Non-forest ecosystems

Non-forest ecosystems cover about 5% of the Park’s area. The most of it are meadows and pastures. But on this small area there is great species richness. On the open areas about 2/3 of Park’s plant communities and many protected species were observed.
In the non-forest ecosystems of the Magura NP active protection is being practiced. That form of protection may have two characters – conservative (where an area is being left without any interference, just to observe the process of natural succession) and stabilization (most of the open areas; the aim of that form of protection is to preserve meadows from overgrowing).

The abandonment of the active protection may lead to:

1. the disappearance of some habitats being the main biotope for many plant species,
2. the loss of hunting territories for birds of prey,
3. the lack of food base for herbivores and the distraction of young woodlands,
4. the changing in natural landscape with some elements of cultural heritage,
5. difficulties for some migrating animals,
6. the increase of danger of forest fire spreading.

In the non-forest ecosystems several kind of activities are being practiced:

1. Mowing - large parts of meadows and pastures are being mown, but also some belt-shaped parts of them are being left as corridors for migrating animals.
2. Sheep grazing - a traditional sheep grazing is being practiced, but the number of animals does not exceed 10 sheep on hectare.
3. Bush removing – some young trees and bushes are being cut out.