Arnica montana, an endangered species and a traditional medicinal plant:: The biodiversity and productivity of its typical grasslands habitats

Arnica montana occurs in Nardus stricta grasslands on siliceous soils in mountain areas. This habitat type (Code 6230) is listed in the EU-FFH-directive (92/43) and the species Arnica montana is listed in Annex V (92/43). The maintenance of Arnica populations is closely bound to traditional fanning systems. The habitats are threatened by conversion to more intensive agriculture. To stop this, the fanner needs to be compensated to maintain these habitats. The sustainable use of Arnica flower heads can contribute to this. Productivity and biodiversity of its habitats were determined by carrying out an inventory of the meadows from a conservation and economic perspective. The habitats are diverse, but production is low. There is a wide range of productivity, biodiversity, Arnica cover and species composition within the habitats. Biodiversity and productivity are positively correlated, but biodiversity and cover are negatively correlated. To maintain the high biodiversity of the grassland and to improve yield of this medicinal plant a balanced meadow management must be found.