- Why is the traditional alpine landscape in the Alps more species rich
than it probably would be without human influence?
The man-made landscape is more heterogeneous than
it would naturally be. Deforestation has created new habitats and increased
the area of alpine grasslands. A range of traditional alpine livestock
systems has produced a wide diversity of different habitats due to variations
in grazing intensity, nutrient availability and occurrence of mowing.
- What are the main factors determining the different plant communities
typically found within an alpine pasture?
The main factors are gradients in nutrient availability
and mechanical impact (see Plant communities).
- What are probable consequences of intensification of livestock management
in the alpine zone?
Excessive use of alpine pastures by livestock animals
will increase the problems resulting from nutrient redistribution and
mechanical effects. These problems are especially harmful in the alpine
environment because of the slow growth of plants.
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