scholarly journals Predicted impacts of transport infrastructure and traffic on bird conservation in Swedish Special Protection Areas

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Jan Olof Helldin
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Transport Infrastructure ◽  
Bird Conservation ◽  
Bird Abundance ◽  
Density Reduction ◽  
Geographical Regions ◽  
Special Protection Areas ◽  
Special Protection

The ecological impacts of roads and railways extend into the surrounding landscape, leading to habitat degradation and reduced wildlife densities within an area that is considerably larger than the actual road or railway corridor. For birds, an extensive meta-analysis has identified an average of 20% density reduction within 1 km from the infrastructure. I investigated to what extent this density reduction can be expected to compromise the habitat quality and conservation value of Swedish Natura 2000 areas designated for the protection of birds (Special Protection Areas; SPAs). The majority (63%) of Swedish SPAs are, to some extent, found within this 1 km road/railway effect zone (REZ). The total overlap between SPA and REZ is approximately 126,000 ha or 4.2% of the country’s SPA area. There are, however, large differences amongst bio-geographical regions. In the southern (continental) and coastal regions combined, 25.8% of the total SPA area fall within REZ, representing an estimated 4–7% reduction in bird abundance within SPAs. The probability of overlap with REZ is higher for larger SPAs. However, the proportion of overlap is higher for smaller SPAs and, accordingly, smaller sites can be assumed to experience a greater impact from transport infrastructure and traffic. The impacts on Natura 2000 sites are particularly concerning as this network of protected areas is a cornerstone for maintenance and restoration of biodiversity within the EU. I recommend placing a stronger emphasis in the management of Natura 2000 sites on the threats to wildlife conservation caused by transport infrastructure and traffic. Special attention should be paid to sites with a large overlap with the REZ and sites hosting particularly vulnerable taxa or habitats. Infrastructure owners and managers should make their best efforts to minimise and compensate for the negative impacts of roads and railways and associated traffic in SPAs and other protected areas.

scholarly journals Potential impacts of transport infrastructure and traffic on bird conservation in Swedish Special Protection Areas

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Olof Helldin
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Transport Infrastructure ◽  
Bird Conservation ◽  
Bird Abundance ◽  
Density Reduction ◽  
Special Protection Areas ◽  
Special Protection

AbstractThe ecological impacts of roads and railways extend into the surrounding landscape, leading to habitat degradation and reduced animal densities within an area that is considerably larger than the actual road or railway corridor. For birds, an extensive meta-analysis has pointed at an average of 20% density reduction within 1 km from the infrastructure. I investigated to what extent this density reduction could potentially compromise the habitat quality and conservation value of Swedish Natura 2000 areas designated for the protection of birds (Special Protection Areas; SPAs). A majority (63%) of Swedish SPAs are at least to some extent found within this 1 km potential effect zone. The total overlap between SPA and effect zone is 126,000 ha, or 4.2% of the country’s SPA area. There are however large differences among biogeographical regions. In the southern (continental) and coastal regions combined, 25.8% of the total SPA area fall within the effect zone, representing an estimated 4-7% reduction in bird abundance within SPAs. The probability of overlap with effect zone is higher for larger SPAs. However, the proportion of overlap is higher for smaller SPAs, and accordingly smaller sites can be assumed to experience a greater impact from transport infrastructure and traffic. The impacts on Natura 2000 sites are particularly concerning as this network of protected areas is a cornerstone to maintain and restore biodiversity within EU. I recommend putting a stronger emphasis in the management of Natura 2000 sites on the potential threats to wildlife conservation caused by transport infrastructure and traffic. Special attention should be paid in sites with a large overlap with the effect zone, and in sites hosting particularly vulnerable taxa or habitats. Infrastructure owners and managers should do their best to minimize and compensate for the negative impacts of roads and railways and related traffic in SPAs and other protected areas.

scholarly journals Distribution of deadwood and other forest structural indicators relevant for bird conservation in Natura 2000 special protection areas in Poland

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leszek Bujoczek ◽  
Małgorzata Bujoczek ◽  
Stanisław Zięba
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
National Forest Inventory ◽  
Ground Vegetation ◽  
Bird Conservation ◽  
Space Filling ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Special Protection Areas ◽  
Special Protection

AbstractNumerous bird species, often rare or endangered, rely on the presence of standing and downed deadwood for shelter, nesting, and foraging. Habitat quality was evaluated on the basis of deadwood volume, the density of large standing deadwood, and the space filling index (SFI). The SFI reflects the degree of space filling of the bottom layers taking into account tree trunks, seedlings, saplings, ground vegetation, stumps, and downed deadwood. Analysis encompassed all special protection areas (SPAs) in Poland (a total of 107 SPAs containing 7974 sample plots monitored under the National Forest Inventory). An additional in-depth analysis was conducted for 30 SPAs with the greatest share of forest habitats. The studied indicators varied substantially both between and within individual SPAs, with deadwood volume ranging from 1.3 to 50.5 m3 ha−1 (mean of 9.0 m3 ha−1) and the density of large standing deadwood (diameter at breast height ≥ 30 cm) from 0.1 to 16.0 ind ha−1 (mean of 2.2 ind ha−1). These values were relatively low compared to the density of living trees with corresponding dimensions (111 ind ha−1). SFI analysis indicated high or very high space filling of the bottom forest layers on 14–56% of sample plots in a given SPA. The presence of deadwood was found to be significantly positively affected by SPA location in the mountains, a greater proportion of sites with higher fertility, a greater share of forest area under strict protection, as well as higher stand volume within a given SPA. The correlation between deadwood volume and the density of birds (primary and secondary cavity nesters) in individual SPAs was positive (R = 0.60). As compared to lowland areas, SPAs in mountain areas are generally characterized by high stand volumes, a greater density of large living trees, and a greater amount of diverse deadwood. In those areas conservation measures should involve continuous monitoring and diagnosing of any problems associated with the populations of individual bird species; focused efforts should be implemented to support those species that exhibit unfavorable population trends. In most lowland SPAs measures aimed at the improvement of site conditions for birds must be more extensive than in the mountains, with a low abundance of dead trees (especially large ones). These parameters can be improved by retaining some senescent stands in managed forests until their natural death and implementing a strict protection regime in areas of high conservation value.

scholarly journals IMPLEMENTATION OF THE “NATURA 2000” EUROPEAN ECOLOGICAL NETWORK IN THE 6th NORTH-WESTERN REGION

1970 ◽  
Vol 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Proorocu ◽  
P. V. Beldean
Keyword(s):  
Natura 2000 ◽  
Habitats Directive ◽  
Western Region ◽  
Ecological Network ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Community Interest ◽  
Special Protection Areas ◽  
Two Stages ◽  
North Western ◽  
Special Protection

According to the Habitats Directive at European level there was constituted an ecological network entitled “Natura 2000” consisting of Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas. The “Natura 2000” is composed of sites which include natural habitats of community interest and community interest species habitats. The Special Areas of Conservation has been declared during two stages. During the first stage these were nominated as Sites of Community Importance. In the 6th North – Western Region there were identified 57 Sites of Community Importance (SCI) and 8 Special Protection Areas (SPA). Among the 6 counties of the 6th North – Western Region, the SCI are best represented in Maramureş county, and the SPA in Cluj county.

scholarly journals IMPLEMENTATION OF THE “NATURA 2000” EUROPEAN ECOLOGICAL NETWORK IN THE 6th NORTH-WESTERN REGION

1970 ◽  
Vol 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Proorocu ◽  
P. V. Beldean ◽  
I. Oroian
Keyword(s):  
Natura 2000 ◽  
Habitats Directive ◽  
Western Region ◽  
Ecological Network ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Community Interest ◽  
Special Protection Areas ◽  
Two Stages ◽  
North Western ◽  
Special Protection

According to the Habitats Directive at European level there was constituted an ecological network entitled “Natura 2000” consisting of Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas. The “Natura 2000” is composed of sites which include natural habitats of community interest and community interest species habitats. The Special Areas of Conservation has been declared during two stages. During the first stage these were nominated as Sites of Community Importance. In the 6th North – Western Region there were identified 57 Sites of Community Importance (SCI) and 8 Special Protection Areas (SPA). Among the 6 counties of the 6th North – Western Region, the SCI are best represented in Maramureş county, and the SPA in Cluj county.

scholarly journals Conservation priorities for terrestrial mammals in Dobrogea Region, Romania

ZooKeys ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 792 ◽  
pp. 133-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iulia V. Miu ◽  
Chisamera Gabriel B. ◽  
Viorel D. Popescu ◽  
Ruben Iosif ◽  
Andreea Nita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
Habitats Directive ◽  
Conservation Priorities ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Core Areas ◽  
Mammal Distribution ◽  
Intensive Sampling ◽  
Mammal Diversity

Based on species occurrence records of museum collections, published literature, and unpublished records shared by mammalian experts, we compiled a distribution database for 59 terrestrial mammals populating the extensively protected Dobrogea Region of Romania. The spatial patterns of mammal distribution and diversity was evaluated and systematic conservation planning applied to identify priority areas for their conservation. The spatial analyses revealed that intensive sampling was not directly correlated to mammal diversity but rather to accessibility for inventory. The spatial prioritisation analysis indicated a relatively aggregated pattern of areas with a high or low conservation value with virtually no connecting corridors between them. The significant overlap between Natura 2000 sites and national protected areas induced an over-optimistic vision of the effectiveness and representativeness of existing Natura 2000 network for species found in Annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive. These results represent a key step in identifying core areas for the protection of mammal diversity and dispersal corridors for improved connectivity, and to guide future conservation efforts in increasing the effectiveness of the existing protected areas in the context of environmental changes.

scholarly journals Tourist Attractiveness of Protected Areas in the Podlaskie Province in the Opinion of its Residents

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 70-83
Author(s):  
Joanna Pietrzak-Zawadka ◽  
Jan Zawadka
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Sustainable Tourism ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
Tourist Destination ◽  
Tourism Organization ◽  
Selection Of

SummarySubject and purpose of work: The article explores the issue of protected areas in the Podlaskie Province with particular reference to Natura 2000 areas. Its purpose is to investigate the familiarity of those areas as well as the perception of their attractiveness among the inhabitants of the Podlaskie Province.Materials and methods: Surveys conducted in the study involved 275 adult inhabitants of the Podlaskie Province. The selection of the research sample was accidental.Results: The meaning of the Natura 2000 concept was widely known among the respondents. These areas were considered to be attractive to tourists and quite often visited by the respondents. The most popular were the Bialowieza, Augustow and Knyszyn Forests. Hiking, cycling and canoeing were held most often in those areasConclusions: Natura 2000 areas in the Podlasie Province constitute a valuable and popular tourist destination. What they need is proper tourism organization so as to give visitors an opportunity to get acquainted with their most important values, as well as ensure sustainable tourism and area protection.

scholarly journals Lowland tapir distribution and habitat loss in South America

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose Luis Passos Cordeiro ◽  
José MV Fragoso ◽  
Danielle Crawshaw ◽  
Luiz Flamarion B Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Habitat Loss ◽  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Distribution Models ◽  
Potential Habitat ◽  
Geographical Regions ◽  
Suitability Maps ◽  
Complex Relationships

The development of species distribution models (SDMs) can help conservation efforts by generating potential distributions and identifying areas of high environmental suitability for protection. Our study presents a rigorously derived distribution and habitat map for lowland tapir in South America. We also describe the potential habitat suitability of various geographical regions and habitat loss, inside and outside of protected areas network. Two different SDM approaches, MAXENT and ENFA, produced relative different Habitat Suitability Maps for the lowland tapir. While MAXENT was efficient at identifying areas as suitable or unsuitable, it was less efficient (when compared to the results by ENFA) at identifying the gradient of habitat suitability. MAXENT is a more multifaceted technique that establishes more complex relationships between dependent and independent variables. Our results demonstrate that for at least one species, the lowland tapir, the use of a simple consensual approach (average of ENFA and MAXENT models outputs) better reflected its current distribution patterns. The Brazilian ecoregions have the highest habitat loss for the tapir. Cerrado and Atlantic Forest account for nearly half (48.19%) of the total area lost. The Amazon region contains the largest area under protection, and the most extensive remaining habitat for the tapir, but also showed high levels of habitat loss outside protected areas, which increases the importance of support for proper management.

scholarly journals LIGHT POLLUTION IN SLOVENIA IN 2019 WITH SPECIAL REGARD TO NATURA 2000 AREAS

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 69-81
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Remote Sensing Data ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
The State ◽  
Light Pollution ◽  
Sensing Data ◽  
Special Regard ◽  
Ljubljansko Barje

Light pollution in Slovenia in 2019 with special regard to Natura 2000 areas The article shows the state of light pollution in Slovenia. Remote sensing data from the Suomi satellite were analysed. Light pollution is shown by radiance expressed in nW/(sr cm2 ). In Slovenia, there are large differences in state of light polution. The most polluted areas are located in the area of larger settlements and in areas with higher levels of infrastructure. The spread of light does not stop at the borders of protected areas, so we also analyzed the state of light pollution in Natura 2000 sites in Slovenia. It turns out that the most lightpolluted areas are those that lie around larger settlements or suburbanised regions (Ljubljansko Barje, Šmarna gora, Drava).

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