NSG Sistiger Heide

Summary

Sistiger Heide protects rare wet and dry heaths, species-rich grasslands, and meadows. It's a vital habitat for plants like Arnica, Nardus, and animals such as the Red Kite, Marbled White butterfly, and the Wildcat.

Description

The Sistiger Heide nature reserve is a significant part of the European Natura 2000 network and a regional biotope corridor, including for the Wildcat. This diverse landscape protects a mosaic of precious habitats. These include characteristic wet heaths with Bell Heather and dry heaths, along with species-rich Nardus grasslands, which are a priority habitat supporting plants like Arnica. Further protected are mesophile mountain hay meadows and Bromus-Festuca calcareous grasslands, also a priority habitat. The area also features extensively used hay meadows, wet and marshy grasslands, and near-natural stream sections with spring areas and forest stands. This unique complex provides a crucial sanctuary for numerous rare and endangered species. Among them are birds like the Skylark and Red Kite, butterflies such as the Marbled White and Pearly Heath, and notable plants like Lousewort, Quaking-grass, pointed-lobed lady's mantle, and Creeping Willow.