Grasslands: an example of high biodiversity, not only plant biodiversity

Mountain (between 1,000 and 1,800 metres above sea level) or high-altitude (beyond the limit of the forest, i.e. above 2,000-2,200 metres) grassland and meadows are great \"reservoirs\" of biodiversity, provided they are properly managed by man.

Although defined as natural habitats, these grassy formations are closely linked to agricultural-pastoral practices that directly influence their flora composition and therefore, also their specific richness (biodiversity). For example, if there is excessive fertilization on a mountain meadow, using unripe manure that is therefore excessively rich in nitrogen, many of the species present will soon be replaced by just a few nitrophilous plants with little value as forage. Also, mowing the grass (haymaking) is a fundamental practice for maintaining biodiversity: if it happens too early, most of the species will not be able to spread, whilst if it is late, \"poor forage plants\" such as Umbellifers will be able to spread, ultimately dominating all others as they have delayed seed ripening.

On mountain pastures that are \"correctly managed by man\" and therefore in natural equilibrium, it is possible to see a large quantity of other living organisms that find food or shelter from this habitat. There are numerous insects - bees, bumblebees, butterflies, grasshoppers and many others - that feed on the different grass species. Many larger animals are closely linked to these meadows, although they are more easily seen at higher altitudes; these include ungulates such as roe deer, chamois and ibex, hares and marmots and not forgetting all domestic herbivores!