PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Populations of marbled teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris) are decreasing. The number of breeding pairs ranges between 25-120 in their 7,400 km2 of breeding area in the EU-27, according to figures from the report in article 12 of the 2008-2012 Birds Directive. In Spain, 45 pairs were counted in 2019, a decline of nearly 80% on figures for 2002. Its distribution in terms of the surface area of breeding wetland sites has also declined, falling 41.8% from 2002 and 2013 (Sectoral Environmental Conference, Working Group on marbled teal, white-headed duck and crested coot, 2014).
The species depends on the water level of the wetlands to be able to reproduce successfully. The rainfall, the quality and quantity of water available, in the breeding localities determines the amount of suitable habitat and is a key factor for the interannual fluctuations observed in breeding birds. The marbled teal nests relatively late compared to other waterfowls (anatidae), making it difficult to exploit temporary Mediterranean wetlands. This explains why the species nests only where there is water during part of the summer, as well as in transformed marshes where less summer water is available.
Its main threat is habitat degradation due to an inadequate water management, although several other threats are assuming an importance given current population levels such as accidental hunting, predation, competition with introduced species (carp and red crab) and health risks e.g. botulism, salmonellosis and other diseases associated with poor water quality. The marbled teal is included in Annex I of the Birds Directive, with a EU Action Plan. It is classified as critically endangered by IUCN, as an endangered species in the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species, and as critically endangered as foreseen in article 60.2 of Law 42/2007, of Natural Heritage and Biodiversity. At regional level, Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha and the Valencian Community label it as being in danger of extinction, while Murcia considers it to be extinct (Regional Law 7/1995). The Andalusian regional government has approved the Wetland Bird Recovery and Conservation Plan by means of the Agreement of 13 March, 2012 (BOJA n 60 of March 27, 2012), while the Balearic Islands classify it as in danger of extinction and have approved a recovery plan for waterfowl in the region (Resolution 23159 BOIB n 171 of 2008), which includes the species. The regional government of Valencia has also recently approved a recovery plan for the species (Order 28/2017, of 11 October, DOGV No. 8164 of 7 November, 2017).
The project will also contribute to improving the conservation status of other highly threatened species that share the same wetlands and similar conservation problems, Fulica cristata and Oxyura leucocephala, both of which are listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive. It will also improve the conservation status of 3 000 hectares of Mediterranean wetlands, which are subject to degradation.
OBJECTIVES
The main LIFE Cerceta pardilla project objective is to improve the marbled teal conservation status and its habitats. Specifically, the project aims to:
Increase the number of breeding pairs in Spain to a minimum of 125, triple the last census, while improving knowledge and conservation of its habitat and other species through the purchase of areas of importance for the species, monitoring and the updating of the conservation strategy for the species in Spain;Acquire at least 141 ha of land in critical areas (including 40% of the total breeding pairs of Spain), eliminate/mitigate threats such as habitat reduction, hunting, shortage of good quality of water, predators, nuisances and competition with exotic invasive species;Improve and restore the habitat, mitigating threats in at least 3 000 ha of critical and expanding areas, and formalising agreements with landowners;Reinforce the species populations through a captive breeding programme (1 000 individuals) based on the best practices trialled in the key centres and others that may wish to collaborate on the project;Improve knowledge of the ecology of the marbled teal, in order to acquire the level of scientific knowledge necessary for developing best practices and techniques for managing and monitoring the species; andRaise awareness, build capacity and involve among stakeholders (landowners, hunters, farmers and Maghreb administrations) in the projects objectives, through agreement of measures and the promotion of the transferability of the results.
RESULTS
Expected results:
A protocol for the management of the marbled teal habitat and its threats, including management plans for the acquired lands;A genetic report on 60 samples of nuclear DNA and 80 samples of mtDNA analysed;A protocol for the breeding and reinforcement of the species based on the best information available from the two reference centres identified in the national conservation strategy of the species;Definition of a habitat management model for the species through a management plan for the three estates (141 ha) acquired under the project;Updated conservation guidelines of the national strategy for the conservation of marbled teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris), crested coot (Fulica cristata) and white-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala);Purchase of 141 ha of the critical habitat of the species, 350 ha of new habitat flooded and 3,000 ha managed in a more efficient way, focused on its conservation and control of threats;Breeding in captivity and release of a minimum of 225 individuals per year;Satellite monitoring of 50birds and conventional marking with rings of at least 1 000 released specimens, obtaining spatial information on the distribution of the species;Participation of owners and various sectors in the management of the habitat of the species through three collaboration agreements in Caada de los Pajaros, Veta la Palma, and a land stewardship programme that will result in at least 15 agreements;Establishment of protocols for wintering and breeding season of the marbled teal in Spain (D1), along with a system of environmental indicators for the impact of the project on the local economy, population and ecosystem services;Raised awareness of the general public and specific groups through an education programme, volunteering and an environmental awareness plan;A stable network of cooperation with other countries where the species is present (Algeria, Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Tunisia), including partnerships and ways of exchanging information; andA coordination structure, including a technical and scientific advisory body, for achieving conservation goals and managing risks.
