Promotion of Violet Copper (Lycaena helle) and Marsh Fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) in the Northern Eifel

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

The violet copper (Lycaena helle) butterfly has poor conservation status in the continental region throughout Europe, while in Germany (in the continental and alpine regions) its status is unfavourable to poor. As a glacial relic and boreo-montane species, populations in low mountain ranges are threatened by climate change. Other hazards include: land use/management regimes not adapted to the species; drainage of source and wetland sites; habitat loss, fragmentation and isolation; and sub-populations in small habitats with low abundance and coverage of plants providing food. Enlargement, optimisation and connectivity of habitats are essential to increase the species resilience. However, many of the butterflys habitats in the district ofEuskirchen are in suboptimal or bad condition.

Similar problems have affected the marsh fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) butterfly, which is extinct in several EU Member States. Populations in the continental and Atlantic regions of Germany and Europe have poor conservation status; in North Rhine-Westphalia the species is in danger of extinction. Habitats in the North Rhine-Westphalian Eifel originally formed stepping stones to E. aurinia populations in southwest Germany, in Wallonia and northern France, and in the Westerwald and Rhn, but they are now almost completely abandoned. A lack of potential habitats means spontaneous repopulation from the adjacent High Ardennes (Belgium) and Schneifel (Rhineland-Palatinate) is unlikely.

OBJECTIVES

The LIFE "helle Eifeltler" projects goal is a substantial and lasting improvement in the conservation status of violet copper and marsh fritillary populations in the continental region of Germany, with a positive impact on adjacent populations in Belgium. The project aims to close gaps in the species distribution range, optimising and connecting habitats, as well as reintroducing E. aurinia.

The bog fritillary (Boloria eunomia) and two severely endangered bird species, the meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis) and the whinchat (Saxicola rubetra), will also benefit from the projects measures as they have similar habitat requirements. B. eunomia is not listed in the EUs Habitats Directive, but it is classed as severely endangered on the Red List of Germany.

Specifically, LIFE "helle Eifeltler" aims to:

Stabilise and improve populations of L. helle in the Northern Eifel (in the district of Euskirchen) and re-establish E. aurinia;

Establish, enlarge and optimise habitats as well as connecting existing populations;

Reintroduce important, rare or endangered habitat-typical plant species (e.g. Arnica montana, listed in Annex IV of the EUs Habitats Directive), enhancing the conservation status of L. helle

and E. aurinia habitats. This will also improve the conservation status of these plant species; and

Sensitise the general public locally and regionally, as well as stakeholders and government officials, on the importance of preserving L. helle and E. aurinia and protecting their habitats.

RESULTS

Expected results:

Improvement in L. helle metapopulation: at least 10 recent sub-populations enlarged, a minimum of 10 additional sub-populations established, and at least five corridors established for dispersal of L. helle;

A stable metapopulation of E. aurinia, establishing the species in at least seven interconnected Natura 2000 sites;

Creation of 25 ha and 20 ha, respectively, of new grassland and forest habitat;

Optimisation of 20 ha of alluvial forests and 50 ha of grassland;

80 ha of habitats optimised with newly created populations of host/habitat plants;

More than 20 ha of riparian habitat safeguarded;

20 km of rivers and brooks re-dynamised;

1 km of ditches and other drainage enclosed;

Europe-wide knowledge transfer and exchange of experience with partners active in protection of L. helle and E. aurinia; and

Awareness-raising campaign, "Iridescent blue and golden jewels of the skies" (Blauschillernd und golden Juwelen der Lfte), reaching over 225 000 people. This will feature circular paths with information points (included in existing hiking apps), a mobile exhibition, a film, "butterfly ranger" training for at least 15 people, cooperation with schools and extracurricular institutions, and a specially designed play.