Waloryzacja przyrodnicza szlaków turystycznych w Karkonoskim Parku Narodowym

Background. The article presents assessment of the natural environment value of some hiking trails in the Karkonosze National Park. To assess the value such factors as valuable plant and animal species and biotopes, which are sensitive to hiking, were taken into consideration. Material and methods. The main research method was the pointed quality method (with coded degrees and evaluation points). Source materials were Polish Red Lists of plants and animals, European Union directives, international conventions, Polish laws and provisions, etc. Results. Twelve valuable plant species, twenty-two rare species of vertebrate animals and ten biotopes from the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) have been found along the analyzed trails. Conclusions. The most valuable parts of the trails are situated mainly in cirques (glacial kettles) and around them. There are also some interesting and scenic trails in the Śnieżka massif (the highest natural point of the Sudety mountains). The least valuable parts of the trails lead through spruce monocultures, which were planted on the site of the Sudety beechwood forests.