Evaluation of the ecological claims of the communities with natural yew-tree (Taxus baccata L.) occurrence in the Velka Fatra Mts.

The yew-tree extension at present does not correspond with the occurrence in the past. As a result of the clearcut using, the yew has saved only in particular localities and its occurrence is rare. In terms of conservation and protection of this tree spe- cies in localities with its natural occurrence it is necessary to evaluate thoroughly its ecological claims on natural surroundings and forest communities with its oc- currence. The aim of this work was mapping the yew-tree occurrence in the Velka Fatra Mts., detecting its ecological claims depending upon site conditions of the monitored area, determining the basic mensurational data, evaluating health condition and designing management regulations ensuring sustainment and conservation of this rare tree species in forest communities with its natural oc- currence. The yew-tree occurs mainly in the northwestern part of the Velka Fatra Mts. whereas the centre of occurrence is in the south. From the analysis results it is visible that the yew-tree occurrence in Slovakia is bounded especially to D-series -- calcareous (alkalophilous) and calciphile forest types from hemioligotrophic A/B-series. Within this series yew-tree occurs in the group of forest types Fage- tum dealpinum sup., Fageto-Abietum inf. Above mentioned yew-tree communities are xed mostly on geological bedrock limestone and dolomite, whereby the most nu- merous soil type is Rendzic Leptosol and Skeli-Rendzic-Leptosol. We have evalu- ated the basic mensurational data and health condition of the yew-tree on 3 040 living trees which was 56.5% out of the total numbhave registered 2 345 (43.5%) dead yew-trees.