PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Within the EU, the Siberian Flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) is found in Finland and Estonia where it has Unfavourable-Inadequate/Bad conservation status. The squirrel is present at over 450 sites within the Natura 2000 network in Finland, but it mainly inhabits suitable sites in commercial forests and urban areas across two-thirds of the country's length. In Estonia, it is found only in the north-east corner.
The species' largest threat is the loss and fragmentation of its habitat, typically mature mixed forests, mainly related to the effects of land use. The squirrel is listed in annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive which means that its habitat must be managed in accordance with the ecological needs of the species. A strict protection regime must be applied across its entire natural range in the EU, both within and outside Natura 2000 sites. However, as the Flying squirrel inhabits economically valuable forests, conflicts between interests are unavoidable. Moreover, its presence is often unexpected and knowledge on how to maintain essential forest areas is limited, both of which can cause delays in land use and unfavourable attitudes towards the species.
As the Flying squirrel can be seen as an umbrella species for boreal forest biodiversity, taking care of it will simultaneously consider biodiversity at large.
OBJECTIVES
The Flying Squirrel LIFE project's main goal was to improve conservation of the Siberian Flying squirrel towards a Favourable conservation status in Europe. One of the aims related to this LIFE project concerning a single species was to increase the population in Finland from 100 000 to 150 000-200 000 individuals and increase the number of occupied habitats in Estonia from 49 to a minimum of 60, with at least 250-350 individuals in total.
The Flying Squirrel LIFE project's specific objectives were to:
- prevent habitat loss and fragmentation,
- increase cooperation among key stakeholders relating to the squirrel and develop tools for fluent land-use planning,
- improve the quality and availability of data on the squirrel,
- increase the exchange of information between different stakeholders and the general public, and boost social approval of the squirrel’s conservation.
RESULTS
Over 6 years, the project established 33 hectares of new conservation areas, improved habitats in 21 urban sites, and prepared over 90 site plans to managed forests as good examples for respecting Flying squirrel requirements. Besides maintaining important parts of forests, 13 new moving connections were built by planting young trees, safe nesting places were created by installing 349 nest boxes, and habitat continuity was improved by opening growing space for aspen in 15 sites. In Estonia, extensive inventories were conducted, and 74 new occupied habitats were found within the range. As a novel innovation, 2 green corridors were created under wide powerlines to connect habitats on either side.
In addition to direct conservation activities and making examples of good forest use, the project focused on extensive educational activities and reaching professionals, private landowners, general public and future generations. Cooperation was built into the project structure. Many professionals worked together and developed a joint planning process for creating effective forest plans in occasionally conflictual situations. It was also found that nature detection dogs can assist Flying squirrel inventories, and that predictive habitat maps illustrating suitable habitats can be used in land use planning.
6 education materials covering inventory, urban land use, managed forests and environmental education were developed. 105 educational events for over 3 600 professionals were organised and discussions held with 760 landowners. Numerous practical reports as well as 5 exhibitions and 2 nature paths have already reached over 387 000 people.
So far, the Unfavourable conservation status of the Flying squirrel has not changed for the better. The population in Estonia is still as tiny as estimated. Based on sample monitoring in Finland, the population is still declining fast, but the population size is not known as no national censuses had been carried out. Habitat loss remains a threat for the species as various uses of forests continue. Thus, as a last common task, a document with policy recommendations intended for decision makers in both countries was elaborated by the project consortium. This document presents the range of existing challenges as well as describes well-thought suggestions to address them, aiming for a better future for the Flying squirrel.
