Ecological network for Osmoderma eremita and other species dependent on veteran trees

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

The hermit beetle (Osmoderma eremita), which is listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive and Annex II of the Bern Convention, is a near threatened species in Europe. It is restricted to old-growth (primary-, primeval- or virgin forest) forests as it inhabits decaying tree hollows, notably old oaks and also other deciduous hardwood trees, so any activities that destroy such trees (e.g. stand-replacing disturbance) are strongly detrimental to the species. The main overall threat is likely to be degradation or loss of habitat quality, involving the removal of the older dead and dying trees from forest/ woodland areas. There are three habitat types in Lithuania related to the hermit beetle.

OBJECTIVES

The LIFE OSMODERMA project aims to:

To develop a cross-border Lithuania-Latvia ecological network plan and identify the functional ecological network for the beetle and other saproxylic invertebrates (dependent on dead or decaying wood) from Kaunas oak forest to the slope of the Neris river by Verkiai;

To prepare the necessary documentation for implementation of practical conservation actions in the area of the ecological network and ensure long-term conservation of restored habitat sites;

To prepare a methodology for reintroduction of the beetle and to restore a viable population;

To create favourable conditions for the hermit beetle and other saproxylics in core project areas by suitable management of the areas of old-growth forests/woodlands, creation of migratory corridors and eradication of alien species;

To create stepping stones between these project areas and other potential areas, or creation of temporary artificial habitats;

To improve monitoring techniques and equipment;

To raise public awareness on the importance of these older, hardwood tree species for biodiversity conservation, socioeconomic impacts and ecosystem functions; and

To share knowledge about conservation strategies for the beetle species and practical experience on habitat restoration among experts, and ensure the transfer and replicability of the project methods.

Expected results:

A cross-border Lithuanian-Latvian ecological network plan;

Identification of an ecological network for the target species and other saproxylics between Kaunas and Vilnius;

Preparation of (two) management plans for Kaunas oak forest and for the slope of the Neris river by Verkiai;

Guidelines on management of old-growth trees and deadwood for three Natura 2000 sites;

A methodology for reintroduction of the beetle species;

Installation of ‘smart pheromone traps’ (e.g. to limit pest populations);

Restoration and management of 300-400 old-growth trees and other valuable older trees/deadwood;

Elimination of invasive alien species on a total of 12 ha;

Creation of dispersal corridors for the beetle species and control of invasive species inside core zones on a total area of 10 ha;

Restoration of at least one viable hermit beetle population;

Assessment of direct or indirect employment growth and raising the profile of the project area;

Assessment of the project's impact on the ecosystem functions and of seven ecosystem services; and

Various awareness raising activities.

 

RESULTS

The LIFE OSMODERMA project tackled the isolation problem of the hermit beetle (Osmoderma eremita), an umbrella species that is very rare and protected throughout Europe, by creating an ecological network between Kaunas and Vilnius –two of Lithuania’s major cities. The network was created by selecting Natura 2000 sites that are designated for the beetle Osmoderma eremita as the core areas (Kaunas Oak Forest, Surroundings of Neris River Loops, and the Slope of Neris River by Verkiai) and then linking the isolated patches of habitat by a corridor. Throughout the ecological network’s territory, arboristic management measures were applied to restore the vitality of veteran trees and extend their longevity. LIFE OSMODERMA’s ecological network is part of a wider Lithuanian-Latvian ecological network where fragmentation of hermit beetle populations has been identified. The project created an interactive map showing all potential habitats of O. eremita. Management plans for two Natura 2000 sites (Kaunas Oak Forest and the Slope of Neris River by Verkiai), developed and approved during the project, not only served as a basis for practical conservation measures but also ensure long-term conservation of the restored habitats.

Of 1,591 veteran broad-leaved trees identified in the ecological corridor created, agreements were signed with landowners for protection and arboristic management of the most valuable 643 trees. Management work was carried out by specialists holding international arborist certificates. Lighting conditions were improved through dispersal corridors created for hermit beetles by eradicating the invasive ash-leaved maple (Acer negundo) in an area covering more than 67 ha. Parts of the felled overshadowing trees were left on site to increase the amount of deadwood present and help the habitats and saproxylic species move towards favourable conservation status. Information boards and signs were installed on the managed trees in urban forests, and several events were held to raise public awareness about the importance of veteran trees for species conservation. In cooperation with the associated beneficiary Kaunas City Municipality, an educational trail with 22 information boards produced by the project was opened in Kaunas Oak Forest.

Seeking to increase the number of hermit beetles, project partner the Lithuanian Zoological Garden successfully started breeding O. eremita in captivity. As a result, a total of 441 larvae and 80 cocoons were released in special wooden boxes designed by the project in the species’ historical habitat the Slope of Neris River by Verkiai. The first adult beetles were observed flying in the habitat in 2021, proving successful re-establishment. The methodology of O .eremita reintroduction was shared with different target groups in Lithuania and across Europe.

To evaluate whether improved habitat conditions had a positive impact on the hermit beetle population, monitoring activities were implemented using 50 smart pheromone traps, a prototype of which was developed during the project. Mini cameras installed in the traps ensured a fast response time after a successful beetle catch by sending pictures via the internet to a database constantly checked by the project team. In total, 247 potential hermit beetle locations were monitored and this rare beetle was found in 97 locations.

A number of project publications contributed to spreading good practice and providing possibilities for replication, namely: Guidelines for Management of Veteran Trees and Deadwood (in Lithuanian, Latvian and English); Methodology for Rearing and Breeding the Hermit Beetle (in Lithuanian and English); and Maintenance and Management Guidelines for Veteran Trees and Deadwood (in Lithuanian, Latvian and English).

 

Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).