The mediterranean holm oak grove integrated management.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

One of the most widely distributed ecological complex in the Mediterranean basin is the evergreen oak wood, consisting of various dynamic stages (from grassland to forest). The Office National des Forêts (the national public forestry authority which is the principal management body responsible for this ecosystem in the French Mediterranean regions) has launched a project on two evergreen oak wood representative sites: the Montagne de la Clape, a small limestone massif rising between the coastal strip and the Aude plain, and the gorges of the Gardon in the north-east of Nîmes. Both sites designated as SPAs and pSCIs host several bird species of Community interest, such as the Bonelli's eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus), as well as species on Annex II of the Habitats Directive and various habitat types on Annex I such as the Thero-Brachypodietea pseudo-steppe, a priority habitat. These species and habitats are currently threatened by changes in land use: abandonment of grazing and forestry which is gradually leading to the disappearance of open areas and their associated species and expansion of leisure activities which disturb certain sensitive species and degrade fragile environments.

OBJECTIVES

This project overall aim was to implement, as a demonstration measure, a strategy for integrated management of the evergreen oak wood ecosystem on both sites of the Gardon and the Montagne de la Clape. A framework document drawn up before the project for each of these natural complexes, was to be used as a reference instrument for the forestry management of these habitat types and as an educational tool to assist communities and private owners in adopting forms of management conform to the requirements of Natura 2000. This document was also meant to act as a management plan laying down the measures to be carried out within the context of the LIFE project: restoring foraging areas and protecting nesting areas for the Bonelli's eagle, preserving the habitat of the beaver (Castor fiber) along the Gardon and rehabilitating substeppic grasslands. Furthermore, to guarantee preservation of these natural habitats biodiversity, pilot and demonstration projects were foreseen in holm oak copses and riverbank woodlands. The results of these integrated actions were to be spread through training programmes and the publication of a summary brochure.

RESULTS

The main results of the project are the followings: A better knowledge of species and habitats on both sites of the project. The area covered by the different habitat types of community interest is now well defined; the population of the endemic plant of the Clape Mountain, Centaurea corymbosa, has been exactly counted and its extinction risks assessed. The threats to the breeding sites of the three pairs of Bonelli's eagles have been identified. On the basis of these different studies and inventories, two management plans have been produced and the LIFE project implemented part of the actions of theses plans:

The areas hosting the priority habitat, Thero-Brachypodietea pseudo-steppe, have been restored representing about 30 ha on the Clape mountain and 50 ha in the gorges of Gardon.

The protection of the breeding sites of Bonelli's eagles was undertaken. Some paths and tracks, which were too close to the nests and could generate disturbances, have been closed. Climbing ways have been suppressed and moved to other places where there are no risks of disturbing eagles.

The restoration of the riparian forest of the Gardon river has also been experimented: willows plantations and pruning of poplars have been carried out in order to rehabilitate the habitat itself but also to improve the quality of foraging ressources for Castor fiber.

Others actions, such as closing caves hosting bats and cutting down burnt holm oaks have also been carried out.

All these measures have been implemented in close collaboration with stakeholders, climbers and hunters in particular. This partnership has been a good means to increase the local population's awareness of their natural heritage. The main results of the project are the followings: A better knowledge of species and habitats on both sites of the project. The area covered by the different habitat types of community interest is now well defined; the population of the endemic plant of the Clape Mountain, Centaurea corymbosa, has been exactly counted and its extinction risks assessed. The threats to the breeding sites of the three pairs of Bonelli's eagles have been identified. On the basis of these different studies and inventories, two management plans have been produced and the LIFE project implemented part of the actions of theses plans:

The areas hosting the priority habitat, Thero-Brachypodietea pseudo-steppe, have been restored representing about 30 ha on the Clape mountain and 50 ha in the gorges of Gardon.

The protection of the breeding sites of Bonelli's eagles was undertaken. Some paths and tracks, which were too close to the nests and could generate disturbances, have been closed. Climbing ways have been suppressed and moved to other places where there are no risks of disturbing eagles.

The restoration of the riparian forest of the Gardon river has also been experimented: willows plantations and pruning of poplars have been carried out in order to rehabilitate the habitat itself but also to improve the quality of foraging ressources for Castor fiber.

Others actions, such as closing caves hosting bats and cutting down burnt holm oaks have also been carried out.

All these measures have been implemented in close collaboration with stakeholders, climbers and hunters in particular. This partnership has been a good means to increase the local population's awareness of their natural heritage.