Spatial Distribution of Highland Cattle in Alnus viridis Encroached Subalpine Pastures

Green alder ( Alnus viridis ) is a shrub species that has expanded over former pastures in Central Europe due to land abandonment, leading negative agri-environmental impacts, such as reduction forage yield and quality an increase nitrate leaching. Robust livestock breeds Highland cattle could be used control A. encroachment. The objectives of this study were investigate the impact encroachment on plant community composition diversity map spatial distribution viridis- encroached pastures. During summer 2019, three different herds placed along gradient. A total 58 botanical surveys carried out before grazing assess composition, pastoral value, ecological indicator values. was studied during whole period by monitoring six eight cows equipped with GPS collars each herd. Plant associated higher values vegetation found areas lower cover, while highly dominated few nitrophilus shade-tolerant broad-leaved ferns. Cattle spent more time value but did not avoid high cover , steep slopes or far from water. These results show are able tolerate harsh environmental conditions they can exploit -encroached This suggests have potential reduce long-term.