Vegetation changes in a largeness wetland reconstruction in Hanság

Abstract

The changes in the vegetation caused by the floods at the Nyirkai-Hany area has been studied since 2001. The samplings along permanent transects and the vegetation mapping surveys reflect the changes in the structure of the vegetation.
The main goals of the reconstruction have been reached as the a relatively large open water habitat types emerged in the Hanság again supporting strong populations of wetland related species, among others some threatened bird and submerged plant species which colonized quickly the new biotope. The site has been accepted as a Ramsar site fulfilling the relevant criteria.
Now there are present the dominant species of the former wetlands (Phragmites australis, Carex acutiformis, Typha sp) but the rare ones with less ability of recolonization still absent (pi. Liparis loeselii, Pinguicula vulgaris). On the community level the large continuous reed-beds has not been developed but now there is a chance to grow up again.
Within the recent social and economical surroundings there is no chance to reconstruct the whole wetland complex of the Hanság before the big draining campaign of the 19th century. But it is possible to restore wetlands on limited areas similar to the original landscape, based on the lessons learned by the recent experiments. Beside the open water and related littoral habitats flooded by surface water there were emerged small temporary and perennial water bodies fed by the increased ground water table.