Excursion: Montane meadows and forests in the southern Hunsrück [Wiesen und W?lder im südlichen Hunsrück: Unterwegs zu Arnika und Feuerfaltern]

摘要

Several ridges of the hard Taunus quartzite run parallel southwest-northeast through the southern part of the Hunsrück. These ridges are densely wooded. The history of the forests is closely connected with iron ore smelting in this region from the Celtic era to the 19 ~(th) century. Poor montane meadows have developed from extensive use over the centuries. They show a remarkable richness in species, but they are endangered by abandonment or intensifying use. The Nardus grasslands have special significance in this context. Arnica montana, Narcissus pseudonarcissus and Meum athamanticum are among the botanical highlights. Many rare and, in some cases, severely threatened butterfly species can be found in high numbers of individuals in these habitats.