PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Freshwater ecosystems are vital for biodiversity and human wellbeing. Wetlands harbour multiple organisms that are at least partially dependent on freshwater for completing their lifecycle. Amphibians and invertebrates are key components of wetlands, and these groups contain numerous endangered species. The semi-aquatic lifecycle of these groups makes them particularly susceptible to changes in the quality, abundance, and distance between wetlands. The condition of the surrounding terrestrial habitats is also significant.
Many herptiles (reptile or amphibian) and insect species have been subject to dramatic declines due to human disturbance, for example, draining of wetlands, urbanisation, and fragmentation of the landscape. Invasive alien species, including diseases, also pose global threats to the native semi-aquatic fauna. In Europe, many herptiles and insects are dependent on Natura 2000 sites and other protected areas for their long-term survival. A key factor for the long-term survival of reptiles, amphibians, and insects with limited dispersal abilities is that populations must be able to thrive in a metapopulation. This means that there must be a minimum number of suitable breeding sites within dispersal distance. Moreover, the terrestrial environment must also provide suitable habitats for feeding, hibernation, and protection against predators.
Previous work at Natura 2000 sites typically focused on actions in either aquatic or terrestrial habitats.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of the SemiAquaticLife project was to restore and improve the conservation status of herptiles and semi-aquatic insects in Natura 2000 sites in southern Sweden (11 sites), Denmark (19 sites), and Germany (9 sites). The goal was to ensure viable metapopulations of species listed in the annexes of the Habitats Directive. The focus was on the listed herptiles and invertebrates and the improvement of both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Another objective was to increase awareness and acceptance among stakeholders and the general public of the need for restoration actions for semiaquatic fauna and herptiles. Finally, the main results of the project will be summarised for guidelines of best practices that will provide European conservation recommendations.
RESULTS
SemiAquaticLife has improved the conservation status of herptiles and semi-aquatic insects in Natura 2000 areas in southern Sweden (11 Natura 2000 sites), Denmark (17 Natura 2000 sites), and Germany (9 Natura 2000 sites). This has been achieved by increasing or improving habitat for amphibian and water insect species listed in Annexes Annex II-IV of the Habitats Directive: digging and restoration of wetlands, creating hibernation spots, clearing of trees and bushes and invasive flora, building fencing to allow grazing, and suitably managing sites. The project has also reintroduced or undertaken supportive breeding of the Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis), Fire-bellied Toad (Bombina bombina), Spadefoot Toad (Pelobates fuscus), Green Toad (Bufo viridis), Tree Frog (Hyla arborea), and Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita).
The project results include:
- 243 wetlands created.
- 228 wetlands restored.
- 109 hibernation spots created.
- 376 ha at 10 sites cleared of trees, bushes, and invasive flora.
- 14,065 meters of fencing built on five sites.
- Infrastructure has been built to ensure grazing.
- Reintroduction and supportive breeding were completed at 16 sites.
Awareness and acceptance among landowners and the public of the need for restoration actions for semi-aquatic fauna and herptiles has been increased. Websites, information signs, leaflets and rollups, field excursions, information meetings, and outdoor museums have been tools used for the dissemination of the project and its results.
Monitoring of the conservation actions has indicated an initial positive effect on amphibians in the project sites, especially regarding spadefoot toads and sand lizards. However, for many species, it will take time to colonise and establish viable populations, and by the end of the project, it was still too early to determine the long-lasting effects on the metapopulation size, structures, and trends as a result of the project activities.
The project also sent information to the national authorities in order to update the SDFs of the N2000 project sites and include all the relevant species.
The knowledge of and skills of breeding and reintroducing amphibian populations is an important lesson to continue to work on in the future. This is also true for breeding and reintroducing the Sand Lizard in northern Germany to new site where it has gone extinct. Best practice methods applied during the project can be adapted to a regional level. However, the lessons learned from the breeding of amphibian populations and the newly developed method for creating wetlands from ditches may be transferred to other regions. Also, the design of the project in which three countries are involved has ensured trans-national cooperation and the sharing of best practices among the countries.
