Trnovski Gozd Research Articles

Tectonics and gravitational phenomena, part two: The Trnovski gozd-Banjšice-Šentviška Gora degraded plain

The article describes the recent conditions at the Paleogene thrust contact between the External Dinaric Thrust Belt composed of carbonate rocks and the External Dinaric Imbricate Belt composed of flysch rocks, geographically, between the Trnovski gozd (Trnovski gozd plateau) and the Vipava Valley at the northwestern end of the Dinarides. Fossil and recent gravity-related phenomena that indicate the uplift of the southwestern edge of the External Dinaric Thrust Belt and the larger complex in the hinterland are found there. However, these phenomena are not related to the reactivated Paleogene thrust tectonics, but to the Neogene-recent underthrusting as a consequence of the Microadria (Adriatic Microplate) movement towards the Dinarides. Only arguments for these processes are presented in this article.

Ice in caves and its effect on thermal inversion and permafrost in the case of the Velika ledena jama v Paradani, Smrekova draga and neighbouring dolines

In the Velika ledena jama v Paradani, in the karstic blowholes on the slopes of Smrekova draga and in the nearby dolines I measured and interpreted air temperatures and the effect of the summer outflow of cold air from them into the surrounding area. In winter, cold air enters the cave, radically cooling the entrance part of the cave, where for this reason there is permanent cave ice. The summertime circulation is reversed: emerging from the inner part of cave, which has an average temperature of around 4° C, is air which only when it transits through the sub-cooled entrance part is then cooled to around 1° C. This air comes to the surface and in the hollow at the cave entrance maintains a distinct thermal inversion during the warm part of the year. There is a similar air circulation and similar development of annual temperatures observed at the vents, where cave air emerges through rubble spread over cave entrances on slopes or at the bottom of dolines. The stable summer air temperatures of around 1° C in the vents where I conducted measurements indicate that underneath them there is also permafrost or sub-cooled rock and permanent ice. This is created and preserved, just like in the caves, due to the advection of cold air in winter. In Trnovski gozd, such karstic permafrost is found at an altitude of 1,100 m above sea level. The outflow of cold air from the vents in the summer, just like inside the cave, causes a distinct thermal inversion in dolines on the surface.

Plant communities of moist rock crevices with endemic Primula carniolica in the (sub)montane belt of western Slovenia

Abstract Based on our analysis of a large number of relevés of communities of moist rock crevices in western Slovenia (southern Julian Alps, northern part of the Trnovski Gozd Plateau) we described several new syntaxa with the endemic Primula carniolica. The most unique in terms of ecology is a hygrophytic chasmophytic community classified into the association Astrantio carniolicae-Primuletum carniolicae, which is, together with similar hygrophytic associations Astrantio carniolicae-Pinguiculetum alpinae and Campanulo cespitosae-Saxifragetum aizoidis, associations Phyteumato columnae-Primuletum carniolicae, Primulo carniolicae-Potentilletum clusianae and the subassociation Primuletum carniolicae violetosum biflorae, temporarily classified into the alliance Cystopteridion and order Potentilletalia caulescentis. Only the new association Paederoto luteae-Potentilletum caulescentis is classified into the alliance Physoplexido comosae-Saxifragion petraeae. The elevational range of chasmophytic communities with Primula carniolica is 200 to 1460 m a.s.l. Species that most commonly accompany Primula carniolica in rock crevices include Paederota lutea, Phyteuma scheuchzeri subsp. columnae, Sesleria caerulea, Aster bellidiastrum and moss Orthothecium rufescens.

Radon-based atmospheric stability classification in contrasting sub-Alpine and sub-Mediterranean environments

A recently-developed radon-based technique is used to investigate relative changes in summertime atmospheric stability at two sites in Slovenia with contrasting geographical settings. Although atmospheric stability for both sites (50 km apart) was shown to be governed by similar synoptic conditions, their contrasting settings caused differences in mixing conditions for each stability category. At the urban sub-Alpine site Ljubljana, situated within a topographic basin, wind speeds associated with the most stable conditions were 0.2–0.3 m s−1. By comparison, corresponding wind speeds for the near-coastal sub-Mediterranean site Ajdovščina, located at the foothills of the Trnovski gozd barrier, were 0–0.2 m s−1. The wind direction at Ljubljana under stable conditions (∼80°) was consistent with drainage flow into the basin along the Sava River valley. The corresponding wind direction at Ajdovščina was 20–40°, consistent with gentle katabatic drainage from the flanks of the Trnovski gozd barrier. After removing fetch effects on radon variability at each site, a large contrast in local contributions to the radon signal was noted: the diurnal amplitude of the local radon signal increased from ∼24 Bq m−3 at Ljubljana to ∼47 Bq m−3 at Ajdovščina. This difference was attributed to a greater nocturnal radon accumulation rate at Ajdovščina (3.5 Bq m−3 h−1 vs 2.1 Bq m−3 h−1) due to higher radon fluxes from flysch and carbonate rocks compared to the sea and lake sediments in the Ljubljana Basin. The ability of radon to consistently distinguish subtle changes in atmospheric mixing at sites with contrasting topographic settings indicates that it will be a powerful tool for characterising air quality in these complex environments. Specifically, diurnal radon cycles indicate that the capability of the atmosphere to dilute primary pollutants is considerably less in the basin environment.

Phytosociological analysis of montanesubalpine dwarf willow shrub communities in the Julian Alps and on the Trnovski gozd plateau (NW and W Slovenia)

AbstractBy means of a phytosociological analysis of 72 relevés of montane-subalpine shrub communities with dominating Rhododendron hirsutum, Salix waldsteiniana, S. glabra and S. appendiculata from the Julian Alps and the the Trnovski Gozd Plateau and by comparing them with similar communities elsewhere in the Alps and the Dinaric Alps we described a new association Laserpitio peucedanoidis-Salicetum waldsteinianae, a new subassociation Rhododendretum hirsuti vaccinietosum myrtilli, two new subassociations of the association Dryado-Rhodothamnetum chamaecisti that had recently been described in the Dolomites (-caricetosum firmae, -salicetosum waldsteinianae), as well as a new association Heliospermo pusillae-Rhododendretum hirsuti. We classified the glabrous willow community in the study area into a new association Homogyno sylvestris- Salicetum glabrae and proposed a new name - Rhododendro hirsuti-Salicetum appendiculatae for the large-leaved willow community, which we subdivided into two geographical variants: var. geogr. Paederota lutea (Julian Alps, Trnovski Gozd Plateau) and var. geogr. Hypericum grisebachii (Liburnian Karst).

Status in varstvo belohrbtega detla Dendrocopos leucotos v Sloveniji/ The status and conservation of the White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos in Slovenia

Abstract The paper summarizes current knowledge on the population size, habitat, conservation status and conservation measures for the White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos in Slovenia. The species is an extremely rare forest specialist species. It inhabits mostly Dinaric beech Fagus sylvatica forests from Trnovski gozd, Nanos, Javorniki Mts and Mt Snežnik to the Kočevsko region and Gorjanci Mts. The species is also present in the Zasavje region and Mt Boč. The majority of the population (80%) inhabits the altitudinal belt between 700 and 1400 m a.s.l. The size of the Slovenian breeding population is currently estimated at 100-150 breeding pairs. Using the new survey playback method, we expect to find the species at additional sites. The highest densities were recorded on Mt Snežnik (0.7 breeding pairs/km2 in the Zatrep - Planinc forest reserve, 0.6 breeding pairs/km2 at Gomance) and in the Gorjanci Mts (0.6-0.9 breeding pairs/km2 in the Kobile forest reserve). The species inhabits beech and mixed forests with an important percentage of dead trees. The volume of dead trees was measured only at few sites inhabited by the species and ranged from 42 to 283 m3/ha. Signs of foraging were detected mainly on beech snags and stumps; all nests were found in upright beech snags. In Slovenia, the species is threatened by the low percentage of dead deciduous trees in forests, the construction of new forest roads, the increased annual timber harvest and a weak network of forest reserves. The proposed conservation measures include increasing the amount of dead deciduous trees in managed forests, increasing the area of forest reserves and halting the construction of new forest roads.

Sledovi pleistocenske poledenitve na Trnovskem gozdu

Trnovski gozd je visoka kraška planota na dinarskem krasu zahodne Slovenije, ki so jo v pleistocenu preoblikovali tudi ledeniški procesi. Ugotovili smo, da je severna pobočja in podnožje najvišjega osrednjega grebena Golaki pokrival ledenik s površino 4,8 km2 in največjo debelino okoli 180 m. V več odtočnih ledenikih je padal preko strme reliefne stopnje v dolini Belce in Trebuše ter na Hudo polje. Prisojna pobočja Golakov niso bila poledenela. Z metodama deleža akumulacijskega dela ledenika ter zgornje meje bočnih moren smo izračunali ravnovesno mejo ledenikov na višini 1240 m.

Phytosociology And Ecology Of The Dinaric Fir-Beech Forests (Omphalodofagetum) At The North-Western Part Of The Illyrian Floral Province (Nw Dinaric Alps)

Abstract We studied the phytosociology, ecology and biogeography of the Dinaric fir-beech stands (Omphalodo-Fagetum) in the Trnovski gozd plateau, at the north-western part of the Illyrian floral province. We identified and confirmed two geographical variants (var. geogr. Saxifraga cuneifolia - central and western part of the plateau, and var. geogr. Calamintha grandiflora - eastern part of the plateau), and 10 floristically and ecologically well differentiated subassociations (-rhododendretosum hirsuti,-saxifragetosum cuneifoliae, -adenostyletosum glabrae, -festucetosum altissimae, -calamagrostietosum arundinaceae, -stellarietosum montanae, -seslerietosum autumnalis, -calamagrostietosum variae, -sambucetosum nigrae and -asaretosum europei). The most frequent stands bellong to the subassociation -festucetosum altissimae and -calamagrostietosum arundinaceae, which, in terms of site ecology and floristic composition, represent the central forest types in the research area. They are floristically impoverished and lack majority of association’s characteristic species which is in line with the biogeographic peculiarites of the research area.

Population Genetics of the Narrow Endemic Hladnikia Pastinacifolia RCHB. (Apiaceae) Indicates Survival in Situ During the Pleistocene

Hladnikia pastinacifolia Rchb., a narrow endemic, has an extremely restricted distribution in Trnovski gozd (Slovenia), despite the presence of many sites with suitable habitats. We compared the morphological traits of plants from different populations and habitats. The overall pattern showed that the smallest plants, with low fruit number, are found on Eaven (locus classicus or type locality); the largest individuals, with high fruit number, grow in the Golobnica gorge. As judged by plant size and seed set, the optimal habitats are screes. We used RAPD markers to estimate genetic variation between and within populations, as well as between and within the northern and the southern parts of the distribution area. Hladnikia showed only a low level of RAPD variability. AMOVA partitioned the majority of genetic diversity within selected populations. The low genetic differentiation between populations and their genetic depauperation indicates survival in situ, since the Trnovski gozd plateau most likely was a nunatak region in the southern Prealps during Pleistocene glaciations. Later range expansion of extant populations was limited by poor seed dispersal. We also analyzed the cpDNA trnL-F intergenic spacer to check whether the sequence is useful for studying the phylogenetic relationships of Hladnikia within the family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae). Our results support the assertion that H. pastinacifolia is an old taxon.

The Association Drepanoclado Uncinati-Heliospermetum Pusilli (Arabidetalia Caeruleae, Thlaspietea Rotundifolii) in the Trnovski Gozd Plateau (Slovenia, NW Dinaric Mts)

The AssociationDrepanoclado Uncinati-Heliospermetum Pusilli (Arabidetalia Caeruleae, Thlaspietea Rotundifolii)in the Trnovski Gozd Plateau (Slovenia, NW Dinaric Mts)The phytosociology and ecology ofHeliosperma pusillumin freezing ravines of the Trnovski gozd plateau (Slovenia, NW Dinaric Mts) are discussed. The species thrive on shadowy, moist, cold and stable screes of boulders with long-lasting snow cover. The stands belonged to the associationDrepanoclado uncinati-Heliospermetum pusilli (Salicion retusae, Arabidetalia caeruleae, Thlaspietea rotundifolii). Due to close proximity to the Julian Alps, the stands host a significant number of SE - Alpine and N-Illyrian species. Therefore, a new geographical variantPaederota luteais described. Differential species for the geographical variant arePhyteuma scheuchzerissp.columnae, Valeriana saxatilis, Rhodothamnus chamaecistus, andSaxifraga cuneifolia.For less stable screes with smaller rocky particles a new subassociationsalicetosum retusaeis described, and the differential species for the subassociation areSalix retusaandPoa alpina.Stands of the associationDrepanoclado-Heliospermetumvar. geogr.Paederota luteafrom the Trnovski gozd plateau are on the north-westernmost part of the distribution area of the Dinaric allianceSalicion retusae.

Viola Pyrenaica Ramond Ex Dc in the Northern Part of the Dinaric Mountains (The Plateaus of Trnovski Gozd and Nanos, Slovenia)

Viola PyrenaicaRamond Ex Dc in the Northern Part of the Dinaric Mountains (The Plateaus of Trnovski Gozd and Nanos, Slovenia)The article describes new localities of a south-European montane speciesViola pyrenaicain the Julian Alps and in the Trnovski gozd and Nanos plateaus (the northern part of the Dinaric mountains). It has been established that in the localities known so far in Slovenia, the species grows on similar sites as elsewhere in the Alps and other mountain ranges of the Balkan Peninsula, above all on overgrown screes, stony grasslands, on forest edges, in light forests on stony ground and in tall herb communities on calcareous bedrock in the submontane, montane and subalpine belt (450 to 1600 m a.s.l.). The floristic composition of the communities in which it grows is presented in four tables. On the Trnovski gozd plateau it was found in various successional stages of abandoned pastures or grasslands of the associationGenisto sericeae-Seslerietum kalnikensisand in open coppice stands of hop hornbeam and flowering ash, which are classified into the associationSeslerio autumnalis-Ostryetum carpinifoliae.

Delimitation of the alliances Caricion firmae (Seslerietalia albicantis) and Seslerion juncifoliae (Seslerietalia juncifoliae) in the southeastern Alps and Dinaric mountains

A syntaxonomic and phytogeographic delimitation of the calcareous open sedge swards in the alpine belt of the Alps (Caricion firmae) and subalpine and alpine tussock grasslands in wind-exposed habitats (Seslerion juncifoliae) in the area of the south-eastern Alps and of the Dinaric mountains was performed. Analyses based on hierarchical classification, ordination and chorology clearly showed the distinction between the syntaxa: stands from the Liburnian karst (Mt Snežnik – SW. Slovenia, Mts Risnjak and Snježnik – NW. Croatia), Lička Plješivica and the Velebit mountains belong to the Dinaric alliance Seslerion juncifoliae, whereas stands from the Trnovski gozd plateau (W. Slovenia, north-westernmost part of the Dinaric mountains), although somewhat transitional between the two alliances, and stands from the Alps, were classified in the alliance Caricion firmae. The alliance Seslerion juncifoliae of the Dinaric mountains vicariates Caricion firmae of the Alps.

Protection of the environment and biodiversity for sustainable future of rural areas : the case of planned regional park Trnovski Gozd, Slovenia

The first part of the paper examines Slovenian agricultural and environmental policy related to nature protection and sustainable rural development in the period of the coun- try's transition. This period has been characterised by creation a new independent state, introduction of a multi-party democratic political system, transformation of planned- market economy to market economy as well as by the coming accession to the EU. The analysis of relevant laws reveals that environment and nature protection legislation is more advanced and more effective in practice than agricultural and forestry legislation, both, however, displaying a top-down approach. In the second part of the paper, empiri- cal studies are made into the impact of the different laws on agriculture, forestry and environment protection practices as well as into the proposed foundation of Trnovski Gozd Regional Park as a protected area. The empirical studies were based on interviews made with 20 members of local and 7 members of state elite. Local and state elite re- spondents believe that, despite some limitations, the park will offer good opportunities for local development (promotion of the area, new jobs, eco-tourism), and by the same token guarantee protection of nature/biodiversity and the environment. The local elite respondents, furthermore, agree that local authorities and local residents (NGOs) should participate at all stages of the foundation of the regional park.

Lower and Middle Liassic Calcareous Algae (Dasycladales) from Mt. Velebit (Croatia) and Mt. Trnovski Gozd (Slovenia) with Particular Reference to the Genus Palaeodasycladus (PIA, 1920) 1927 and Its Species

Based on the characteristics of individual species, the generic characteristics of Palaeodasycladus have been determined and enlarged. P. mediterraneus (PIA, 1920) 1927 comprises a broad array of varieties that have been taxonomically distinguished on the basis of the variable shape of primary and secondary branches and the way in which the secondaries emerge. The following varieties are represented: P. mediterraneus (PIA, 1920) 1927 var. mediterraneus, P. mediterraneus var. heraki (SOKAC & NIKLER, 1966) n. comb., P. mediterraneus var. illyricus (SOKAC & NIKLER, 1966) n. comb., P. mediterraneus var. gracilis (CROS & LEMOINE, 1967 ex GRANIER & DELOFFRE, 1993) n. stat., P. mediterraneus var. elongatulus PRATURLON, 1966, and P. mediterraneus var. calciticus n. var., and are characterised by specific skeletal form and easily recognisable calcification pattern. Also, the generic assignment of P. barrabei LEBOUCHÉ & LEMOINE, 1963 ex GRANIER & DELOFFRE, 1993 has been confirmed, in spite of its recent transferral to Eodasycladus by BARATTOLO et al. (1994). The following new species have been described: Palaeodasycladus alanensis n. sp., characterised by broadened, bowl-shaped or bushy swollen primary branches; P. multiporus n. sp., characterised by numerous higher-order branches on each primary branch; P. benceki n. sp., with very large primary branches with extremely variable distal ends; and P. asteriscus n. sp., with loosely spaced whorls and variously directed secondary branches, often growing in opposite directions from the same primary branch. Lower Liassic species, previously ascribed to Fanesella, F. dolomitica and F. anae, have also been assigned to Palaeodasycladus with enlarged generic characteristics and are named, consequently, Palaeodasycladus dolomiticus (CROS & LEMOINE, 1966) n. comb. and P. anae (SOKAC, 1988) n. comb., respectively. Fanesella sokaci BARATTOLO & BIGOZZI, 1996 is considered to be a younger synonym of P. dolomiticus. Phylogenetic relationships between various taxa have also been considered and a phyletic lineage P. barrabei - P. alanensis - P. benceki has been shown to exist. As regards the relationship between Palaeodasycladus and Eodasycladus, the latter has been shown to have evolved directly from P. barrabei by enlarged and more pronounced bubble-shaped swelling of one of the secondary branches, which thus becomes a “sporangia-bearing” organ. Also, a new species tentatively assigned to the genus Selliporella, Selliporella? problematica n. sp., has been described. From its morphological characteristics it represents an intermediate form, and a phylogenetic link between Liassic Palaeodasycladus and Middle Jurassic Selliporella. Finally, a new species, Humiella japodica n. sp. has been described, thereby enlarging the stratigraphic range of the genus Humiella into the Lower Liassic.

On the strucure of Sovič above Postojna

The author maintains that the structure of the Sovič hill above Postojna with its surroundings is structurally a repetition of the structure of the Nanos, Hrušica and Trnovski gozd mountains. Thus the overthrust of Sovič is a miniature pendant of the Hrušica and Trnovski gozd nappe in the sense of the overthrust structure of the Outer Dinarides of southwest Slovenia, as presented earlier (Placer, 1981).