Recover of native forests with Juniperus spp, and .. (LIFE+ GUGUY)
Recover of native forests with Juniperus spp, and its flora and fauna, in the Special Nature Reserve GüigüÃ.
(LIFE+ GUGUY)
Start date: Sep 1, 2013,
End date: Dec 31, 2017
PROJECT
FINISHED
Background
Mountains within the Güigüà Special Natural Reserve in Gran Canaria were previously covered by forests dominated by junipers and cedars, as well as by pine forests in the higher areas. A growing human population and associated industrial development led to significant felling of these forests, such that now, only isolated trees are found in inaccessible areas, such as around mountain cliffs. Grazing pressures from livestock, and more recently feral goats, have prevented natural recovery of the forests and endemic flora in other areas of the islandâs former forest.
Objectives
The projectâs main objective is to improve long-term prospects for three priority habitats: 9560 * (Forest endemic Juniperus spp.) and 4050 * (endemic Macaronesian heaths) and 9550 (Canarian endemic pine forests).
To improve the present state of conservation of the threatened flora and fauna species, the project will:
Carry out studies to determine the evolution of the targeted habitats and their management requirements;
Work to remove the main threats that affect the Güigüà Special Nature Reserve;
Take steps to recover important habitat and ecological processes; and
⢠Increase awareness amongst the local population about the importance of the Güigüà Special Nature Reserve as one of the nuclei of the Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve.
Expected results:
The project is expected to achieve the following results:
The removal of feral goats from inside the Güigüà Special Nature Reserve, thereby reducing grazing pressure from herbivores;
Improvement in the conservation status of the threatened species living in the target area;
New knowledge about the evolution of the species and habitats affected inside the Güigüà Special Nature Reserve, as a basic tool for the correct management of the reserve; and
Development of public awareness techniques focused on the restoration of Juniperus spp habitats.
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