Risk analysis of the populations of a flagship species, the ornamental plumarius subsp. blandus (Dianthus plumarius subsp. blandus), in the Gesäuse National Park

The ornamental plumarius subsp. blandus (Dianthus plumarius subsp. blandus) is a striking flowering plant of the montane calm and pioneer grasslands over dolomite rock in the northern limestone Alps. Its area extends between the Dachstein massif and the Ennstal Alps. Investigations were carried out in 2014 and 2015 in order to be able to make statements about the stocks, their further development and a possible threat to the ornamental spring nelke in the Gesäuse National Park. The known findings were visited and based on this, the areas of the populations and subpopulations were collected. Eight permanent observation areas have also been set up in order to be able to specifically observe the existing clove plants over longer periods of time and to record their population dynamics. With 53 vegetation images according to Braun-Blanquet and their synecological evaluation, the vegetation connection of the ornamental spring shrimp was analysed. The species associated with the Federnelke refer above all to the following vegetation classes: Thlaspietea rotundifolii, Asplenietea trichomanis and Seslerietea coerulae. Seeds were collected for the evaluation of germination and establishment rates and sown both locally and in the Botanical Garden in Vienna (HBV). In the Gesäuse, the germination and establishment success was very low in contrast to the botanical garden. Nevertheless, young plants can be found on open, sunny and well-maintained calm rubble with a high fine content. This thesis provides basic surveys and analyses for later investigations on meta-population dynamics. At present, the population as a whole does not seem to be endangered, but very small and isolated populations, such as in Gofergraben and Hinterwinkel.