Assets and threats to Molinia meadows (Molinion caeruleae Alliance) on chosen NATURA 2000 areas in the eastern part of the Silesian Upland

Abstract

The studies on diversity and conservation status of Molinia meadows as significantly endangered natural habitats are very important in the context of nature protection on the European scale. The collected basic data for exemplary protected objects in the Silesian Upland, whose main subject of protection is the already mentioned natural habitat, provide basis for continuing monitoring and for drawing conclusions concerning their protection. This was the main aim of the undertaken research. Occurrence of the Galio veri-Molinietum and the Selino carvifoliae-Molinietum caeruleae associations from the Molinion caeruleae alliance were observed on the analyzed areas. The most important floristic assets of these areas include occurrence of a significant number of 5 plant species under strict protection as well as occurrence of Laserpitium prutenicum regarded as critically endangered on the areas of the Silesian Voivodeship. Communities on the designated Natura 2000 areas of “Meadows in Jaworzno” above all are endangered by natural processes (plant succession), while the area of “Meadows in Sławków” by human activities connected with amelioration and development as well as devastation of the area by off-road vehicles. Significance of the areas designated for protection in preserving valuable phytocenotic structures has been highlighted, especially in the aspect of their location on urban areas.