EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - UNESCO World Heritage

2.a.10 Vihorlat (Slovak Republic)
Abiotic conditions
Vihorlat is a large complex of beech primeval forests extending along the the arc of the
main range of the Vihorlat Mts. It runs from Mt. Kyjov in the South-West over Mt. Motrogon
to Mt. Nežabec in the North and ends south of Mt. Fetkov in the South-East. It encompasses
the Vihorlat National Nature Preserve on Mt. Kyjov. South of the village of Kamienka, it
belongs administratively to Humenné District. The complex spans an altitudinal range from
630 to 1076 metres above sea level, and is classified into the moderately cold mountainous
climatic type. Mean annual temperature is 5.2 to 5.7 °C and the growing season lasts 132−139
days. Annual precipitation is 950−1000 mm, and snow cover occurs 152–160 days a year.
The bedrock in the reserve is composed of andesite rocks of the Kyjov stratovolcano.
There are lava flows of pyroxenic andesite, and less frequently, autochthonic sinters and
pyroclastic breccias. Andosols, mainly a transitional type toward the Cambisols, have
developed on andesites of the Vihorlat Mountains. It is worth mentioning here that in addition
to their excellent air-water properties, these soils contain ample quantities of basic nutrients
such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. All six of the
physiologically important microelements, namely iron, manganese, copper, zinc,
molybdenum, and boron, are also present in these soils. They are present not only in sufficient
total content, but in a ratio favourable to life, i.e., preventing the potential antagonistic action
of some of these elements. Boron is exceptionally important for plant growth, in a way similar
to vitamin C in animals. The excellent soil properties found in the reserve are reflected in the
high stability, productivity, and good health of its ecosystems, which contain 240-year-old
specimens of beech, even when viewed in a broader European context.
Biota
Beech forests in the reserve are characterised by the absence of both spruce and fir.
Hardwoods such as sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and common ash (Fraxinus excelsior),
however, are found in the preserve’s forests due to its rocky andesite substrate. These species
form so-called „scree forests“ patches dominated by herbaceous species such as belladonna
scopola (Scopolía carniolica), comfrey (Symphytum cordatum) and the beautiful, decorative
species oxeye daisy (Telekia speciosa). These species are accompanied by some suboceanic
and oceanic species such as Aposeris foetida and yellow pimpernel (Lysimachia nemorum),
which in combination form the typical East Carpathian communities found on volcanic
substrates. Mountain species are also present, such as willow gentian (Gentiana asclepiadea),
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