Upload
others
View
2
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
LIFE08 NAT/IT/000326
“URGENT PILOT ACTIONS FOR
THE PROTECTION OF
AMPHIBIANS, REPTILES AND
BATS OF THE
SCI MONTE CALVO – PIANA DI
MONTENERO"
LAYMAN’S REPORT
Project location Italy – Puglia Region
Project start date 01/01/2010
Project end date 30/06/2015
Total project duration (in months) 66
Total budget € 1,366,694.00
Total eligible budget € 1,366,694.00
EU contribution € 683,347.00
(%) of total costs 50%
(%) of eligible costs 50%
WEBSITE
www.lifemontenero.it
WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE PROJECT?
Beneficiary institutions and cofinanciers: Ente Parco Nazionale del Gargano (beneficiary Coordinator),
Centro Studi Naturalistici Onlus and Montenero Farm (beneficiaries), Province of Foggia (co-founder).
Project supporter: Ministry of Environment and Protection of Land and Sea - Directorate for Nature
Conservation, Puglia Region - Department of Ecology.
WHAT WAS THE CONTENT OF THE PROJECT?
Purpose of LIFE + Nature 2008 project "Pilot actions for the protection of amphibians, reptiles and bats of
SCI Monte Calvo – Piana di Montenero" was to ensure the survival and growth of the populations of some
species of amphibians, reptiles and bats in the SCI IT9110026 Monte Calvo – Piana di Montenero. The
actions of the project were conducted in one of the most important Italian key sites for the following
species: Triturus carnifex, Triturus vulgaris. The site is also important at European and global level because
the populations of the species mentioned above are mainly found in South Italy. At the regional level, the
site is a strategic area for the conservation of Elaphe quatuorlineata. The site is also important for the
Chiroptera (bats) as in this SCI 18 of the 37 Italian and the 44 European species occur. For this, the project
area can vaunt 51% of the bat species occurring in Italy and 41% of the bat species occurring in Europe.
THE ISSUES ADDRESSED DURING THE PROJECT ARE THE FOLLOWING:
The objective of LIFE+ Nature 2008 project "Pilot actions for the protection of amphibians, reptiles and bats
of SCI Monte Calvo – Piana di Montenero" was to ensure the survival and growth of populations of some
species of amphibians, reptiles and bats in the SCI IT9110026 Monte Calvo – Piana di Montenero. The
project area falls within a vast area in the National Park of Gargano, one of the largest protected areas in
Italy, inside two Natura 2000 sites: SCI “Monte Calvo – Piana di Montenero”, SPA “Promontorio del
Gargano”; as well as in the Important Bird Area (IBA) “Gargano Promontory”.
The presence of these protected areas suggests the huge importance of the site, that, for its outstanding
natural traits, is characterized by an extremely high biodiversity. The area looks like a karst plateau with an
average altitude of 900 m a.s.l. with a very high concentration of sinkholes, caves and other Karst cavities
among the most impressive of the entire Gargano. The landscape is particularly striking with ongoing
depressions (karst sinkholes) in an environment charachterized by sub-steppic pastures with a high
biodiversity, important from a scientific and naturalistic point of view, alternated with mixed woods
dominated by Turkey oak and pubescent oak. The project area is one of the most important areas of
southern Italy for the populations of Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex), Italian newt (Triturus italicus),
Italian tree frog (Hyla intermedia) and some reptiles such as the Four-lined snake (Elaphe quaturlineata)
and the Western Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni).
In particular the project area represents a key site, at European and global level, for the presence and
conservation of the Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex) and the Italian newt (Triturus italicus).
In addition, for its morphological characteristics and due to the occurrence of numerous natural caves and
numerous ruins of rural artifacts, the SCI is one of the sites with higher suitability for most species of bats
living in the Gargano area and therefore a key site for their conservation at national level. During the
monitoring activities, thanks to the specific conservation actions implemented during the project, the
presence of 18 bat species has been recorded, including 7 species new to the SCI (table follows):
N. SPECIES BAT SPECIES (Italian name /
Scientific name) TARGET SPECIES / NEW SPECIES FOR THE SCI
1 Rinolofo maggiore
Rhinolophus ferrumequinum Target species
2 Rinolofo minore
Rhinolophus hipposideros Target species
3 Rinolofo eurìale
Rhinolophus Euryale Target species
4 Vespertilio di Capaccini
Myotis capaccinii Target species
5 Vespertilio maggiore
Myotis myotis Target species
6 Vespertilio maggiore/di Blyth
Myotis myotis/blythii Target species
7 Vespertilio smarginato
Myotis emarginatus new species for the SCI
8 Vespertilio di Natterer
Myotis nattereri new species for the SCI
9 Vespertilio di Bechstein
Myotis bechsteinii new species for the SCI
10 Pipistrello albolimbato
Pipistrellus kuhlii Target species
11 Pipistrello nano
Pipistrellus pipistrellus new species for the SCI
12 Pipistrello pigmeo
Pipistrellus pygmaeus new species for the SCI
13 Nottola di Leisler
Nyctalus leisleri new species for the SCI
14 Pipistrello di Savi
Hypsugo savii
Target species
15 Serotino comune
Eptesicus serotinus
Target species
16 Barbastello
Barbastella barbastellus new species for the SCI
17 Miniottero Target species
Miniopterus schreibersii
18 Molosso di Cestoni
Tadarida teniotis Target species
THREATS IDENTIFIED ACTIONS TAKEN IN RESPONSE TO THREATS
Minor wetland drainage and lack of buffer areas
/buffer zones.
During the twentieth century the wetlands as part
of the karst landscape of the site have been
transformed into agricultural areas. Therefore, at
present the Piana di Montenero has no longer
wetlands buffer areas but only agricultural areas
adjacent to their banks.
The drainage led to the disappearance of an
extensive network of wetlands, which represents
one of the first causes of the general
impoverishment of biodiversity and one of the
contributory causes of drastic decrease that some
amphibian species have undergone, such as Hyla
intermedia, Triturus carnifex and Triturus italicus
(Lissotriton italicus).
Recovery of 11 small ponds (CUTINI) to allow the
establishment of 11 new colonies of amphibians
and reptiles (Italian tree frog, Italian newt, Italian
crested newt). The action led to the restoration of
the hydraulic and structural conditions for
rainwater collection, in addition to creating
appropriate climbs for wildlife.
Disappearance of typical elements of stone
architecture (dry stone walls and barns)
The degradation of the main elements of the rural
civilization of the Gargano, the dry stone walls and
barns, besides being a cultural loss, represents a
serious harm to populations of bats living close to
man, and in general for all amphibians and reptiles
that use the network of dry stone walls for their
movements.
Along the network of dry stone walls 10,000 m of
linear hedges have been restored, as a suitable
habitat for the Four-lined snake and the Western
Hermann’s Tortoise, and natural features has been
created to promote a wider overall renaturalization.
Pollution resulting from the use of biocidal
products in agriculture.
The use of biocides, also against invertebrates,
determines, on the one hand, the reduction in food
availability for those wildlife species that feed on
them and, on the other hand, diffuse pollution of
surface water and groundwater and lower capacity
of self-purification of water resources, with
consequent loss of biodiversity. Amphibians and
bats, in particular, are very sensitive to any action
involving the massive use of biocides.
Creation of an information service for breeders,
farmers and local operators and to promote further
conservation initiatives in the site.
Inbreeding (repeated inbreeding crosses).
Too much inbreeding can lead to the collapse of
populations. This threat is especially severe for the
Italian tree frog, the Italian crested newt, the Italian
newt, the Four-lined snake and the Western
Hermann's Tortoise, because of their low mobility
and excessive distance between populations.
10 outdoor tubs were realized in the site, according
to naturalistic and sustainable criteria. In addition,
10 aquaterrariums were hosted in a suitable place
in the visitors centre of “Oasi Lago Salso”. The
larvae and egg masses were collected from their
habitats and transferred in the facilities of the
Centre, where they were grown under controlled
conditions. For the Hermann's Tortoise 4
aquaterrariums were made with enclosures against
predators designed to not interfere with the
reproduction of the individuals. The larvae and the
just metamorphosed of the Italian tree frog, the
Italian newt, the Italian crested newt and the youth
of the Western Hermann's Tortoise were released
in the same places in which the eggs were collected
and in other suitable sites.
Summer Drought.
Premature drying of puddles, mainly occurring in
summer as a result of droughts, is often responsible
for the failure of reproductive success for
amphibians that use them to lay their eggs.
The restoration of small ponds (CUTINI) has
increased the capacity and efficiency in water
reserve retained in the same artifacts.
Lack of knowledge about the biology of the
species.
Despite not being directly a threat or a limiting
factor, the lack of information on important aspects
of the biology and ecology of target species at local
level, represents a serious limitation in the
management and restoration of habitats and
therefore in the implementation of effective
conservation actions.
In particular, important lack of knowledge regarding
all the target species are: productivity and
population dynamics, survival, ecological
characteristics determining the choice of
reproductive sites.
For bats, moreover, also the exact determination of
the occurring species was uncertain.
Studies have been performed in habitats suitable
to the target species through the definition of:
conservation status; current and potential
threats; current and potential distribution;
evolution in progress; realization of cartography.
In particular, for amphibians and reptiles, the
following actions have been realized:
• Census of breeding populations;
• Mapping of nesting sites that host species;
• Mapping of trophic areas frequented;
• Study on the density of the species;
• Morpho-genetic surveys on the population.
For the bats the following actions have been
realized:
• Census of breeding populations;
• Mapping of breeding sites that host species;
• Mapping of trophic areas;
• Winter roost sites.
Disappearance of natural elements present in the
agricultural matrix.
The strong anthropic pressure realized by
agricultural activities caused the almost total
disappearance of hedges, tree rows, dry stone walls
(that constituted the "corridors" and micro-habitats
favourable for many animal species).
Even forest exploitation in the prevailing coppice
management has eliminated old trees with crevices
and holes that were suitable sites for the presence
of bats.
In addition to restoring hedges, 1,000 bat-boxes
were installed, boxes designed to accommodate
many bat species.
They were placed in sites considered most
appropriate along wooded bands (especially
degraded forests and also artificial forests of
conifers), using two different sized lodges to
accommodate more species of bats.
After the installation a continuous monitoring has
been carried out to verify the employment rate
and species of bats present.
Human disturbance in the caves.
The tourism/scientific use of caves, if not regulated,
has resulted in their abandonment by bats.
Similarly, in an area rich in graves and sinkholes
(vertical cavities), in which grazing is practiced,
farmers often have blocked those cavities to defend
themselves and their livestock from accidental falls.
N. 9 caves were secured, by installing access
gates to two horizontal caves (cave of Montenero
and cave of the Difesa), using gates already tested
in other bats conservation activities, with
particular reference to the use of horizontal bars,
in order to allow the passage of the fauna and
simultaneously prevent the disturbance. For other
7 vertical caves fences were placed around the
caves, to allow the passage of bats and to avoid
the accidental fall of persons and livestock.
WHAT WERE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT?
The aim of the project was to ensure the survival and population increase of some species of amphibians,
reptiles and bats in the SCI IT9110026 “Monte Calvo – Piana di Montenero”.
In what NATURA 2000 Sites the project was carried out?
The project area is located within a vast area that was included in the following three sites of international
importance due to its characteristics of high naturalness: SCI “Monte Calvo – Piana di Montenero” (Natura
200 site); SPA “Promontorio del Gargano” (Natura 2000 site); Important Bird Area IBA “Promontorio del
Gargano”. Moreover, the project area is included inside the Gargano National Park, one of the largest
protected areas in Italy.
The area looks like a karst plateau with an average altitude of 900 m a.s.l., characterized by highly fractured
limestones, of which the substrate is composed. This situation has led to the presence of very pronounced
karstic phenomena, in particular caves and karst sinkholes. The site has the largest concentration of
sinkholes and other karst cavities on the Gargano Promontory. The landscape is very impressive and it is
characterized by a plateau with several depressions (karst sinkholes); the vegetation is characterized by
sub-steppic grasslands with high biodiversity and valuable scientific and naturalistic aspects, alternated
with mixed forests dominated by oaks (Turkey oak and pubescent oak).
WHAT WAS DONE DURING THE PROJECT?
The concrete conservation actions are the "core" of a Life project. The five actions of the Life “Montenero”
allowed the following results: recovery of 10 small ponds (Cutini) for amphibians (C1), plantation of
10,000 m of hedges along the dry stone walls in favor of reptiles (C2), placement of 1,000 bat-boxes for
bats (C3), creation of a breeding Center for amphibians and reptiles (C4) and 9 caves/sinkholes suitable
for bats secured (C5).
Thanks to the breeding and reproduction activities, carried out in captivity in the breeding centre, every
year young larvae of amphibians (Italian tree frog, Italian crested newt and Italian newt) and young
tortoises were produced. The amphibians were released in the recovered small ponds called “Cutini”
(altogether about 9,650 larvae until 2015), and the young tortoise were released in other suitable areas of
the SCI (altogether 207 young tortoises).
The monitoring of the target species has been essential for the effectiveness of the concrete conservation
actions.
Thanks to the various techniques used (bat boxes, caves and “Cutini” inspection; day and night routes of
observation, listening and bio-acoustic monitoring with bat detector; etc.), the monitoring actions allowed
to carry out relevés that proved over the years: the colonization of all the small ponds (Cutini) by the target
amphibians; the increasing of the populations of reptiles along the dry stone walls; the progressive
occupation of bat boxes by the bats (grown significantly over the years, reaching around 20% with a trend
that we hope will continue in the future) and the increase in number of species and individuals of the bats
populations in the secured caves.
The monitoring activities have also allowed to identify the opportune release areas for the common
tortoise, to direct the activities of the breeding Center, ensuring the salvage of numerous individuals of the
target species destined to die, and, finally, to certify the use of the small ponds (Cutini) even by bats, as
hunting sites (due to the increased presence of insects). Thus, the Cutini, as trophic sites, demonstrated an
unexpected value not only for amphibians but also for bats. Therefore, the importance of the synergy
between actions C3 (bat boxes) and C5 (caves) with C1 (Cutini) seems evident for the improvement of the
ecological niches of different bat species. In fact, where these actions are located closely, the synergy
between them is that, while the first two actions improve the bat refuges, the third action reinforces the
trophic niche. As an example, one of the most interesting observations of Barbastelle (Barbastella
barbastellus), a rare species of well-preserved forest environments, was made on the small pond (Cutino)
located along the access road to “Montenero” farm, in an area not suitable for the species (which is linked
to old-growth forests) but where it maybe found the bat boxes installed during the project activities.
The awareness and popularization activities foreseen by the project were also important for the
conservation of the Natura 2000 species and habitats. Popularizing publications (foldings, booklets,
newsletters), information panels and a documentary have been produced. Educational activities were
carried out involving more than 181 school classes, for a total of 3,667 pupils who learnt about the target
species and habitats and saw with their own eyes the interventions realized in the natural environments.
Last but not least, the project website and a special information desk for farmers were activated.
WHAT WERE THE RESULTS OF THE PROJECT?
The conservation actions have been realized by implementing preliminary verification actions (scientific
inventory) in synergy with the plan of the natural elements that need restoration (planning) and their
realization.
The project has achieved all the proposed conservation objectives, by restoring the small ponds (Cutini) in
the site, creating buffer zones along the dry stone walls, implementing the sites appropriate for bats and
performing the actions of captive breeding and release. For the amphibians, 11 small ponds (Cutini) were
realized, that were colonized by the target species and by other species (plants and animals), with the
result of the general rise of local ecological functionality that is guaranteed in the long term. Besides,
according to the provisions of the project, the breeding Center was created and managed, 1,000 bat boxes
were installed and 9 caves suitable for bats were secured.
All the conservation activities made it possible to achieve the objectives of the project.
SPECIFIC
OBJECTIVE
EXPECTED RESULTS RESULTS ACHIEVED
Recovery of 10
small ponds
(Cutini) for
amphibians.
Strengthening the presence and
ensuring greater chances of survival of
amphibian populations (Italian tree frog,
Italian newt, Italian crested newt) in the
SCI, intervening both in the availability
of suitable sites and in the removal of
alien fish species possibly occurring, and
also improving the parameters in terms
of inbreeding.
11 small ponds (Cutini) for amphibians
were realized, that were colonized by the
target species and by other species
(plants and animals), with the result of
the general rise of local ecological
functionality that is guaranteed in the
long term.
The Cutini resulted very useful also for
bats as feeding areas, thus helping to
strengthen the specific actions on bats. In
addition, the Cutini lead to the
stabilization of populations, their increase
in distribution within the SCI, and to the
interaction with other important natural
sites, facilitating the exchange of
individuals between populations and
reducing the negative effects of
inbreeding.
Realization of 10
Km of hedges for
reptiles.
Improving the presence of reptiles (Four-
lined snake and Western Hermann’s
Tortoise) in the site, acting on the
expansion and qualification of trophic
sites. In addition, increasing in overall
naturalization of the site and landscape
improvement.
About the restocking of the common
tortoise, the released individuals were
monitored throughout the season, with
results considered positive.
Installation of
1,000 bat boxes
for bats.
Enhancement of populations of bats in
the area through an increase in and a
diversification of settlement sites and
contextual study on suitable habitats of
the target species (censuses, mapping of
nesting sites, trophic areas and winter
roosts).
An increase was observed in the presence
of forest bats in areas in which bat boxes
were set.
In the medium to long term the bats will
continue to benefit from the presence of
bat boxes.
Population
increase of
amphibians and
reptiles as a result
of breeding in a
dedicated Center.
Colonization of suitable sites for
amphibians and reptiles, through release
of individuals bred in a dedicated
breeding center: Hyla intermedia
tadpoles, Triturus carnifex tadpoles,
Triturus vulgaris tadpoles, Testudo
hermanni juv.
The breeding Center was created and
managed in compliance with the project
provisions.
N. 9,650 amphibians and n. 207 tortoises
were raised in the center and released in
nature.
9 karst caves
suitable for bats
secured.
Improvement of karst sites suitable for
bats and elimination of causes of human
disturbance.
An increase in the use of the caves by the
troglophile species was recorded (as
refuge, and/or nursery and/or
hibernation). In the medium to long term
the bats will continue to benefit from the
action performed for the caves. N. 7 bat
species new to the site were found.
WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM BENEFITS OBTAINED WITH THE PROJECT?
The performed conservation actions fully comply with the objectives of the project and their realization
according to the project design proved not only the validity of the scheduled actions, but also the validity of
the design, getting the best possible result through the implementation of key actions in a synergistic way
within the partnership.
For amphibians and reptiles the performed actions, such as the creation of damp biotopes built respecting
the local architectural types, together with the restocking activities, provided an immediate colonization
success that will maintain long-term. Preliminary actions (inventories) and monitoring activities ensured the
best implementation of conservation activities, by directing and verifying the situation ex ante, ex post and
during the implementation of the actions.
RESTORED “CUTINO” INSTALLED BAT BOX CAVE OF MONTENERO
MONITORING ACTIONS ITALIAN TREE FROG’S EGG
MASSES MONITORING ACTIONS