Impact of the type of use of permanent grasslands areas in mountainous regions on the floristic diversity of habitats and animal welfare

The natural form of feeding for all herbivorous species is grazing. Primarily local breeds should be grazed on natural grasslands, as they are resistant to adverse weather conditions, are likely to get nutritional requirements fulfilled on the grazing, and are highly resistant to disease. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the means and intensity of use of permanent grasslands on vegetation and its nutritional value in the context of animal welfare. We hypothesized that natural grazing of animals contributes to the preservation of high floristic diversity in areas of natural value. The research was conducted in 2016 in a mountainous region (500–600 m above sea level) directly adjacent to Magura National Park (Southern Poland, DMS: 49º31′47.944" N 21º30′25.747" E) and constituting its buffer zone. Extensive grazing of local livestock (sheep and cattle) was shown to have a positive impact on their welfare and on the biodiversity of grassland ecosystems by preventing secondary forest succession, and it can be used in areas of natural value for active nature conservation. •Hay meadows communities (Arrhenatherion alliance) as Natura 2000 habitats are threatened with extinction, therefore, it is necessary to promote grazing of native breeds of animals or mowing•Grazing affects the development of different plant communities than on meadows or abandoned grasslands•The highest biodiversity is found in communities with extensive grazing of sheep and cattle where no agrotechnical procedures are carried out•Extensive grazing of livestock (sheep and cattle) was shown to have a positive impact on the biodiversity of grassland ecosystems by preventing secondary forest succession, and it can be used in areas of natural value for active nature conservation