Control of invasive alien species to restore threa.. (SOS Tuscan Wetlands)
Control of invasive alien species to restore threatened habitats in inland wetlands of northern Tuscany
(SOS Tuscan Wetlands)
Start date: Aug 31, 2012,
End date: May 31, 2017
PROJECT
FINISHED
Background
Currently, the inland wetlands of northern Tuscany are experiencing a drastic loss in biodiversity and habitats, as a result of the impact of some invasive alien species. This situation has led, in recent years, to the extinction or rapid decline of several species of EU interest; and to the disappearance of once abundant vegetation formations, such as water lily and other formations associated with the Annex I habitat (Natural euthrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation). The latter is now confined to just a few small scattered sites.
Objectives
The projectâs overall objective is to improve the conservation status of the wetland habitats and species in four Natura 2000 network sites in northern Tuscany: Lago di Sibolla; Palude di Pardi; Bosco di Chiusi e Paduletta di Ramone; and Palude di Fucecchio. All the sites are seriously threatened by the presence of invasive alien species (fauna and flora).
Specific project objectives are:
Local eradication of Coypu (Myocastor coypus);
Reduction or local eradication of populations of alien crayfish (Procambarus clarkia);
Maintenance of the restored habitat, preserving original species and habitats;
Improvement of the water quality of Lago di Sibolla (Lake Sibolla) via plant purification;
Restoration of riverine habitats, preventing colonisation by the invasive shrub species, Amorpha fruticosa;
Restoration of lowland forest habitats, which are very rare in Tuscany and on the Italian peninsula, and of the bordering woods of Quercus pubescens;
Establishment of a buffer zone to protect lowland forests;
Restoration of humid grasslands; and;
The establishment of habitats for wetland plant and animal species through the creation of small ponds in woods.
Expected results:
The main quantified expected results include:
Local eradication or reduction of alien animal and plant species and consequent habitat maintenance;
Improvement of the conservation status of endemic species;
Improvement of habitat and site quality by restoring lowland, grassland and other habitats of EU interest;
Reintroducing, where necessary, original, endangered species of EU interest;
Improving a sewage treatment plant located close to Lake Sibolla;
Building (long-term) capacity to control invasive alien species among the staff of the beneficiary; and
Increased awareness among local people, associations and other stakeholders of the importance of controlling and removing invasive alien speci
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