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PLD Strážovské vrchy (Strážov Hills)An interesting mountain region covers an area between the mid Považie district and the upper Nitra district - the Strážov and Súľov Hills. In 1989, this precious territory became the Protected Landscape District Strážovské vrchy (Strážov Hills). PLD Strážov Hills extends over the western regions of central Slovakia beyond the national borders. Much of the southern parts reach into Ilava, Považská Bystrica, Prievidza and Púchov districts. The districts of Bytča and Žilina share a small area in the north. Two areas specific to this region are located in this PLD. Their diversity stems from their distinct geological features. The Súľovské vrchy (Súľov Hills) stretch across the north. The Strážovské vrchy (Strážov Hills) spread out across the south. Dominant features of the landscape are the rocky peaks of Strážov and Vápeč.
Now largely deforested by man, the basins and furrows are adorned with distinctive villages and folk architecture. The most inviting tourist site is the mountain village of Čičmany. In the heart of Súľovske skaly (Súľov rocks) erosion has formed a closed oval depression – Súľovská kotlina (Súľov basin). Súľovské skaly (Súľov rocks) have formed on the periphery of the basin and are arranged into two rings. The inner ring on the west side is broken by the narrow Súľovská tiesňava (Súľov strait). A mountain town with the Súľov Castle (660 m a. s. l.) and a Gothic gate rises to the north of Súľovská tiesňava (Súľov strait). The Gothic gate is the highest rock window in the Súľov Hills at 13 m.There are more remarkable natural phenomena in numerous rock walls, towers and bastions, especially towards the basin-side, such as the Great gate and cave Šarkania diera (Dragon’s hole). Hlbocká valley and Hlbocký waterfall intersect with the amassed rocks in the northern region. The cone - shaped Žibrid (867m a. s. l.) is the highest peak of Súľovs rocks. On its eastern slope a bizarre rock Budzogáň is hidden in the forest. This PLD is a predominantly wooded land.
The woods are divided according to stages of altitude. There are natural growths of beech forests. Aside from beech, other trees such as fir and maple are widespread. Elm is found in isolated areas. The rich micro-climatic conditions of the territory allow for the habitation of thermophilic mountain flora on heated rocks facing south. Certain species of mountain flora find refuge on the shaded northern slopes of the rocky walls that maintain cooler temperatures even at lower altitudes. The north-south orientation of the mountains has a significant impact on the nature of the vegetation.
The fauna of the PLD Strážovské vrchy has considerable diversity. In addition to the forest species, species found in rock, on grassland, arid and wetland habitats are abundant. Some of the larger mammals found here are eg. the Common Otter, Wildcat, Lynx, Wolf, Brown Bear. Deer, Roe Deer, Boar and Mouflon (mountain sheep) are numerous. Some amphibians were recorded as well: the Fire Salamander, Smooth Newt, Alpine Newt, Yellow-Bellied Toad, Common Toad, European Green Toad and European Tree Frog. Reptiles found were: the Sand Lizard, Common Lizard, Wall Lizard, Slow-worm, Grass Snake, Smooth Snake, Aesculapian Snake and Dice Snake. Birds of prey found in the PLD Strážov Hills during nesting season were: the Peregrine Falcon, Eurasian Hobby, Common Kestrel, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Northern Goshawk, Honey Buzzard, Common Buzzard and Owls: the Eurasian Eagle Owl, Eurasian Pygmy Owl, Tengmalm's Owl, Eurasian Tawny Owl, Ural Owl.
Text: Publication Prírodné Krásy Slovenska (Natural Beauties of Slovakia) – Chránené krajinné oblasti (Protected Landscape Districts)
Source: Vydavateľstvo Dajama (Dajama Publishing), www.dajama.sk, www.krasy-slovenska.sk, www.sopsr.sk/strazovskevrchy
