Asset Publisher Asset Publisher

Species protection

Species protection applies to the most valuable, unique and rare flora and fauna species. In Poland there are 584 plant species, 90 fungus species and 732 animal species under strict species protection. 65% of wild flora and fauna species in Poland are forest species.

Szprotawa Forest District is rich in rare plant and animal species.

19 plant species are strictly protected species: Deer Fern, Stemless Carline Thistle, Mezereon, Bog-flowered Foxglove, Common Sundew, Marsh Labrador Tea, Stiff Clubmoss, Ostrich Fern, Royal Fern, Creeping Jenny, Broad-leaved Helleborine, Common Snowdrop, Marsh Gentian, Common Hepatica, Slender St John's Wort, Wolf's-foot Clubmoss, Common Polypody and European Yew (also included on the Polish Red List of Plants).

9 plant species are partly protected species: European Wild Ginger, Lily of the Valley, Common Ivy, Iceland Moss, Reindeer Lichen, Sweet Woodruff, Usnea Filipendula, Alder Buckthorn and Lesser Periwinkle. There are 201 protected species of animals within the area of Szprotawa Forest District, with 32 species included on the Polish Red List of Animals, namely 9 species of invertebrate, 8 species of fish, 1 species representing amphibians and reptiles, 9 species of birds and 4 species of mammals.

Szprotawa Forest District includes 3 bird sanctuaries established in the form of protective zones for White-tailed Eagle and Black Stork.

Lucanus Cervus is one of the protected species.By Henrik Larsson/Fotolia
 


Asset Publisher Asset Publisher

Back

Forests of our Forest District

Forests of our Forest District

Szprotawa Forest District Inspectorate includes two Sub-districts – Szprotawa and Małomice – and manages a total area of over 19 000 ha. Its share of forested areas is only 28.2% making it the lowest ratio in the entire Regional Directorate of the State Forests in Zielona Góra. Forests managed by the Inspectorate include forests maintained for industrial purposes, protected forests and reserves.

Landscape of the Forest District is very heterogeneous.The area of Szprotawa Sub-district and the southern part of Małomice Sub-district is quite monochromatic, whereas the northern part of Małomice Sub-district is known for its undulating landscape (end moraine) at places turning into hills.

Geological structure

The Forest District is located within the area of Middle Polish Glaciation, in Mazovia-Podlasie Stadial.It is dominated by geological deposits originating from the Tertiary and the Quaternary, such as:fluvioglacial sands and gravels, river sands and gravels and boulder clay and sand.

Types of forest habitats

Forest habitats of the Forest District consist mainly of mixed and coniferous forests, with a small share of riparian forests and alder forests.Pine is the most common tree and the entire forest ecosystem consists in 60% of this species.The second most common species is Oak followed by Alder.

Plants and animals

Forests of Szprotawa Forest District are home to a variety of plant and animal species, including those under strict and partial protection.There are over 20 protected plant and lichen species in the District, including:Common Cottongrass, Common Toothwort, Marsh Gentian, Purple Foxglove, Yellow Iris, Stiff Clubmoss or Usnea Filipendula.

Forests of Szprotawa Forest District are inhabited by many protected animal species. By Jerzy Wilanowski.

Mammal species includeWild Boar, Roe Deer, Deer, Fox, Raccoon Dog, Badger, Marten and Hare.Forests of Szprotawa Forest District are also inhabited by rare invertebrate species, including 9 species included on the Polish Red List of Animals.The species are:Medicinal Leech, Great Capricorn Beetle and Lucanus Cervus.

Apart from the protected invertebrate species there is a large number of amphibian and reptile species.The most interesting species includeViviparous Lizard, Smooth Snake and European Tree Frog.

Birds inhabiting the district also include many rare and endangered species:Black Stork, Whooper Swan, Wood Sandpiper, Eurasian Pygmy Owl, Boreal Owl and the pride of the District – White-tailed Eagle.

White-tailed Eagle hunting. By Bergringfoto/Fotolia

Szprotawa Forest District on the map.