The vegetation of the Biharia Massif (Apuseni Mountains) - general characterisation.

The Biharia Massif, situated in the south-western part of the Apuseni Mountains, with its highest peaks, Bihor-Cucurbăta Mare (1849 m) and Cucurbăta Mică (1769 m), provides a wide range of ecological conditions and allows the development of diverse vegetation. It comprises forests ranging from beech to spruce, small patches of riparian forest, scrub (including alpine juniper over a wide area and mountain pine in a small area), meadows used as pastures or hay-fields, many types of hygrophilous vegetation and, over small areas, saxicolous vegetation. Our research in this region, previously scarcely studied, resulted in the identification of 39 plant associations that are briefly presented here, included in 22 alliances, 13 orders and 11 vegetation classes. As regards nature protection, the most important and diverse area, the source of the Cepelor Valley, has already been declared a SCI but other important areas also need protection.