UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
Rodnei Mountains
General information
Mount Pietrosul Mare is the biggest mountain complex in the Rodna Massif which is situated to the north of the Eastern Carpathians. This biosphere reserve is very important from a biodiversity conservation perspective.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
1979
Country
Romania
Total population
3106
Area
Surface
47,202.00 ha
Total terresterial area
47,202.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: 47.5361 - Longitude: 24.7289
Ecological Characteristics
Mount Pietrosul Mare is the biggest mountain complex in the Rodna Massif which is situated to the north of the Eastern Carpathians. This biosphere reserve is very important from a biodiversity conservation perspective. Habitats are extremely diverse due to high elevation changes (900 to 2,300 meters above sea level). They include beech (FagusÂsp.), spruce (PiceaÂsp.) and pine (PinusÂsp.) mountain forest ecosystems as well as alpine meadows with many endemic and endangered species.Beech (Fagus sylvatica), spruceÂ(Picea abies)Âand arolla pine (Pinus cembra) forests; alpine and subalpine pasture withÂCarex curvula, Festuca airoidesÂand shrublands of Rhododendron kotsckyi; arcto-alpine habitats with species such as Cerastium alpinum, Silene acaulis, Atragene alpina etc.; circumpolar habitats withÂWoodsia ilvensis, Diphasus alpinum, Salix herbaceaÂetc.; central European alpine habitats characteristic of the Rodna Massif with dwarf pine (Pinus mugo), green alder (Alnus viridis),ÂSalix retusa, Callianthemum coriandrifolium etc.; lakes of glaciar origin.Â
Socio-Economics Characteristics
The area is not inhabited. Rural villages in the surrounding area depend on agriculture, livestock raising, hunting and forestry. Due to traditional farming, the ancient landscape is still maintained today.ÂÂÂÂÂÂ
