The effects of mountain farming on biodiversity-monitoring and evaluation of vegetation changes on managed and abandoned mountain pastures in the Gesäuse National Park ( Styria , Austria ) in an eleven years timescale

Mountain pastures, a characteristic element of the Austrian cultural landscape, cover large parts in protected areas. In our study, we analysed the impact of management and abandonment of mountain pastures on phytodiversity in Gesaeuse National Park (Styria, Austria). Furthermore the effects of short-term shifts in management or climate change were investigated. Permanent plots were used to detect changes in plant species composition and plant species richness of managed and abandoned mountain pastures. Monitoring was realised in an eleven years timescale (2005-2016). A phytosociological characterization was performed. Additional analyses with indicator values were implemented. The relevance for nature protection was assessed with biodiversity indices (number of vascular plant species, Shannon diversity index and Evenness). The plant species composition showed a few differences at each plot. No significant changes of phytodiversity have been observed during the monitoring period. Trends are visible. The highest phytodiversity was observed in plots of managed mountain pastures. Plant species richness and Shannon diversity index in plots of abandoned mountain pastures were significantly lower. In some abandoned mountain pastures heavy browsing by wild animals was observed. There, a high number of vascular plant species was found. No effects of climate change were observed. From nature conservation point of view, an extensive, site-adapted management should be continued in the Gesaeuse National Park.