Case study:Strengthening associated biodiversity of habitat 92A0 and control of Invasive Alien Species in the Segura River (LIFE + Ripisilvanatura)
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Project overview
| Status | Complete |
|---|---|
| Project web site | http://https://www.chsegura.es/chs/cuenca/seguraripisilvanatura |
| Themes | Habitat and biodiversity, Hydromorphology, Land use management - agriculture, Monitoring |
| Country | Spain |
| Main contact forename | Jaime |
| Main contact surname | Fraile |
| Main contact user ID | |
| Contact organisation | Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura |
| Contact organisation web site | http://https://www.chsegura.es/chs/cuenca/seguraripisilvanatura/ |
| Partner organisations | Comunidad Autónoma de la Región de Murcia (Subdirección General de Medio Natural); Universidad de Murcia (Departamentos de Ecología e Hidrología, y de Zoología y Antropología Física, Facultad de Biología); Asociación de Naturalistas del Sureste - ANSE; Ayuntamiento de Calasparra & Ayuntamiento de Cieza. |
| Parent multi-site project | |
| This is a parent project encompassing the following projects |
No |
Project summary
Despite the Segura River makes its way in many through unique vegetation in many sections of the stream, the riverside or riparian forest (ripisilva) is in serious danger due to the threat of invasive species which are gradually occupying its space. LIFE project "Ripisilvanatura" aims to control the expansion of Invasive Exotic Species existing on the riverbanks of the Segura River and promote the colonization of the riparian forest by native species.
As mentioned before, the main objective is to promote the recovery of the riparian forest, specifically of the habitats of Community interest 92A0 and 92D0 as well as their associated main habitats in the most degraded area of that habitat through the Segura River which is located after the largest reservoir of the entire basin (Cenajo reservoir). It is an area of maximum condition and progressive deterioration of the habitat corresponding to the Vega Alta del Segura in Moratalla, Calasparra and Cieza.
To achieve this goal, the project aims to fight against Invasive Alien Species (IAS) since they have colonized the original niche of such habitat. AIS are the key actors of the substantial problem for the River Segura in the Region of Murcia; the loss of primary habitat is an advantage for opportunistic species of both fauna and flora, entailing an obvious loss of the rich biodiversity that was traditionally linked to the Salicaceae and Populus ripisilva. Thus the main strategy pursues the recovery and protection of riparian forests from the middle course of the river basin in the stretch including the municipalities of Moratalla, Calasparra and Cieza by controlling invasive alien species primarily within the habitats listed as “priority” because the species of fauna that are the subject of this project find their niche in these habitats.
Fulfilment of the following specific objectives set will enable the success of the project:
• Creation of a green infrastructure between the two riparian nature reserves of the region.
• Regeneration and protection of the priority habitats of community interest and the habitats of interest associated with the river.
• Protection and conservation of priority and European special protection fauna.
• Elimination of invasive exotic plant species through hands-off management.
• Removal of ichthyofauna and exotic birds via citizen engagement and the competent administration.
• Prevention and eradication of fires along the riverbed.
• Creation of a Land Stewardship Network for the Vega Alta.
• Provision of ITCs as a very versatile tool for the fight against IAS and biodiversity conservation.
• Generation of protection measures for the threatened pre-existing ripisilva clumps.
• Publication of an Integrated Management and Control Strategy on Invasive Alien Species
Monitoring surveys and results
Surveys have been carried out to study biodiversity indicators focused on five components:
- indigenous riparian habitats and their ecological quality (vegetation
- Physicochemical water quality
- Aquatic macroinvertebrates and quality index
- Riparian birds
- Semi-aquatic vertebrates: Otter (Lutra lutra) and water rat (Arvicola sapidus)
In addition, other faunistic taxa(amphibians and reptiles, bats and molluscs) have been incorporated as a goal of monitoring.
Lessons learnt
The project has contributed to the control and monitoring of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in the study area, mainly exotic Galapagos, as well as the replacement of vegetation on riversides of the Segura River from non-native to native. During the project, different trial management techniques have been carried out for the eradication of giant reed (Arundo donax) and exotic Galapagos (Trachemys scripta). The exotic Galapagos and other exotic species specimens captured during the surveys have been transferred to the Wildlife Recovery Center for management.
The implementation of the different actions has been developed through the participation of volunteers involved in the project. They have contributed to the plantations, removal of IAS from the river, installation of bat boxes and riparian birds banding activities.
The immediate occupation by riparian vegetation returns the river to its natural condition. Among its multiple benefits this status does not promote the spread of fires and gives shelter to numerous native species.
Another achievement of the project has been the raise on awareness among the sectors involved in animals’ sale. Formative talks about the impact that IAS have on rivers have taken place along the project term to put across the message to actual owners and future buyers.
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Other case studies in this subcatchment: LIFE Segura Riverlink (Through rivers), Segura's River Bioremediation
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MonitoringHydromorphological quality elements
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Supplementary InformationEdit Supplementary Information SEGURA RIPISILVANATURA LISTENS TO YOU! To contact us with any questions, suggestions or for more information please send an email to life.ripisilvanatura@chsegura.es or do it through social networks: Ripisilvanatura on Facebook : Ripisilvanatura Ripisilvanatura on Twitter : @ripisilvanatura
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