Life Trockenrasen: Sub-Pannonic Steppic Grasslands

The center of distribution of sub-pannonic steppic grasslands is south-eastern Europe in the Pannonian Plain (Carpathian Basin). This habitat type (HT) reaches its most western point of distribution in Germany and is therefore mainly found in Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia (see distribution map of Germany). This HT is also classified as a priority (*) and is particularly worthy of protection.

The steppes and dry-grassland grow on deep soils or on shallow, south-facing rocky slopes. The sites are characterised by a (sub) continental climate: warm summers and cold, dry winters. It is not uncommon for very low levels of precipitation to fall throughout the year. Transitions to other dry or semi-dry grasslands can occur within small scale areas if the natural site conditions change.

Typical Plant Species 

• hairlike feather grass 
• feathergrass 
• St Bernard’s lily
• spiderwort
• small sedge
• crested hairgrass
• meadow sage
• small pasqueflower
• purple viper's grass
• spring adonis

Typical Animal Species

• blue-winged grasshopper
• European mantis 
• brown hare 
• common swallowtail 
• woodlark 
• red-backed shrike 
• sand lizard