PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Andalusia is one of the regions with the greatest plant diversity in the European Union. Of the 7 000 higher plant species identified in Spain, 3 000 are present in Andalusia, and many of these are endemic. The area also harbours 45 species listed in the Habitats Directive of which 18 are considered priority, in need of immediate intervention.
However, this biological treasure is still under serious threat, principally from habitat destruction and degradation, caused by forest fires, overgrazing, excessive urbanisation, agricultural practices and selective wild plant collecting for different purposes.
The regional government introduced a flora conservation programme to tackle threats to this natural heritage. So far, only 60% of the habitats in which the threatened flora species are found fall within existing protected areas. It is intended that Natural Reserves will be set up to cover the remaining 40%, particularly in the mountainous and coastal regions.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this LIFE project was to help protect the important plant heritage in Andalusia. The actions envisaged were to be targeted at 18 of the region’s most endangered species, targeting the recovery and expansion of their populations. It aimed to support the flora conservation programme of the Andalusian government.
Planned actions were studies of the plants and the preparation of recovery plans for each species. Management measures were forseen within the distribution range of the plants. These on-site measures would be supported by artificial propagation of plants in botanical gardens and the establishment of a seed bank to allow the eventual reintroduction of species in the future.
Finally, an awareness and information campaign was planned to encourage a greater interest and concern amongst the local community for the social and economic value of this important natural heritage.
RESULTS
The project was implemented successfully and proved fundamental to kick start effective conservation of the most threatened flora species in Andalusia. The collaboration with several universities, botanical gardens and research institutions was outstanding and helped to strengthen the Andalusian flora conservation programme.
The project’s preparatory studies allowed the creation of a sound database with species location and numbers of the 18 target species and 180 more taxa. It made the important discovery of a new species (Laserpitium nevadensis) and encountered taxonomic confusion of Erodium astragaloides with Erodium nevadensis. These efforts enabled recovery plans to be elaborated for key species.
Following the guidelines defined in the Recovery Plans, both ex-situ and in-situ species conservation and enhancement measures were implemented successfully. In-situ conservation actions included protection of several flora populations from cattle and vehicle traffic through fencing and signposting and the reintroduction of an important number of plants into their habitats. A specific surveillance team was also created to protect vulnerable areas at critical moments of the year.
The project collected seeds and other vegetative material from all 18 target species, which it stored in seed banks. Germination protocols were essayed and plants grown for reintroduction.
Awareness-raising actions covered the elaboration of calendars, a poster and a brochure, and meetings with wardens from the Natural Parks concerned in the project.The project was implemented successfully and proved fundamental to kick start effective conservation of the most threatened flora species in Andalusia. The collaboration with several universities, botanical gardens and research institutions was outstanding and helped to strengthen the Andalusian flora conservation programme.
The project’s preparatory studies allowed the creation of a sound database with species location and numbers of the 18 target species and 180 more taxa. It made the important discovery of a new species (Laserpitium nevadensis) and encountered taxonomic confusion of Erodium astragaloides with Erodium nevadensis. These efforts enabled recovery plans to be elaborated for key species.
Following the guidelines defined in the Recovery Plans, both ex-situ and in-situ species conservation and enhancement measures were implemented successfully. In-situ conservation actions included protection of several flora populations from cattle and vehicle traffic through fencing and signposting and the reintroduction of an important number of plants into their habitats. A specific surveillance team was also created to protect vulnerable areas at critical moments of the year.
The project collected seeds and other vegetative material from all 18 target species, which it stored in seed banks. Germination protocols were essayed and plants grown for reintroduction.
Awareness-raising actions covered the elaboration of calendars, a poster and a brochure, and meetings with wardens from the Natural Parks concerned in the project.