Ecological characterisation and health conditions of the communities of natural yew-tree (Taxus baccata L.) occurence in Veľká Fatra mountains in the working plan area of Turčianske Teplice

Yew-tree (Taxus baccata L.), a rare Tertiary relict, belongs in the present changing ecological conditions to tree species which are more and more in the centre of interest of scientists and conservationists. Although it is a strictly protected woody plant, its representation in our forests declines. It is most likely because its protection is passive in general. The decrease of yew occurrence in spite of protective and legal measures is visible not only in areas of its abundant occurrence but also on sites which are protected. The aim of this work is monitoring the occurrence of yew within selected area of the Veľká Fatra mountains and especially in the working plan area Turčianske Teplice, phytocenological and soil characterization, ecological analysis of the plant communities. Other pieces of information are about diameter and height structure and evaluation of its state of health and damage. The territory of the working plan area Turčianske Teplice is situated in the south-western part of mountains Veľká Fatra. Geological bedrock is limestone and dolomite on which a thin soil layer has been created, often covered by a thick layer of beech leaves. From the results analysis it is visible that phytocenoses occurring in the territory belong especially to calciphile order D, to the group of forest types Fagetum dealpinum. These phytocenoses are grassland where the grass species Calamagrostis varia, Carex alba, Sesleria varia are dominant. Other species such as Dentaria bulbifera, Daphne mezereum, submountain species Prenanthes purpurea, Polygonatum verticillatum and nitrophile species Mercurialis perennis occur as scattered. There are also phytocenoses from other groups of forestry types Fageto-Aceretum, Fageto-Abietum, Fagetum tiliosum. These communities grow on rendzina soils, which are nth on nutrients, with favourable physical conditions, but its shallow and drying. Within the whole area 197 individuals of yew-tree were measured, out of which 160 were one-stem individuals and 22 individuals grow as a bunch with more stems and 15 individuals had low-putted crown. The mean diameter of all measured stems has been 16.27 cm. From interpretation of health condition it is evident that only 4.5% stems and 59.1% crowns are intact. The majority of intact yew-trees grows in extreme conditions. There are well protected against game browsing and mechanical damage. The natural regeneration is relatively low in the investigated area. It occurs only on small ridges and rocky, elevated spots. In consequence of a thin layer of roof humus, biological factors (animals) and often of unsuitable conditions in dense stands it dies soon. For protection of the yew-tree synchronising of interests of the foresters and nature protectors is necessary. The priority of the yew-tree protection could be limitation of the damage caused by game, man and forestry management.