PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The Canary Islands contain one of Europe's richest plant communities. This LIFE project targeted five species ranked as priority by the Habitats Directive (Dorycnium spectabile, Myrica rivas-martinezii, Sambucus palmensis, Sideritis discolor, Isoplexis chalcantha). These species occur in the formation known as 'monteverde' which groups laurel forests and heathlands with Myrica faya. Such habitats, also priority under the Habitats Directive, are located in the northern parts of the five Canary Islands, subjected to the trade winds and the fogs coming in from the sea.
Their main threats are traditional wood exploitation of the monteverde, coupled to urbanisation, what has led to degeneration and reduction of this habitat, which now barely occupies a third of its original surface area. The five plant species targeted are especially vulnerable on account of the limited distribution. In addition, they are specifically threatened by the lowering of the water table, grazing and illegal collection of specimens.
The project was carried out on the islands of Gomera, Hierro, La Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria in 10 Natura 2000 sites.
OBJECTIVES
The project sought to ensure the long-term survival of the five-targeted species, by increasing their populations and their distribution and by reducing the threats connected to human activities. The project’s general objectives were:
To achieve these objectives, the detailed bioclimates where the species occur were analysed as well as the genetic variability of populations. Reproduction and propagation techniques were then studied; and nurseries and germplasm banks were created.
The increase in the number of individuals of every species was attempted through reinforcements, reintroductions, and introductions. The beneficiary also foresaw habitat management and control of land uses in critical areas. Finally, measures to make compatible traditional uses with conservation were also included as well as awareness raising activities.
RESULTS
The project was executed satisfactorily, with a successful achievement of its general objectives. These involved a series of ex situ and in situ conservation measures for 5 priority plant species of the Habitats Directive.
The project produced a huge amount of new information that furthered knowledge on the status, biology, ecology, threats and conservation needs of the species and their populations. The infrastructure generated by the project guaranteed the continuity of many of the activities carried out and allowed extending the same works for other taxa. There are tens of Canarian endemic species in the Habitats Directive, many of them listed as priority. Most of them need similar measures to those started in the project. Carrying out this huge amount of pending work will be eased by the experience gained under the LIFE support.
The beneficiary proposed the target species, already listed in regional and international lists of endangered species, for inclusion in the Spanish National List of Endangered Species. The project developed and put into practise the relevant methodology for undertaking flora conservation projects in this Macaronesian environment. The model generated was used by the beneficiary and has been used to design other flora conservation projects by other competent authorities. The beneficiary has used their expertise to advise other institutions involved in conservation projects such as University Departments and other islands administrations.
Potential conflicts with private landowners were avoided, and the beneficiary decided to work mainly in public areas. This will ease the future monitoring of the works done, which should continue as well as the habitat management started with the project.
