were traditionally grazed mainly by cattle and pigs, sheep being often subject to regulations. Regular mowing was also practiced. Nowadays sheep are the main grazers and mowing has practically disappeared, while the incidences of burning are increasing. Analyzing the differences between the present situation and those described in old publications provides valuable information for conservation management and potential restoration of similar, degraded habitats throughout Europe. © 2014, ALKI Kft., Budapest, Hungary.