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Pine-woods on peat |
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Pine-woods on peat
are only found in the Bitche area, the milieu being a
relict from the post-glacial era. The 'Scots Pine' is
present in the form of a remarkable ecotype, the 'Hanau
Pine'.
This decidedly continental milieu is unique in France.
It occurs naturally in Eastern Europe (Poland, Byelorussia...),
and is the terminal evolutionary stage of peat moss
(Sphagnum sp.) bogs.
The most typical shrub growing in the undergrowth is
the Bog Myrtle (Vaccinium uliginosum).
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| Bog Myrtle, © Michel Rauch |
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Pubescent Birch and Black Alder can also be found as can
a number of other mosses.
The most remarkable animal species are the Pied Flycatcher
(Ficedula hypoleuca)
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| Pied Flycatcher, © Michel Rauch |
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and the Pine Marten (Martes martes). Fifty years
ago the Capercaillie also lived here.
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| Pine Marten, © Michel Rauch |
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