PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The Balkan terrapin (Mauremys rivulata) is protected under the EU Habitats Directive (Annexes II and IV). In Croatia, it is an iconic umbrella species of reptile conservation and 1 of 2 native freshwater turtle species. The terrapin’s distribution is limited to the southern part of the country, where it occurs in 4 isolated populations, representing the north-western edge of the species’ range. M. rivulata inhabits 5 Natura 2000 sites (which cover more than 49 000 ha) in Dubrovnik-Neretva County.
Despite great ecological flexibility, drastic population declines were noted in recent research for 2 of the Croatian populations, in comparison with data from the 1980s, and the conservation status was assessed as unfavourable-bad. For the Mediterranean biogeographical region, it was assessed as unfavourable-inadequate. The species’ overall unfavourable conservation status has not been addressed in large-scale EU or LIFE projects so far.
The factors threatening M. rivulata are: 1) habitat loss and degradation caused by channelisation of watercourses and ecological succession due to land abandonment; 2) illegal use of fish traps in some localities, resulting in high mortality of this and another freshwater turtle species, Emys orbicularis; 3) predation by invasive alien species (wild boar and mongoose) at nesting sites; 4) competition and pathogen transmission from the invasive terrapin Trachemys scripta; and 5) mineral and organic pesticide residues in soil and water. In addition, some agricultural practices are potentially detrimental to Balkan terrapin nests, as most of the land surrounding their water habitats is agricultural land. Currently, all ponds and canals where the species occurs are threatened by some level of succession, eutrophication and general habitat deterioration (including by being used for waste disposal).
OBJECTIVES
LIFE for Mauremys aims to address all known drivers of the Balkan terrapin’s decline across 5 Natura 2000 sites in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, home to all known Croatian populations. At the same time, it will conduct an assisted breeding programme to provide much-needed reinforcement for 1 population considered locally extinct until 2019.
The specific objectives are to:
- Restore habitats and mitigate direct threats for 100% of Croatia‘s M. rivulata populations;
- Reinforce the most critically endangered population in Croatia through assisted breeding; and
- Raise public awareness of M. rivulata.
RESULTS
Expected results:
Conservation status of M. rivulata in Croatia improved through:
- Assisted breeding programme; and
- Habitat restoration, habitat improvements and actions to secure nesting sites.
