Porphyrkuppenlandschaft nordwestlich Halle
Project interventions at this extensive Natura 2000 site are focused exclusively on the Mücheln sub-site (0.26 ha), where specific Saale sand conditions support the last remaining Jurinea cyanoides population in the Saale valley. The sub-site currently holds 373 rosettes across two small sub-populations. Despite infrequent sheep grazing and manual scrub removal, the population is steadily declining.
Threats to the Site
Key threats include a restricted, heavily trafficked area, poor fertile shoot quality with minimal seed production, and sprouting of ruderal species due to suboptimal management.
Site Management
Conservation measures aim to reverse the decline and increase the population size by 50 % to 500 rosettes. Planned management includes targeted shrub clearance - retaining partial shade zones to protect young plants from summer drought - and adjusting the grazing regime to expose open soil. Additionally, seed sowing will be implemented to strengthen the population, expanding the colonizable area and doubling bare soil availability.
The sub-site will also serve as a vital source for species preservation and research. Actions include seed collection for population reinforcement, seed banking in the Berlin Botanical Garden, leaf sampling for genetic analysis and soil testing. Continuous monitoring will track population trends to adjust future management strategies.
Map
Project partners
Financing
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.