Dry Grasslands

Nature Shaped by Human Hands

At extreme sites, naturally treeless areas develop — so-called primary dry grasslands, such as rock grasslands and steppe grasslands.

Where more water and nutrients are available, shrubs and trees would also grow without human intervention. Only grazing and regular mowing keep these semi-dry grasslands free of woodland. This age-old nature shaped by human hands is characterised by open flowering areas, bare ground, old hedges and trees. It is home to many specialised species, including the owlet moth (Autophila dilucida) and the moth (Scotopteryx vicinaria). In Austria, both occur only here in the Upper Court district.

The steppe grasslands of Kauns, Kaunerberg, Faggen and Fließ together form the largest dry-grassland area in Tyrol. Large parts of it are designated as nature reserves and are managed by Naturpark Kaunergrat.

Scrub Encroachment and Countermeasures

Until 1970, the region still had large dry-grassland areas with very little scrub. As grazing declined over the following 30 years, shrubs spread strongly across the three grazing areas in Fließ, and the forested area also increased. Active management of the protected areas made it possible to preserve the still intact dry grasslands and restore areas that had already become overgrown. Since 2003, conservation measures have included grazing, mowing, and the installation of fences and watering points for livestock. Over 25,000 working hours, 18,000 metres of fencing and 1,500 metres of water lines were installed in the grazing areas. The success can be seen in the renewed spread of dry grassland and the decline in forested areas.