Nature values - general characteristic

Brief general characteristic of nature and land values of Fiľakovo town surround

Fiľakovo town is situated in the orographic unit Cerová vrchovina upland, the subunit Fiľakovo Trough. The highest mount of Cerová vrchovina upland is Karanč (725 m a.s.l), which occurs on the Slovak-Hungarian boundary, 12 km southwesterly from the Fiľakovo town. The range of elevations above sea level in Fiľakovo cadastre is 185 – 350 m a.s.l. The divide contour line betwen Ipel and Tisa rivers runs through Cerová vrchovina upland (altitudes Medvedia výšina /659 m a.s.l./, Pohanský hrad /578 m a.s.l./, Veľký Bučeň /514 m a. s. l./). Through the cadastre from south to north flows Belina stream belonging to Ipeľ river-basin. The mean annual precipitation is about 600 mm in the area. The mean annual air temperature is 8,4 - 9 °C, on January -3,8 - -4 °C, on July 20 - 21 °C. From geological point of view the area is built by neogene sandstones and vulcanites. Among of soils dominate brown soils, another soil types occur in minor rate, fluvial soils occur in valleys. The relief of the Cerová vrchovina upland has inverse character - it means - in erosion process the lava flows filling valleys turned to shoulders and original shoulders changed to the valleys. A sharp relief segmentation is the characteristic feature of the area.

The central part of Cerová vrchovina upland with area 16 771 ha is a part of Protected Landscape Area Cerová vrchovina, which is closest to Fiľakovo 4 km southeasterly from the town. The castle hill Fiľakovo is a point part of Protected Landscape Area (PLA) Cerová vrchovina. There are no small protected areas with higher (4., 5.) protection level in Fiľakovo cadastre. To the Fiľakovo nearest small protected areas belong Nature Monument Belinské skaly (Belina cadastre), Nature Monument Čakanovský profil (Čakanovce cadastre), Nature reserve Kerčík (Šávoľ cadastre), National Nature Reserve Pohanský hrad (Šurice, Stará Bašta cadastres), National Nature Reserve Šomoška (Šiatorská Bukovinka cadastre), Nature Monument Soví hrad (Šurice cadastre). Since February 2008 the Territory of PLA Cerová vrchovina belongs to NATURA 2000 system as Special Protected area Cerová vrchovina - Porimavie. From natural science point of view most valuable and well-preserved biotopes of Cerová vrchovina upland with area approx. 3.500 ha are another part of NATURA 2000 system - Special Area of Conservation.

Flora

The Fiľakovo surround belongs to the Ipeľ-Rimava Trough flora district of the Paleo-Matra flora region (Matricum) within the Pannonian flora land (Pannonicum). The flora of this territory is rich, the recent knowledge contains data about occurrence of cca 1200 plant taxa in the Cerová vrchovina upland. Together with the neighbouring area in Hungary (/PLA/ Karancs-Medves Tajvédelmi körzet) the plant taxa number of wider surround is above 1300. Characteristic feature of the area vegetation is an intersection of mountain, psychrophile plant species and pannonian, strong thermophilic plant species. Some mountain species like Dentaria glandulosa, the Red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) and Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) occur in the north slopes and north oriented narrow valleys. Vice-versa, the south slopes are settled by termo- and xerophilic plant species in higher ratio, like the Bladder senna (Colutea arborescens), flax (Linum hirsutum) or grass Chrysopogon gryllus. Till it is known the occurrence of 35 protected plant species in the territory , 201 species belong to the red list.

To most often occurring forest biotopes (in Fiľakovo cadastre) belong the Turkey oak-sessile oak forests and Oak-hornbeam forests. There occur Asperulo-Fagetum and Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests and acidophilous oak forests in wider territory. On skeletal soils grow the Tilio-Acerion forests on slopes, screes and ravines, near streams - the mixed Ash-alder alluvial forests. Pannonian woods with Quercus pubescens occur rarely on sunny and skeletal slopes. A great part of the forests of the Cerová vrchovina upland is influenced by the occurrence of an alien woody plant false acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia). A small part of the forests is represented by introduced coniferous species, especially the Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris).

The Turkey oak-sessile oak forests as light and dry forests are represented by dense coverage of the herbaceous etage, mainly the grass, often with the dominating Meadow grass (Poa nemoralis). The Rose Campion (Lychnis coronaria) is a typical protected plant of this plant society. The Field maple (Acer campestre) occurs often in tree etage, besides the dominating Turkey oak (Quercus cerris) and Sessile oak (Quercus petraea). In scrub etage we can find the Mayflower (Crataegus monogyna) and Common privet (Ligustrum vulgare).

The Oak-hornbeam forests occur in soft moist sites, in contrast to previous plant society, mainly on gentle slopes. Because of dense crown canopy of the Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), the herbaceous layer is poor, often created only by the Carnation grass (Carex pilosa) or spring ephemeral plants like the Lesser celandine (Ficaria verna), Corydalys solida, Anemone ranunculoides and others. From the protected plant species we can present the Martagon Lily (Lilium martagon) and various species of Helleborines (Epipactis sp.).

Among of other forest biotopes, especially in higher locations or on north slopes (Medveš, Karanč, National Nature reserve Šomoška, Šiator, Pohanský hrad, Monica and others) we can find the Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests, which can change to the Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests on steep slopes. In this territory- in beech forests – Dentaria glandulosa - the Carpathian endemic species occurs rarely. Among of protected plant species of Orchidaceae family we can present the Red Helleborine (Cephalanthera rubra) at least.

The Bladder senna (Colutea arborescens) occurs mainly in the Pannonian woods with a sporadic occurrence of the Downy oak (Quercus pubescens).

From the natural science and protection point of view the Tilio-Acerion forests on slopes, screes and ravines and mixed ash-alder alluvial forests are meaningful. The debris forests are protecting forests mostly and according to highly skeletal soils, if you like their structure is more well-preserved. A great quantum of dead-wood occurs here too, these forests we find most often on top sites with rocks.

From the non-forest grass biotopes the significant part is created by xero-termophilic grass vestures (pastures), in minor ratio by mesophilic pastures and meadows. To typical and by law protected plants of xero-termophilic pastures and meadows belong the Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla grandis, Pulsatilla pratensis), the grass Chrysopogon gryllus, the flax Linum hirsutum subsp. glabrescens, the Lady orchid (Orchis purpurea), various Stipa species (Stipa sp.) and other. On mesophilic pastures in some localities the Orchis (Orchis morio) occurs numerously. Rock vegetation grows on basalt volcanism elements mainly. To its representatives we range the Houseleek (Sempervivum marmoreum), the Goldmoss Stonecrop (Sedum acre) and various species of finger-ferns (Asplenium sp.) The accumulation water reservoirs, built in the eighties of 20. century, are situated in wider territory. Some of the wetland biotopes are concentrated near by these reservoirs and on stream alluvial deposits. Among of rare and at the same time typical plants let us introduce the Flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus) and we have literary data about the Yellow water lily (Nuphar lutea).

Fauna

There has been proved the occurrence of approx. 2500 zoological taxa in the wider territory (PLA Cerová vrchovina) till. 339 of them belong to protected animals and 337 are ranged in Red List. 184 species belong to protected animals of European significance.

Invertebrates
The fauna of invertebrates is known particularly only and some species groups only. The knowledge about them are not entire, newest researches still bring new data about the occurrence of next species, which are meaningful from protection and faunistic point of view. As most meaningful taxa of the territory we consider species of international significance and species with the boundary of its extension in the observed area. In PLA Cerová vrchovina the Mediterranean and Pannonian species, rare in Slovakia, occur numerously.

Among of spiders (Aranea) we consider most meaningful the occurrence of Zora paralella, which is the only data about the occurrence of this species in Slovakia. The Wandering spider (Geolycosa vultuosa) has north extension boundary in the observed area, in Slovakia its occurrence is known from 3 localities only. In the territory the occurrence of 63 Orthoptera species was found out. Among of all we can present following species: the grasshoopers (Ruspolia nitidula, Tettigonia caudata) and Stetophymma grossum. Libelluloides macaronius is a meaningful mediterranean element of Neuroptera in the observed area. Among of beetles (Coleoptera) we consider the Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus) and the Great Capricorn Beetle (Cerambyx cerdo) usual in the area and the Rosalia longicorn (Rosalia alpina) - rare species. These species are rare or extinct in majority of Europe yet. Among of butterflies in the observed area the Apollo (Parnassius apollo), Southern Festoon (Zerynthia polyxena) and medium abundant Large Copper (Lycaena dispar) are remarkable. To rarest species of day butterflies of xero-termophilic pastures with Sainfoin belong Cupido (Cupido osiris), in Slovakia known from 3 localities only, only from Cerová vrchovina upland known butterfly Polyommatus admetus and the Mediterranean element Provençal Short-tailed Blue (Everes alcetas). The strongest population of the Large Blue (Maculinea arion punctifera) in Slovakia occurs in Cerová vrchovina upland too.

Vertebrata
Together with the fauna of water reservoirs the occurrence of 22 fish species (Osteichthyes) and 14 amphibian species is known from the Cerová vrchovina upland territory. To typical amphibian species if the territory we rank the common toad (Bufo bufo), European green toad (Bufo viridis), European tree frog (Hyla arborea), Common Spadefoot Toad (Pelobates fuscus) and Edible Frog (Rana esculenta). Among of reptiles the occurrence of 10 species is proved. European Green Lizard (Lacerta viridis), Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis) and common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) occurr largely in the observed area. The occurrence of the Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca) and Aesculapian Snake (Elaphe longisima) is typical.

From the Vertebrata the Birds are the most common group by species in the observed area. The occurrence of 219 bird species is known till. To rare species nesting in old beechwoods we rank the Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), Ural Owl (Strix uralensis ) and White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos). In oakwoods the nesting of Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos medius) and sporadically the Short-toed Treecreeper (Certhia brachydactyla) is typical. Among of rare birds of prey the data about the Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus) are known too in the area. On the present, the Hoopoe (Upupa epops), Barred Warbler (Sylvia nisoria), Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) and Woodlark (Lullula arborea) are typical species in pastures with solitary trees and bushes. The Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) belongs to rare stone-pit nesting species. The European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) nests in tunnels made in sand–pits and natural sandy banks. The Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) and Eurasian Marsh-harrier (Circus aeruginosus) nest, beside other birds, in reed edged water reservoirs.

The occurrence of 59 mammalia species (Mammalia) is known in the observed area. A meaningful gene pool area of The European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) in Slovakia is situated in the wider territory (Baštianska basin, Hostická basin). From the carnivorous animals, from the nature protection point of view, we can underline the occurrence of The European Otter (Lutra lutra) and Wildcat (Felis silvestris). The acknowledgement of the occurrence of the Mouse-eared bat (Myotis alcathoe) and Greater Noctule bat (Nyctalus lasiopterus) we consider meaningful faunistic data.

Literature

• ATLAS KRAJINY SLOVENSKEJ REPUBLIKY. 1.VYD. BRATISLAVA: MINISTERSTVO ŽIVOTNÉHO PROSTREDIA, BANSKÁ BYSTRICA:SLOVENSKÁ AGENTÚRA ŽIVOTNÉHO PROSTREDIA, 2002, 344 PP.
• BALÁZS C., BENDA P., ESTÓK P. & UHRIN M., 2007: Állatvilág, állattani értétek – gerincesek (Vertebrata). Pp.: 157–176. In: KISS G., BARÁZ C., GAÁLOVÁ K. & JUDIK B. (eds): A Karancs-Medves és a Cseres-hegység Tájvédelmi Körzet. Nógrád és Gömör határán. Bükki Nemzeti Park Igazgatóság, Eger, 382 pp.
• CSIKY J., BALÁZS P., HRIVNÁK R. RIMÓCZI I., 2007: Növényvilág, növénytani értétek. Pp.: 117–142. In: KISS G., BARÁZ C., GAÁLOVÁ K. & JUDIK B. (eds): A Karancs-Medves és a Cseres-hegység Tájvédelmi Körzet. Nógrád és Gömör határán. Bükki Nemzeti Park Igazgatóság, Eger, 382 pp.
• LANTOS I., KRIŠTÍN A. & SVATOŇ, J., 2007: Állatvilág, állattani értétek – gerinctelenek (Evertebrata). Pp.: 143–156. In: KISS G., BARÁZ C., GAÁLOVÁ K. & JUDIK B. (eds): A Karancs-Medves és a Cseres-hegység tájvédelmi körzet. Nógrád és Gömör határán. Bükki Nemzeti Park Igazgatóság, Eger, 382 pp.

In a later period of this volcanism 4,7 million years ago from a huge volcano Monosa above Obručná there was a 4 km long flow, which finished near Belina. There was another lava flow from the volcanos south-east from Bulhary. Its remains can be found on the hills – the Kerčík and the Šarkan. There was also a lava flow from Čakanovce to Trebeľovce. Basalt has always been quarried near Fiľakovo (Fiľakovské Biskupice, Chrasť, Bulhary, Čamovce). In the past it was used for road paving. Nowadays it is used to toughen the roads. In the quarry Chrasť between Fiľakovo and Ratka there are remains of the red burnt ground from Quaternary period.

Basalt volcanism continued in this period, when the Cerova Upland began to lift. This uplift began 2 million years ago and finished 10 thousand years ago. This process had important meaning in the creation of today’s surface of Fiľakovo and its surrounding. The result of processes was the inverse surface of the ground. It means that once when there were valleys are now crests and when there were sandstone hills today there are erosive valleys.

The uplift wasn’t even. In Quaternary period 300-400 thousand years ago were the last volcanic activities in the Cerova Upland area. The bottoms of the craters were filled with water. They created crater lakes. These types of craters are called maars. Near the craters there were lapillis - small volcanic fragments and also huge volcanic bombs. From these was created a tuff ring. There are only a few remains of tuff walls - one on the castle top and another on the Red Mount.