Nature » Prairies

Mountain Meadows

The presence of meadows is linked to mowing activities. Today, the abandonment of this traditional activity in many mountain areas leads to the progressive invasion of shrubby and arboreal vegetation. Mountain meadows are different according to the soil humidity and fertility, which can be regulated by man through manuring. Dry meadows, often much localized, deserve special attention: here botanical species of great phytogeographical interest grow, like the Carniolan Lily (Lilium carniolicum) or the Yellow Iris (Iris cengialti). The meadows are also very important for the wildlife: ungulates like the deer and roe deer live in habitats characterized by more or less wide clearings. Among birds, the rare Corncrake (Crex crex) nests on the ground, among the tall grass.