PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Invertebrates, and particularly insects, are an essential and often forgotten element of nature that deserve further attention. Insects play an extremely important role in our ecosystems and economies. They fascinate us with their graceful flights and the amazing complexity of their lifecycles. The need for their protection is recognised in the Habitats Directive. A LIFE project in the region of Extremadura was set up to protect EU-listed insects for which conservation problems have been identified. These include two beetles (Cerambyx cerdo and Lucanus cervus), four dragonflies (Coenagrion mercuriale, Macromia splendens, Oxygastra curtisii and Gomphus graslini) and a butterfly (Graellsia isabelae).
OBJECTIVES
The project took place on a network of seven Natura 2000 sites covering about 35 500ha in northern Extremadura. Its aim was to protect two beetles (Cerambyx cerdo and Lucanus cervus), four dragonflies (Coenagrion mercuriale, Macromia splendens, Oxygastra curtisii and Gomphus graslini) and a butterfly (Graellsia isabelae). Loss of habitat quality due to water pollution, changes in land use or poor river bank and forest management were addressed.
Management plans would be drawn up to establish a regulatory basis for long-term protection of the species. The plans would be based on the latest knowledge of populations and their ecological requirements. A series of restoration measures would be implemented to reverse the degradation of the dragonflies’ habitats (mainly rivers and river banks) and a surveillance team would be hired to protect sites against further disturbance. One of the main actions of the project was an information campaign to raise awareness of this group of fauna. A major challenge was the integration of the conservation needs of insects into economic activities (forestry and farming) in Extremadura. Such actions would be supported by the production of good practice manuals and the incorporation of the project results into relevant policies.
RESULTS
The project met most of its targets and objectives. The scientific studies, which were carried out, yielded precise knowledge of the current distribution of species (on average ten times larger than initially estimated) and of biological features of these species in Extremadura. Factors affecting the species have also been analysed and suitable measures proposed. To this end a set of management guidelines publications have been edited and distributed to relevant interested parties. All the information compiled has been added to a GIS that is now used as a reference tool when assessing projects that may affect any of the species targeted.
The survey was by far the largest and most comprehensive survey ever conducted in the region, and as a result, there are now sufficient management tools to protect and monitor the target species. Management, conservation or recovery plans were drafted and approved for the four species of odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) and, though the official publication in the regional bulletin is pending, the plans can be considered as politically endorsed.
The project has also made it possible to enlarge the SCIs and revise the degree of threats listed in the regional catalogue. The implementation of the project has also prompted the start up of surveys for the edition of an Atlas of odonates in Extremadura and the revision of taxonomy for some of the species. Another result of the project was the purchasing of plots covering a total of 5.85ha of land rich in biodiversity.
With regards to management actions, the restoration of ditches proved effective for the establishment of Coenagrion mercuriale and this type of measure is now promoted through grants to landowners. The re-vegetation of the river margins was a more complex operation due to the recurring swelling of the river. The effectiveness of the action will only be appraised in the long term. The eradication of invasive alien species, however, was successfully concluded.
The project also carried out surveillance activities in order to control damage to the river quality and the species. Such activities were also necessary for the dissemination of the project’s results to landowners and tourists and themselves. Awareness-raising tasks have helped shift the attitude of relevant stakeholders, such as farmers and landowners. Universities, research institutes, local people and tourists were also targeted through specific educational materials, talks, games, interpretative panels and TV and press appearances. A website was created, and some of the project products are downloadable. The project also produced an interactive CD. Other dissemination actions included a well-attended seminar, which led to the publication of a book and the organisation of a follow-up event.
The project was effectively co-ordinated, establishing an outstanding system of collaboration with environmental agents that have actively participated in the project. Project results have been incorporated into relevant policies.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).