300163 UE Practical nature conservation (2007S)

Practical nature conservation on dry grass meadows! The rich fauna and flora of dry grass ecosystems, has been conserved by grazing management during centuries. With the cessation of the traditional cultivation natural succession proceeded and big areas of this former open ecosystems are in a bad ecological condition now or have vanished. Theoretical introduction lectures prepare the students for practical field work by clear cutting. The course includes also 3 excursions to dry grass areas in need of management in Lower Austria. Working reports are submitted to the local authority.