Vascular flora in the habitat of capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.) of Vitorog Mountain

Abstract

Capercaillie is on the “Red list” as a species threatened by extinction, and for that reason studying its populations and habitat conditions are of great importance. Capercaillie seeks cover among the plants, breeds there and raises young grouse, and feeds on those plants. During the two-year research (2004-2005), which was carried out in the chosen habitat, 305 plant species were collected and determined and were consequently classified into 59 families. Based on floristic composition, the research area of Vitorog Mountain is the natural habitat of Capercaillie in BiH which abounds with diverse plant species that Capercaillie uses as a source of food and cover important for the survival of the species. In that regard, plant species of importance are: Vaccinium myrtillus L., Fagus sylvatica L., Abies alba Mill., Picea abies (L.) Karst., Pinus sylvestris L., as well as plant Genera like: Rubus, Ranunculus, Asplenium, Dryopteris and Carex.