Can we learn from the ecology of the Bohemian gentian and save another closely related species of Gentianella?

Abstract

Bohemian gentian (Gentianella praecox subsp. bohemica) is an endemic taxon that occurs on the Czech Massif and together with the Sturmian gentian (Gentianella obtusifolia subsp. sturmiana) are the only autumnal species of Gentianella with large flowers in central Europe. Both species have declined dramatically in both population size and numbers of populations. The Bohemian gentian rescue programme, which recommended appropriate management measures, was adopted in 2011. Here we study the ecology of this species, results of the rescue programme and explore the possibilities of using the experience resulting from this programme for improving the viability of the second species. Long-term monitoring of populations of the Bohemian gentian has shown that regular mowing or grazing together with careful litter removal and gap creation are necessary for its survival in the current climatic conditions. We found some ecological differences between these two closely related species of Gentianella. However, our empirical experience of the largest population of the Sturmian gentian at a site where it thrives, and general evidence that gaps are crucial for the successful establishment of Gentianella seedlings, indicate that regular mowing or grazing together with careful litter removal and creation of gaps, should also be recommended as in the case of the Bohemian gentian rescue programme. Artificial gaps are especially crucial for successful seedling regeneration in oligotrophic meadows with dense vegetation, where the last Sturmian gentian populations survive.