PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The project was adressed to two priority species listed on Annex 1 of the Habitats Directive (Phalacrocorax pygmaeus and Anser erythropous) and was spread accross 10 major wetlands of Northern Greece. Other priority species (pelicans, Oxyura leucocephala and Numenius tenuirostris) being present in the sites, they could also benefit from the habitat restoration and management works. , a world near-threatened species, has a range extending from south-eastern Europe to the Caspian sea. Greece holds about 4 to 5 % of the world population and the whole EU population during the breeding season. The main threats for the species in Greece are habitat degradation, and loss and disturbance caused by human activities (fishing, logging, tourism), illegal shooting and accidental capture of individuals in fishing nets. Anser erythropus, a world threatened species, winters in three main areas: between the Caspian sea and Iraq, in the eastern palearctic, and in south-eastern Europe including Greece. The European population is the most threatened one. Similarly, the main threats for the species in Greece are habitat degradation and loss, human-caused disturbances (agricultural activities, hunting, tourism), and loss due to ecological disturbance of habitats.
OBJECTIVES
The central aim of the project was first to maintain and then enhance the population status on the long-term of the two targeted priority bird species in Greece. The objectives and actions were largely based on the recommendations put forward by the European Action Plans for the conservation of the two species, prepared by BirdLife International with the financial support of LIFE-Nature. According to this central aim the foreseen results of the project were:
Creation and/or restoration of feeding sites for P. pygmaeus and conservation of respective sites for A. erythropous. Restoration of riparian forests in order to increase the availability of nesting sites for the two species. Compilation of National Action Plans for both species based on the results of scientific and monitoring activities. To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the project undertook activities in order to i) protect and restore habitats and prevent their further degradation and loss, ii) minimise disturbance and reduce mortality caused by human activities and iii) establish an information, advisory and lobbying network to support the continuation of the project.
RESULTS
The main achievements of the project are the following:
Improved scientific knowledge of the species and their habitats: A significant amount of work related to the habitats and population patterns of P. pygmaeus was conducted, and extensive data on the species’ population size was collected. In fact, project findings led to the re-evaluation of the species' world and European populations. Human activities, susceptible to potentially influence the ecological value and water quality of sites were also monitored. It permitted to better identify threats and to compile the national action plans for both species. Implementation of field management measures. The project undertook various activities related to habitat management and restoration, such as: - Wardening and monitoring of threats and interventions. - Reed-bed management by fencing in order to exclude uncontrolled grazing. A series of experiments were also carried out in order to study the effects of different management practices. - Riparian forest restoration by plantation. - Delineation of non-intrusion zones with the use of buoys around the most vulnerable P. pygmaeus colonies from April to June in order to protect them from disturbance. - Creation of feeding sites for P. pygmaeus through the creation of freshwater spots. Co-operation with local bodies: In all project sites, strong co-operation with the local bodies (public and also private) took place. There was a joint evaluation of the ecological features of the sites, the national and EU legislation and the social factors. This not only increased awareness of the various bodies, but also set the strong foundations required for the effective collaboration of all interested parties. The feedback from the presentation of the National Action Plans also indicated that the proposed measures were regarded to be realistic and had the approval of all local bodies. The main achievements of the project are the following: Improved scientific knowledge of the species and their habitats: A significant amount of work related to the habitats and population patterns of P. pygmaeus was conducted, and extensive data on the species’ population size was collected. In fact, project findings led to the re-evaluation of the species' world and European populations. Human activities, susceptible to potentially influence the ecological value and water quality of sites were also monitored. It permitted to better identify threats and to compile the national action plans for both species. Implementation of field management measures. The project undertook various activities related to habitat management and restoration, such as: - Wardening and monitoring of threats and interventions. - Reed-bed management by fencing in order to exclude uncontrolled grazing. A series of experiments were also carried out in order to study the effects of different management practices. - Riparian forest restoration by plantation. - Delineation of non-intrusion zones with the use of buoys around the most vulnerable P. pygmaeus colonies from April to June in order to protect them from disturbance. - Creation of feeding sites for P. pygmaeus through the creation of freshwater spots. Co-operation with local bodies: In all project sites, strong co-operation with the local bodies (public and also private) took place. There was a joint evaluation of the ecological features of the sites, the national and EU legislation and the social factors. This not only increased awareness of the various bodies, but also set the strong foundations required for the effective collaboration of all interested parties. The feedback from the presentation of the National Action Plans also indicated that the proposed measures were regarded to be realistic and had the approval of all local bodies.
