Die Bedeutung des unteren Unstruttales für den Schutz der Xerothermrasenflora in Deutschland

Abstract

BECKER, T.: On the significance of the lower Unstrut valley for the conservation of dry grassland plants in Germany.- Hercynia N.F. 33 (2000): 99- 115. Extensive dry grasslands with many continental and submediterranean plant species occur in the lower Unstrut valley (Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany). Compared with four other German regions with frequent occurrence of dry grasslands, species diversity and number of rare and endaugered species in the lower Unstrut valley are above average. The area is a significant refuge for relict steppe species and submediterranean species. Many of these are at their western or northern range Iimit in the area. A total of 97 species of the German Red Data Lists of vascular plants occur in these dry grasslands. Gerrnany has a particular responsibility for the conservation of 22 of these species because of their global rarity or their occurence at the respective range Iimits. Furthermore a regional Red Data List is presented which allows for an estimation of degree of threat of these species and shows those taxa for which an exceptional local responsibility exists. Finally, possibilities and implementation options of the European Flora-Fauna-Habitat-Guideline in the area are shown. Keywords: dry grassland species, relict steppe species, rare plant conservation, Red Data Lists, lower Unstrut valley, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany