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Creation of a protection and promotion concept for the species Biscutella laevigata subsp. gracilis in Saxony-Anhalt

Biscutella laevigata subsp. gracilis is now only found in Germany in Saxony-Anhalt in the Saale Valley north of Halle/Saale and in a few populations in the Elbe Valley near Dessau. A total of only 23 locations are known for the period after 1980, some of which have only small populations. The state of Saxony-Anhalt therefore bears a special responsibility for the conservation of the species and its habitats.

Habitus
Blattrosette
Brillenförmige Spaltfrüchte

This persistent species is adapted to xerothermic and nutrient-poor habitats. As a result of land use changes (especially the decline in traditional sheep and goat grazing), the habitats of the delicate spectacled vetch are increasingly threatened by abandonment and nutrient inputs. A gradual deterioration of the habitat and the associated low chances of germination and establishment increase the risk of genetic impoverishment in the populations and local extinction. The conservation or restoration of favorable habitat conditions is therefore crucial for the survival and promotion of individual populations of this species. Biscutella laevigata subsp. gracilis is thus representative of numerous other plant species in xerothermic habitats that are threatened by land use changes.

NSG Zornberg (Saaletal)
NSG Lunzberge (Saaletal)
NSG Saalberghau (Elbtal)
Kühnauer Park (Elbtal)

Project priorities

The overall objective of the project is to achieve a sustainable improvement in the population status of the species and its habitats in Saxony-Anhalt. Based on a scientific analysis of the current population and threat situation, an implementation-oriented and area-specific protection and promotion concept for Biscutella laevigata subsp. gracilis is being developed and initial measures are being implemented. This involves both species conservation measures (e.g., population support) and maintenance measures for the preservation and development of the sites.

Project region

Saxony-Anhalt

Further project details

  • The project implementation is divided into the following steps:

    1. Research and compilation of available data on the populations of B. laevigata subsp. gracilis and their locations. Based on the area data compiled (actual number of existing populations), the available information on the utilization and support measures carried out on the areas to date will be supplemented and compiled.
    2. Review and recording of the current condition of the area as well as the status and threat situation of the individual populations in the terrain.
    3. Development of a site-specific protection and promotion concept based on the results of research work and site investigations.
    4. Exemplary implementations of direct species conservation measures and indirect support measures for the preservation and development of the habitats of Biscutella laevigata subsp. gracilis.