Xerothermic pavements – a meadow biodiversity richness. Jaworzno case study

Abstract

Xerothermic pavements are plant communities located in sunny and dry sites, comprising many protected and valuable species. In Poland, thermophilic pavements occur in fragmentary patches, and because they are semi-natural communities, they require active protection. Several sites covered by pavements occur in Jaworzno town; the main threat posed on them, that is, overgrowing by bushes and trees, is removed naturally. The town authorities have decided to support sheep grazing, due to which biodiversity of xerothermic pavements is maintained and local sustainable farming is reinforced.

Keywords

• xerothermic pavements
• biodiversity
• sustainable farming
• protected plants