New grassland discovery in Balkans could reshape conservation efforts worldwide.
Dry grasslands on limestone in the Balkans were studied to see what types exist and where they are found. By analyzing data from over 600 plots, researchers identified six main types of grasslands, with some new ones in the mix. The grasslands are grouped based on their location and elevation, showing a pattern from north to south and low to high. The study suggests that the Balkans have a unique mix of grasslands that bridge the gap between low and high elevation types, similar to what is seen in other mountain ranges in Europe.