Resistance of Lichens and Mosses of Regenerated Alpine Communities to Repeated Experimental Trampling in the Belianske Tatras, Northern Slovakia

Due to the destruction of alpine ecosystems by extreme human trampling, some areas are closed tourists. After years regeneration, a tendency toward reopening these for tourism is envisaged. Although numerous studies have documented vegetative responses trampling disturbance, research that thoroughly examines impacts on vegetation at different organizational levels often limited. Most previous disturbance focused vascular plants, while lichens or mosses less well-documented. To understand how regenerated communities respond further we repeated experimental short-term after 14 in three high-altitude Tatras northern Slovakia. According Cole and Bayfield’s protocol, evaluated resistance trampled 2008 2022, with focus groups their individual species. This brings new knowledge regarding behaviors vegetation, especially mosses, disturbance. The results show has large negative impact and, therefore, management plans should discourage off-trail hiking limit recreational activities sensitive reopened areas.