Overgrowing of alpine grassland in Eastern Europe: a case study on Stara

Planina, Serbia

Miloš PopovićHabiProt, Bulevar oslobodjenja106/34, 11040 Belgradr, SerbijaE-mail: milos@habiprot.org.rs

Instead of introduction...

Geography

History and culture

Shops – interlaced Serbian, Bulgarian and Macedonian culture, nomadic life. The are was known for good pastures, sheep cheese, meat, wool carpets (“kilim”), pottery… Trade with Dubrovnik, export to (Egypt, America, Canada).

Changes after the WW II:

Bulgaria and Serbia on opposite sides. No private property! Increase in production, new breeds, education, industrialization. Products are exported to USA, Italy, Middle East…

The end of communism:

Villages got completely abandoned during Tito’s communist regime. Breakdown of Yugoslavia resulted in overall poverty in the region. Industry collapsed, black market.

Entering the 21st century:

Back to private property? Was it possible? New hope! Go to school or find a job in western Europe. Over 30,000 inhabitants in 1948 -> 5,000 in 2002.

Pasture:

Cattles and sheeps were sent to the high mountain area during the summer period. Domestic animals were adopted to the mountain climate. They help maintaining ecosystem. Vultures, ground squirrels, butterflies…

Alpine region was first to be abandoned.

Butterflies on the alpine grassland

Butterflies in the alpine grassland

Open pastures Along streams

Recently abandoned areas Road margins

Butterflies

While Europe focus on monito-ring, we focus on faunistic studies.

Five species are important for designation of Natura 2000 area (Annex II of HD): Colias myrmidone Lycaena dispar Lycaena helle Polyommatus eroides Nymphalis vaualbum

Nine species important for conservation (Annex IV of HD): Colias myrmidone Lycaena dispar Lycaena helle Polyommatus eroides Nymphalis vaualbum Parnassius apollo Parnassius mnemosyne Phengaris arion

Colias myrmidoneProbably extinct from Serbia. Known only from insect collection of Zečević.

Lycaena disparCommon species in the Balkans, that is basically found everywhere. Populations are always small, but stable.

Lycaena helleDiscovered only in 2011 on Stara planina.

Polyommatus eroidesPopulations probably stable in Serbia.

Nymphalis vaualbumNot recorded for many years, but now the populations are increasing.

Parnassius apolloPopulations declining, probably due to habitat overgrowing.

Parnassius mnemosynePopulations numerous, probably due to wood cutting practice.

Phengaris arionPopulations develop on Origanum vulgaris. Large fluctuations over the years.

Monitoring

Since 2015. systematic data on butterfly fauna are being collected in Serbia. A small butterfly monitoring program started on Stara planina.

alciphron.habiprot.org.rs

Threats to biodiversity (species)

Changes in natural habitat (i.e. forest cutting) Agriculture (extensive and expansive) Trafic and tourism

Lakušić and Ćetković 2007

Threats to biodiversity (habitats)

Lakušić and Ćetković 2007 Agriculture Grazing Burning Drainage

Forestry Clear cutting Sanitary cutting Overuse of wood

Tourism

Tourism:

Boloria eunomiaSingle known location in Serbia, highly threatened by ski tourism.

Final thoughts...

Long term conservation should focus on sopping depopulation in this region. It requires changes in:

agriculture policy (subsidy, collective aproach),

attitude towards grazing practice, woodland management, politics and tourism.

Thanks for attention