EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - UNESCO World Heritage

deciduous tree species in Slovakia, and it is the backbone of this reserve, as well as many
nature reserves in the country. Sycamore and common ash in combination only contribute
approximately 5% of the total tree volume in Havešová Reserve.
In terms of phytocenology, the forests of Havešová are part of larger Carpathian beech
forests of flysch areas, containing dominant East Carpathian species such as comfrey
(Symphytum cordatum), and they are also a part of the sub-oceanic beech populations that
spread along the outer Carpathian Arc up to the Ukraine. These sub-oceanic populations
contain wood speedwell (Veronica montana), yellow pimpernel (Lysimachia nemorum),
Streptopus amplexifolius, and other species. The reserve’s beech forests possess a typical
depauperate appearance due to the very low density of the herb layer. The most important
diagnostic herb species of these forests are Dentaria glandulosa, a Carpathian endemic
species, and sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum). In beech-linden forests that have high
nitrogen levels, dog’s mercury (Mercurialis perennis) and other nitrophilous species are
common.
Havešová National Nature Reserve contains nearly homogeneous beech forests with
significantly variable height and diameter structure. Its developmental cycle lasts 220-250
years. The developmental stages occur within spatially restricted small patches and can be
delineated based on the proportion of trees within the middle overstorey and the average
diameter of trees from the upper overstorey. According to the latest research, which was
carried out in 1999, most forests of the reserve are in the maturation developmental stage (45-
50 % of the area of the reserve), followed by the senescence stage (30-35%), and the optimum
stage (20-25%). Shelterwood regeneration takes place in the reserve’s forests within small
10–14 are patches and groups. Developmental independence is reached on 30 ha.
Because of the clear dominance of beech in the reserve, it is very rich in phytophagus
insect species that are developmentally dependent on beech, as well as predators and
parasitoids of these species. Many species of beetles develop in dead branches and trunks in
various stages of decay, with each stage having a specific fauna. The blue longhorn beetle
(Rosalia alpina) is perhaps the most beautiful of these.
Birds in the reserve include characteristic nesting species such as the stock pigeon
(Columba oenas), the woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos, and the red-breasted flycatcher
(Ficedula parva). Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), old world robin (Erithacus rubecula), coal tit
(Parus ater), and nuthatch (Sitta europaea), the most common inhabitants of this primeval
forest, are also worthy of mention.
9