scholarly journals The Dessau Grassland Experiment—Impact of Fertilization on Forage Quality and Species Assembly in a Species-Rich Alluvial Meadow

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 339
Author(s):  
Sandra Dullau ◽  
Knut Rydgren ◽  
Anita Kirmer ◽  
Urs Georg Jäger ◽  
Maren Helen Meyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Fertilization ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Forage Quality ◽  
Habitats Directive ◽  
Long Term Experiment ◽  
Phosphorus And Potassium ◽  
Eu Habitats Directive ◽  
Summer Flood ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Species Assembly

Since alluvial meadows of river valleys of the Cnidion dubii are protected by the EU Habitats Directive, reconciling farmers’ demands for forage quality with the objective of maintaining them in good conservation status is an important issue in grassland research. In a long-term experiment from 2010 to 2018, we investigated the impact of fertilizing on forage quality and species assembly on a species-rich and twice-mown alluvial grassland in the Dessau Elbe floodplain (Germany). The experiment was composed of an unfertilized control, PK, N60, N60PK and N120PK applications. A significant improvement in forage quality was achieved by nitrogen fertilization only for crude protein, with higher feeding requirements for sheep met only in individual years. The legume cycle was inhibited by the application of nitrogen and high grass cover was maintained, but not increased, at the highest nitrogen application after an exceptional summer flood. The target forbs persisted in numbers over the study period in all treatments. For cover, the low-competitive target forbs responded neutrally to nitrogen fertilization, whereas detrimental effects were demonstrated for the competitive ones. Thus, we recommend not applying more than 60 kg year−1 of nitrogen and only in combination with phosphorus and potassium.

Assessing the impact of mowing on Common Redshanks Tringa totanus breeding on saltmarshes: lessons for conservation management

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 440-453 ◽  
Author(s):  
KLAUS-MICHAEL EXO ◽  
ARNDT H. J. WELLBROCK ◽  
JULIA SONDERMANN ◽  
MARTIN MAIER
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Wadden Sea ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Habitats Directive ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Management Measures ◽  
Favourable Conservation Status ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Tringa Totanus

SummaryInformed application of habitat management measures is crucial, especially in saltmarshes that function as last refuges for breeding waders in Europe. Despite a reduction in agricultural use of saltmarshes since the establishment of the Wadden Sea National Parks at the end of the 1980s, there remains controversy regarding management measures such as the timing of mowing. We modelled the proportion of nests and chicks that would be jeopardised by mowing at different dates, using long-term breeding data of the Common Redshank Tringa totanus – an endangered and widespread indicator species of saltmarshes – from four study sites in the German Wadden Sea. At two study sites in the western Jadebusen, the proportion of broods that were at risk of being killed when mowing began on 1 July ranged between 78% in early, to 96% in late, breeding years, averaging 87%. Although Common Redshanks in the eastern Jadebusen started breeding one week earlier, the model still predicted a loss of 73% of chicks; while 97% of broods were at risk on the island of Wangerooge. Postponement of mowing to 1 August reduced these proportions to 21%, 11% and 32%, respectively. This study is the first to model the positive effects of delayed mowing of saltmarshes on ground-nesting birds. By implementing adjusted mowing dates in addition to previously suggested reductions in artificial drainage, direct and indirect adverse effects caused by mowing and drainage, such as an increased predation risk, are likely to be reduced, such that a ’favourable conservation status’ according to the EC Habitats Directive may be achieved.

scholarly journals Robust monitoring of the Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx in the Slovak Carpathians reveals lower numbers than officially reported

Oryx ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 548-556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jakub Kubala ◽  
Peter Smolko ◽  
Fridolin Zimmermann ◽  
Robin Rigg ◽  
Branislav Tám ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Habitats Directive ◽  
Lynx Lynx ◽  
Eurasian Lynx ◽  
Favourable Conservation Status ◽  
Scientific Approach ◽  
Capture Recapture ◽  
Eu Habitats Directive ◽  
The Eu

AbstractThe Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx population in the Carpathian Mountains is considered to be one of the best preserved and largest in Europe and hence is a source for past and current reintroduction projects in central Europe. However, its status in Slovakia has been reported to the European Commission on the basis of hunters´ reports and expert estimates that have never been validated by a robust scientific approach. We conducted the first camera-trapping surveys to estimate the density of Eurasian lynx in Slovakia by means of spatial capture–recapture models in two reference areas during 2011–2015. We estimated population density per 100 km2 of suitable lynx habitat (posterior SD) as 0.58 ± SD 0.13 independent individuals (adults and subadults) in the Štiavnica Mountains and 0.81 ± SD 0.29 in Veľká Fatra National Park and surroundings. These are the lowest densities estimated using spatial capture–recapture models so far reported for the species, suggesting the lynx population in Slovakia is below carrying capacity. We suspect that low densities may be attributable to undetected human-caused mortality. Our results imply that official game statistics are substantially overestimated. Moreover, the lynx population in Slovakia may not be at favourable conservation status as required by the EU Habitats Directive. We therefore call for a thorough assessment of the density and trend of the Slovak Carpathian lynx population, and the establishment of a scientifically robust monitoring system.

Phytogeochemical, geographical and vulnerability study of the Paleosubtropical element Notholaena marantae subsp. marantae (Sinopteridaceae) at the western edge of its range

Biologia ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mónica García-Barriuso ◽  
Sonia Bernardos ◽  
Cristina Nabais ◽  
Dolores Pereira ◽  
Francisco Amich
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Status ◽  
Geographical Range ◽  
Habitats Directive ◽  
Ultramafic Rocks ◽  
Eu Habitats Directive ◽  
Number Of Individuals ◽  
The Eu ◽  
Geological Context

AbstractSerpentine outcrops are distinct from their background geological context, as they are often isolated from one another, and provide a home to a significant number of rare or endemic taxa. The aim of this study was to assess the Portuguese populations of one such taxon, Notholaena marantae subsp. marantae, including information on its biogeography, habitat, geographical range and conservation status. A detailed study was also made of the endemic association Notholaenetum marantae, a member of the Phagnalo saxatilis-Cheilanthion maderensis alliance, a type of vegetation included in the EU Habitats Directive 92/43/ECC. The distribution of Notholaena marantae was highly fragmented, with two sites accounting for over 50% of the total number of individuals recorded. The presence of N. marantae is associated with that of ultramafic rocks, which show specific geochemical features. The conservation status of the species is a cause for concern. We propose that the species be considered ‘vulnerable’ according to the criteria of the IUCN (2001), and that areas where its populations grow be protected. This study confirms the endemic status of N. marantae subsp. marantae in Portugal and the importance of the conservation of its serpentine habitats.

scholarly journals Assessing the conservation status of coastal habitats under Article 17 of the EU Habitats Directive

2021 ◽  
Vol 254 ◽  
pp. 108935
Author(s):  
Pauline Delbosc ◽  
Ilse Lagrange ◽  
Clémence Rozo ◽  
Farid Bensettiti ◽  
Jan-Bernard Bouzillé ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Status ◽  
Habitats Directive ◽  
Coastal Habitats ◽  
Eu Habitats Directive ◽  
The Eu

scholarly journals Měkkýši přírodní rezervace Hutě a jejího okolí v CHKO Bílé Karpaty [Molluscs of the Hutě Nature Reserve and its surroundings in the White Carpathians PLA]

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 115-122
Author(s):  
Radovan Coufal ◽  
Michal Horsák
Keyword(s):  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Habitats Directive ◽  
Ecological Groups ◽  
Spring Fens ◽  
Species Of Conservation Concern ◽  
Conservation Concern ◽  
Eu Habitats Directive ◽  
White Carpathians ◽  
The Eu

The Hutě Nature Reserve is located in the central eastern part of the White Carpathians PLA, near the Žítková village. The reserve protects a preserved and topographically heterogeneous area composed of forest groves, meadows, pastures, and spring fens with a high diversity of submontane and thermophilic plant and animal assemblages. The species composition of molluscs (9 out of 10 ecological groups represented) consists mainly of woodland dwellers, which account for the majority of species diversity (30 spp.; 52%), followed by ubiquitous (9; 16%), hygrophilous (5; 9%), hygrophilous woodland dwellers (4; 7%), aquatic (4; 7%) and open-habitat dwellers (3; 5%). Vertigo moulinsiana (EN), internationally protected under Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive, Daudebardia brevipes (VU), Ambigolimax nyctelius (NT), Orcula dolium (NT) and Bythinella austriaca (NT) are species of conservation concern. To retain favourable habitat conservation status, the spring fens with V. moulinsiana occurrence must be managed extensively by grazing or mowing, while the forests must remain in a non-intervention regime.

scholarly journals Conservation status of the Natura 2000 habitat 3110 in Poland: Monitoring, classification and trends

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 215-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Kolada ◽  
Ryszard Piotrowicz ◽  
Elżbieta Wilk-Woźniak ◽  
Piotr Dynowski ◽  
Piotr Klimaszyk
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Status ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
Habitats Directive ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Habitat Directive ◽  
Eu Habitats Directive ◽  
The Eu

Abstract Soft water lakes, or so-called lobelia lakes, which are inhabited by a specific vegetation composed of isoetids, have been subjected to intense research aimed at evaluating their condition and conservation status for many years in Poland. At the time of Poland’s accession to the European Union and the implementation of the EU Habitats Directive, these lakes were classified as natural habitat 3110. In accordance with the provision of the Habitat Directive a comprehensive methodology for monitoring and classification of the state of this habitat has been developed. Using this methodology, two monitoring trials (in 2009–2010 and again in 2016–2017) were carried out at 45 and 43 sites of the 3110 natural habitat, respectively. These studies confirm the high sensitivity of these poorly buffered aquatic ecosystems to all external influences, both natural and anthropogenic. The overall conservation status of the 3110 habitat in Poland showed a relatively high stability, with similar proportions of sites classified as favourable (FV), unfavourable inadequate (U1) and unfavourable bad (U2) between 2009–2010 (35%, 49% and 16%, respectively) and 2016–2017 (33%, 56% and 11%, respectively). Out of 43 sites examined in 2016–2017, 29 remained unchanged compared with the results of the previous survey concerning their overall status. Results of the monitoring research also allow for the observation and evaluation of mechanisms and directions of changes in the functioning of these ecosystems. Based on the experiences from two series of monitoring conducted so far, the methodology has been assessed as appropriate for the assessment of the conservation status of the 3110 natural habitat, however, some modifications and additions have been suggested.

scholarly journals Updated distribution of Osmoderma eremita in Abruzzo (Italy) and agro-pastoral practices affecting its conservation (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

2015 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrizia Giangregorio ◽  
Paolo Audisio ◽  
Giuseppe Maria Carpaneto ◽  
Giuseppe Marcantonio ◽  
Emanuela Maurizi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Local Level ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Rural Landscape ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Habitats Directive ◽  
Hollow Trees ◽  
Saproxylic Beetle ◽  
Black Cross ◽  
Suitable Habitats ◽  
Eu Habitats Directive

New records of <em>Osmoderma</em> <em>eremita</em> (Scopoli, 1763) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) are reported for Abruzzo (Italy), together with a review of its distribution in this region. <em>O</em>. <em>eremita</em> is a saproxylic beetle dependent on the presence of hollow deciduous trees with abundant wood mould in their cavities. The major threats for the species are habitat loss and fragmentation. EU Habitats Directive requests to the member States its protection and the monitoring of its conservation status. Detection of its occurrence is the first step to protect the species. The surveys have been carried out in ten sites of Abruzzo by using black cross-windows traps baited with specific pheromone. The species has been recorded for the first time in the Sant’Antonio forest and its presence is confirmed in the Peligna Valley, after a decade. The populations seem to be confined to small patches of suitable habitats. At local level, the abandonment of the pollarding practice (willow and beech forests) and the use of pollarded trees as biomass for fuel are the major threats for this species. Indeed some key actions, such as the protection of old hollow trees and the continuation of pollarding practice in rural landscape, could be key factors for the conservation strategies of the species in the study area.

Chasing the phantom: biogeography and conservation of Vipera latastei-monticola in the Maghreb (North Africa)

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inês Freitas ◽  
Soumia Fahd ◽  
Guillermo Velo-Antón ◽  
Fernando Martínez-Freiría
Keyword(s):  
North Africa ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Niche Modelling ◽  
Habitat Transformation ◽  
Mountain Ranges ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Suitable Space ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The Maghreb region (North Africa) constitutes a major component of the Mediterranean Basin biodiversity hotspot. During the last centuries, a consistent human population growth has led to an unprecedented rate of habitat transformation and loss in the region and thus, threatening its biodiversity. The Western Mediterranean viper Vipera latastei-monticola inhabits humid and subhumid areas in the main mountain ranges of the Maghreb, facing such threatening factors; however, its elusive character and rarity hindered data collection for distinct biological purposes. Here, we study the biogeographical patterns and conservation status of the Maghrebian V. latastei-monticola resulting from recent sampling campaigns in Morocco and Tunisia. We update species distribution, and integrate phylogeographic and ecological niche modelling analyses at both species and lineage level to identify suitable areas, and to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic transformation and level of protection of their suitable space. We identified four highly divergent mitochondrial lineages, including a new lineage endemic to the Western High Atlas, with allopatric distributions and restricted to mountain ranges, supporting the role of mountains as past climatic refugia. Despite the remoteness of suitable areas, we report widespread habitat degradation and identify the low effectiveness of the current protected areas system in preserving the species and lineages range. Our study shows the urgent need to apply management actions for the long-term conservation of this vulnerable species and suggests a revaluation of the specific status of V. monticola, as these populations likely represent an ecotype of V. latastei.

scholarly journals Foraging Behavior of Bottlenose Dolphins in the Shannon Estuary, Ireland as Determined through Static Acoustic Monitoring

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 275
Author(s):  
Mathijs Carmen ◽  
Simon D. Berrow ◽  
Joanne M. O’Brien
Keyword(s):  
Foraging Behavior ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Industrial Area ◽  
Acoustic Monitoring ◽  
Habitats Directive ◽  
Foraging Area ◽  
Special Area ◽  
High Conservation ◽  
Eu Habitats Directive ◽  
The Eu

The Shannon Estuary in Ireland is home to a resident population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and is designated as a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive. It is an important industrial area, with numerous deep-water berths for shipping. Despite its high conservation value, there are few published studies on habitat use or foraging behavior of the Shannon dolphins throughout the year. The present study assessed the year-round presence and foraging activity of bottlenose dolphins at different locations in the middle and inner estuary using static acoustic monitoring. Dolphin presence was found to decrease with increased distance from the estuary mouth, i.e., where the estuary meets the Atlantic Ocean, while at the same time, foraging was found to be considerably higher in the upriver areas, suggesting the inner estuary was an important foraging area. Model predictions for seasonal, tidal and diel foraging were highly variable across locations, indicating that changes in dolphin behavior occurred over relatively small geographical scales. These results indicate that conservation efforts should consider the Shannon Estuary as a dynamic aggregation of habitats and future development initiatives should attempt to mitigate disturbance to the dolphins during important foraging periods on seasonal and diel scales.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document