Restoration and sustainable management of juniper pastures in Slovakia

Juniper pastures are an important historical feature in our mountain areas. In Slovakia, they spread during the so-caled "Walachian colonisation" in practicaly al mountain ranges where grazing was practised. After deforestation and the conversion of suitable areas into pastures, juniper was one of the few woody plants that were not attractive to grazing herds of sheep, goats and cattle. At the same time, these unique ecosystems have become a suitable habitat for several species of insects and birds.