PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Coturnice di Sicilia (Alectoris graeca whitakeri) is a subspecies of rock partridge endemic to Sicily that is included in Annex I of the Birds Directive. The Sicilian metapopulation of rock partridges is fragmented into small isolated populations and remains heavily threatened by: reduction and transformation of the bird’s habitat following reforestation, insensitive grazing and fire; illegal release for hunting purposes of partridges belonging to other subspecies and species, with consequent hybridisation risks; illegal shooting; and lack of interest shown by local communities in protecting the endemic subspecies.
OBJECTIVES
The main objective of the LIFE Nature SICALECONS project was to improve the conservation status of the Sicilian endemic subspecies of rock partridge. Actions targeted special protection areas (SPAs) in north-western Sicily – within the “Monte Cofano, Capo San Vito e Monte Sparagio" Natura 2000 network site – and involved risk reduction works to tackle each of the main threats to the birds.
RESULTS
The SICALECONS project’s overall objective was successful and many specific goals i.e. targeting reduction of threats, over a total area of over 15 000 ha, to the Sicilian partridge (Alectoris graeca whitakeri) were also achieved. Overall, there has been a very positive impact regionally, with an increase in the bird population of 18%, maintenance of biodiversity, establishment of a captivity stock of reproducers, and raised awareness about the birds and their conservation needs.
Also successful was the wild boar (one of the threats to the birds) capture method trialled during the project. Indeed, other protected areas in the region have already expressed interest in replicating this activity in their territories. Another good result was the fine-tuning under the project, of two procedures for genetic analyses. Less successful, however, were the attempts to breed in semi-natural conditions and the restocking activities. Breeding proved to be only successful under very controlled conditions in the laboratory; while the majority of the restocked birds did not survive. And, although there was a considerable decrease in the wild boar population (30% to 60% reduction), this was mostly due to a wild fire in the Zingaro reserve in 2012, rather than to control measures adopted by the project.
The most innovative aspect of the project at least at regional level, was the method for the control of wild boar through the installation of capture corrals. Dissemination and awareness raising activities were well received locally, with the main successes here related to the increased knowledge about the species and the dissemination of its conservation needs among the general public and in particular among hunters. The project’s educational programme was also successfully carried out, with actions, including a photo exhibition, promoted throughout the region.
Also noteworthy are two significant results in terms of environmental policy at a local level: the publication of an action plan for the conservation of Sicilian partridge in the region (which was officially approved in February 2015) and, a plan by the municipality of Castellammare del Golfo to establish a nature reserve in the Mount Inici area (a decision apparently reached following the SICALECONS experiences.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan/After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).
The SICALECONS project’s overall objective was successful and many specific goals i.e. targeting reduction of threats, over a total area of over 15 000 ha, to the Sicilian partridge (Alectoris graeca whitakeri) were also achieved. Overall, there has been a very positive impact regionally, with an increase in the bird population of 18%, maintenance of biodiversity, establishment of a captivity stock of reproducers, and raised awareness about the birds and their conservation needs.Also successful was the wild boar (one of the threats to the birds) capture method trialled during the project. Indeed, other protected areas in the region have already expressed interest in replicating this activity in their territories. Another good result was the fine-tuning under the project, of two procedures for genetic analyses. Less successful, however, were the attempts to breed in semi-natural conditions and the restocking activities. Breeding proved to be only successful under very controlled conditions in the laboratory; while the majority of the restocked birds did not survive. And, although there was a considerable decrease in the wild boar population (30% to 60% reduction), this was mostly due to a wild fire in the Zingaro reserve in 2012, rather than to control measures adopted by the project.
The most innovative aspect of the project at least at regional level, was the method for the control of wild boar through the installation of capture corrals. Dissemination and awareness raising activities were well received locally, with the main successes here related to the increased knowledge about the species and the dissemination of its conservation needs among the general public and in particular among hunters. The project’s educational programme was also successfully carried out, with actions, including a photo exhibition, promoted throughout the region.
Also noteworthy are two significant results in terms of environmental policy at a local level: the publication of an action plan for the conservation of Sicilian partridge in the region (which was officially approved in February 2015) and, a plan by the municipality of Castellammare del Golfo to establish a nature reserve in the Mount Inici area (a decision apparently reached following the SICALECONS experiences.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan/After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).
