Grasslands are among the largest terrestrial ecosystems, providing essential ecosystem services and serving as biodiversity hotspots. In Slovenia and Europe, the area and biodiversity of high nature value grassland habitats are declining due to factors such as agricultural intensification, urbanization, abandonment of agricultural practices and others. Conservation measures are used to maintain these habitats in a favorable condition. In cases where habitat degradation occurs, resulting in the disappearance or extinction of characteristic grassland species, reintroduction is necessary for restoration and introduction of the species into their former or new habitat. Successful species reintroduction requires a well-designed reintroduction process, including appropriate site selection and preparation, use of high-quality reproductive material, suitable reintroduction methods, and application of post reintroduction management and monitoring. Each project requires a specific design, depending on the species' requirements and habitat characteristics. This thesis presents conservation measures for the conservation and restoration of grasslands, principles of reintroduction of grassland plant species into high nature value habitats and community restoration, as well as the process and methods for reintroducing grassland plants.
|