Revitalising subalpine grasslands: floristic shifts under renewed grazing

The species diversity of the unique flora in the Hrub Jesenk Mountains is currently threatened due to the absence of traditional grazing, which was historically used as a management practice. This study evaluates changes in floristic composition in areas near the vcrna and Ovrna lodges, where cattle and sheep grazing was reintroduced in 2012 and 2014, respectively, after long-term abandonment. The floristic composition was assessed using permanent plots and analysed statistically. In total, 84 plant species were recorded in the vcrna experimental area over 12 years. All experimental plots throughout the study observed an increase in species richness. In the Ovrna area, a similar trend was detected, particularly in grazed grasslands dominated by <i>Avenella flexuosa</i>, <i>Festuca supina</i>, and <i>Ligusticum mutellina</i>. The reintroduction of grazing in these areas serves not only as a symbolic return to traditional land use but primarily as an effective management tool to suppress ecological succession and maintain or enhance plant species diversity in biologically valuable habitats.