Less alien species in the Tuscan Archipelago: new actions to protect Giglio island habitats

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Giglio island is within the Arcipelago Toscano National Park, mostly protected as a Natura 2000 site. The island is characterised by a mountainous landscape, with steep cliffs and slopes along the coastline, and hosts typically Mediterranean habitat types and species. Biodiversity is threatened by several invasive alien species, namely the mouflon (Ovis aries) and the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Their presence has a major impact on the grasslands and forest habitat, whose degradation is affecting the conservation status of some birds of Community interest, and represents an obstacle to the continuation of traditional agricultural activities. Other alien species include the yellow-bellied slider turtle (Trachemys scripta), which may represent a real threat to the native Tyrrhenian painted frog (Dicoglossus sardus), and the ice plant (Carpobrotus spp.), known to be one of the most invasive plants on small Mediterranean islands, able to outcompete native species. The conservation status of the habitat types in the Giglio island is also negatively affected by the presence of artificial pine tree forest (Pinus sp.).

OBJECTIVES

LIFE LETSGO GIGLIOs overarching goal is to tackle the invasive alien species on Giglio island. It plans to eradicate the mouflon and manage the European rabbit population intensively, which should improve the overall ecosystem quality and the conservation status of habitat types and species of EU interest, including of migratory and nesting birds. This should also have a positive social and economic impact on the local community in relation to traditional agricultural activities. Along with eradicating T. scripta from the island, the project aims tocreate four artificial ponds which should directly benefit the local population of D. sardus. LIFE LETSGO GIGLIO will also control Carpobrotus spp., favouring the recovery of the invaded coastal habitats, and manage Pinus sp. which should lead to regeneration of more natural forest habitats. Through its management of invasive alien species, the project will contribute to implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives, and to the implementation of the Regulation (EU) 1143/2014 on invasive alien species and the biodiversity strategy.

RESULTS

Expected results: Eradication of mouflon, protecting:

more than 10 ha of pseudo-steppe habitat;

around 0.1 ha of amphibious vegetation and shallow temporary ponds;

over 8 ha of inland cliff habitat (including migratory birds linked to open environments and nesting birds such as the Dartford warbler);

some 28 ha of terraced vineyards that provide habitats for resting and feeding migratory birds as well as the best habitat for the European leaf-toed gecko; and

almost 530 ha of holm oak forests (and creation of a more evolved scrubland evolving towards this type of habitat);

Intensive management of European rabbit, protecting:

5 ha of pseudo-steppe habitat;

some 0.1 ha of amphibious vegetation and shallow temporary ponds;

25 ha of terraced vineyards that provide habitats for resting and feeding migratory birds as well as the best habitat for the European leaf-toed gecko; and

nearly 530 ha of holm oak forests (and creation of a more evolved scrubland evolving towards this type of habitat);

 

Eradication of T. scripta and creation of four artificial ponds, yielding:

increase in D. sardus population of 33% by the projects end and 66% five years later;

 

Eradication of Carpobrotus spp., protecting 2.5 ha of coastal habitats; and

Management of pine forests, including:

restoration of 4 ha (via low thinning process, with removal of 25-40% of plants) to allow the recreation of new holm oak forest habitat.