Der Quellbusch bei Zörbig: Naturschutzwert und Entwicklungsperspektiven eines Reliktstandortes in der Fuhneaue des Landkreises

Abstract

KRUMBIEGEL, A.; SCHÄDLER, M.; SCHÖNBRODT, M.; SÜßMUTH, T.; MEYER, F.: The Quellbusch near Zörbig: importance for nature protection and developmental perspectives of a relict habitat within the Fuhne valley (District of Bitterfeld, Saxony-Anhalt). - Hercynia 35: 65-90.The Quellbusch near Zörbig has an outstanding importance because of its biotope diversity and the occurrence of numerous species which were more common formerly but having a much wider importance than a just regional one now because of a general strong decrease. This could be shown as a result of a survey aimed to prepare the declaration of a nature reserve. The area contains several habitats listed in the appendix I of the European Fauna Flora Habitats Directive (FFH), such as residual alluvial alder and ash forests, Molinia meadows on lime and clay, lowland hay meadows, and tall herb rich communities including forest edge vegetation. Especially small sized and extensively used meadows still today contain numerous protected and endangered species, which were more common formerly as historically documented for many plants. Remarkable examples are Trollius europaeus, Dactylorhiza majalis and Parnassia palustris. These species have only few or even no further occurrences in the wider surroundings. Angelica palustris is of special importance as well as Maculinea nausithous, a butterfly depending on Sanguisorba officinalis, because both species are listed in appendix II of the European Habitats Directive (FFH). Whereas about 440 plant species could be stated within the whole Bitterfeld Fuhne valley which has an area of ca. 1.000 ha, about 230 species were actually found within the Quellbusch area (ca. 88 ha). This clearly demonstrates the role of the latter as a refuge for many species. The investigation about the grasshoppers and birds shows similar results: 16 of 19 grasshopper species which were found in the whole Bitterfeld Fuhne valley occur within the Quellbusch area. Six species are endangered in Saxony- Anhalt and four in Germany. Within the planned nature protection area 48 bird species are breeding which is an amount of 55% of all species in the Bitterfeld Fuhne valley. Meadows which are poor in species as a consequence of intensive farming belong to the planned Quellbusch nature reserve as well. Their much less intensive use in the future is necessary both to contribute to a further landscape diversification and to buffer environmental influences on especially valuable plots caused by adjacent land use. The extensive use of species rich meadows must be continued to save the habitat quality as a base for the further occurrence of numerous endangered and protected plant and animal species. Continued non-use of the forest will contribute to its increasing habitat diversity.