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Ricci L, Di Musciano M, Sabatini FM, Chiarucci A, Zannini P, Gatti RC, Beierkuhnlein C, Walentowitz A, Lawrence A, Frattaroli AR, Hoffmann S. A multitaxonomic assessment of Natura 2000 effectiveness across European biogeographic regions. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e14212. [PMID: 37904665 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
The Natura 2000 (N2K) protected area (PA) network is a crucial tool to limit biodiversity loss in Europe. Despite covering 18% of the European Union's (EU) land area, its effectiveness at conserving biodiversity across taxa and biogeographic regions remains uncertain. Testing this effectiveness is, however, difficult because it requires considering the nonrandom location of PAs, and many possible confounding factors. We used propensity score matching and accounted for the confounding effects of biogeographic regions, terrain ruggedness, and land cover to assess the effectiveness of N2K PAs on the distribution of 1769 species of conservation priority in the EU's Birds and Habitats Directives, including mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, arthropods, fishes, mollusks, and vascular and nonvascular plants. We compared alpha, beta, and gamma diversity between matched selections of protected and unprotected areas across EU's biogeographic regions with generalized linear models, generalized mixed models, and nonparametric tests for paired samples, respectively, for each taxonomic group and for the entire set of species. PAs in N2K hosted significantly more priority species than unprotected land, but this difference was not consistent across biogeographic regions or taxa. Total alpha diversity and alpha diversity of amphibians, arthropods, birds, mammals, and vascular plants were significantly higher inside PAs than outside, except in the Boreal biogeographical region. Beta diversity was in general significantly higher inside N2K PAs than outside. Similarly, gamma diversity had the highest values inside PAs, with some exceptions in Boreal and Atlantic regions. The planned expansion of the N2K network, as dictated by the European Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, should therefore target areas in the southern part of the Boreal region where species diversity of amphibians, arthropods, birds, mammals, and vascular plants is high and species are currently underrepresented in N2K.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Ricci
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Science, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Michele Di Musciano
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Science, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- BIOME Lab, BiGeA Department, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Maria Sabatini
- BIOME Lab, BiGeA Department, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Alessandro Chiarucci
- BIOME Lab, BiGeA Department, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Piero Zannini
- BIOME Lab, BiGeA Department, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Cazzolla Gatti
- BIOME Lab, BiGeA Department, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carl Beierkuhnlein
- Department of Biogeography, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research, BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- Geographical Institute of the University of Bayreuth, GIB, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Anna Walentowitz
- Department of Biogeography, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | | | - Anna Rita Frattaroli
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Science, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Samuel Hoffmann
- Department of Biogeography, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayerisches Landesamt für Umwelt, Augsburg, Germany
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Angelini F, Pollayil MJ, Valle B, Borgatti MS, Caccianiga M, Garabini M. Robotic monitoring of Alpine screes: a dataset from the EU Natura2000 habitat 8110 in the Italian Alps. Sci Data 2023; 10:855. [PMID: 38040689 PMCID: PMC10692210 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02764-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The surveying of European Union (EU) Annex I habitat "8110 - Siliceous scree of the montane to snow levels (Androsacetalia alpinae and Galeopsietalia ladani)" is generally executed by humans. However, robots could increase human monitoring capabilities. To this end, we collected information on this habitat employing the quadrupedal robot ANYmal C. These data include videos of eight different typical or early warning species. Additionally, data on four relevés are provided. These consist, for instance, of the robot state, and videos and pictures collected to evaluate the habitat conservation status. The aim of this dataset is to help researchers in a variety of fields. For instance, information on plant species collected by the robot can be utilized to develop new procedures and new metrics to assess the habitat conservation status or to train neural networks for plant classification. On the other hand, engineers can use robot state information to validate their algorithms. This database is publicly available in the provided Zenodo repository.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Angelini
- Centro di Ricerca ''Enrico Piaggio", and Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, Università di Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Mathew J Pollayil
- Centro di Ricerca ''Enrico Piaggio", and Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, Università di Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122, Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Valle
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Department of Biosciences, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milano, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marina Serena Borgatti
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Department of Biosciences, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Caccianiga
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Department of Biosciences, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Manolo Garabini
- Centro di Ricerca ''Enrico Piaggio", and Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, Università di Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122, Pisa, Italy
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Pollayil MJ, Angelini F, de Simone L, Fanfarillo E, Fiaschi T, Maccherini S, Angiolini C, Garabini M. Robotic monitoring of forests: a dataset from the EU habitat 9210* in the Tuscan Apennines (central Italy). Sci Data 2023; 10:845. [PMID: 38040693 PMCID: PMC10692077 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02763-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective monitoring of habitats is crucial for their preservation. As the impact of anthropic activities on natural habitats increases, accurate and up-to-date information on the state of ecosystems has become imperative. This paper presents a new dataset collected from the forests located in the Tuscan Apennines (Italy) using the ANYmal robot. The dataset provides information regarding the structure and composition of the EU priority habitat 9210*. The dataset, which is publicly available through a Zenodo repository, includes photos, videos, and point clouds of the environment. This dataset is a valuable resource for the scientific community working in the field of forest ecology and conservation and has the potential to inform future research and conservation efforts on habitat 9210*. The collaboration between robotic engineers and plant scientists provides a unique perspective on the forest ecosystem and underscores the potential for interdisciplinary work in this field. This dataset constitutes an important contribution to the ongoing effort to monitor and conserve habitats globally, particularly in light of the challenges posed by global changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew J Pollayil
- Centro di Ricerca "Enrico Piaggio", and Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, Universitá di Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122, Pisa, Italy
| | - Franco Angelini
- Centro di Ricerca "Enrico Piaggio", and Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, Universitá di Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Leopoldo de Simone
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli, 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Emanuele Fanfarillo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli, 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - Tiberio Fiaschi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli, 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Simona Maccherini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli, 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudia Angiolini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli, 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - Manolo Garabini
- Centro di Ricerca "Enrico Piaggio", and Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, Universitá di Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122, Pisa, Italy
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Angelini F, Pollayil MJ, Bonini F, Gigante D, Garabini M. Robotic monitoring of grasslands: a dataset from the EU Natura2000 habitat 6210* in the central Apennines (Italy). Sci Data 2023; 10:418. [PMID: 37369670 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02312-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the remarkable growth of the global market for robotics, robotic monitoring of habitats is still an understudied topic. This is true, among others, for the species-rich EU Annex I habitat "6210 - Semi-natural grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates". This habitat is typically surveyed by human operators. In this work, we present a dataset concerning relevés performed through the quadrupedal robot ANYmal C. The dataset contains information from three plots, which include the robot state, videos, and images acquired to assess the habitat conservation status. Additionally, a collection of videos and pictures about two typical and one early warning species of habitat 6210 is also presented. This database is publicly available in the provided Zenodo repository and will aid researchers in several fields. Robot state information can be used by engineers to validate their algorithms, while data gathered by the robot can be used to design new methodologies and new metrics to assess the habitat conservation status or train/test classifiers (e.g. neural networks) for plant classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Angelini
- Centro di Ricerca "Enrico Piaggio", and Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, Università di Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Mathew J Pollayil
- Centro di Ricerca "Enrico Piaggio", and Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, Università di Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122, Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Bonini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Borgo XX giugno 74, I-06121, Perugia, Italy
| | - Daniela Gigante
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Borgo XX giugno 74, I-06121, Perugia, Italy
| | - Manolo Garabini
- Centro di Ricerca "Enrico Piaggio", and Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, Università di Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122, Pisa, Italy
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Elbahi A, Dugon M, Oubrou W, El Bekkay M, Hermas J, Lawton C. A geospatial approach to assess habitat diversity and inform conservation efforts using a case study from North Africa. Afr J Ecol 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.13130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Abderrafea Elbahi
- Venom Systems and Proteomics Lab, School of Natural Sciences, Ryan Institute University of Galway Galway Ireland
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments (AQUAMAR), Faculty of Sciences Agadir Ibn Zohr University Agadir Morocco
| | - Michel Dugon
- Venom Systems and Proteomics Lab, School of Natural Sciences, Ryan Institute University of Galway Galway Ireland
| | | | | | - Jamila Hermas
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments (AQUAMAR), Faculty of Sciences Agadir Ibn Zohr University Agadir Morocco
| | - Colin Lawton
- Animal Ecology and Conservation Group, School of Natural Sciences, Ryan Institute University of Galway Galway Ireland
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Toma TSP, Overbeck GE, Mendonça MDS, Fernandes G. Optimal references for ecological restoration: the need to protect references in the tropics. Perspect Ecol Conserv 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pecon.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
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7
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Capacity development challenges and solutions for Natura 2000: an approach through blended learning. ORYX 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605322000679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Capacity development is essential for the effective management of protected areas and for achieving successful biodiversity conservation. European Natura 2000 sites form an extensive network of protected areas and developing the capacity of staff at all levels is a priority that will positively influence the appropriate implementation of conservation actions. In this study we identify the main challenges and potential solutions to developing the skills, knowledge and tools required for effective Natura 2000 site management. Our findings are based on a case study of the European project LIFE e-Natura2000.edu, which focuses on capacity development in practical biodiversity conservation and management through integrated and blended learning experiences (i.e. a combination of face-to-face and virtual teaching). We illustrate the main elements for successfully building capacity within a variety of knowledge and experience backgrounds and operating levels related to the management of Natura 2000 sites. Multifaceted, blended learning approaches are key to tackling the various needs of Natura 2000 managers in terms of skills, knowledge and tools.
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Understanding Public Support for European Protected Areas: A Review of the Literature and Proposing a New Approach for Policy Makers. LAND 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/land11050733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Protected Areas are the most widely applied policy tool for biodiversity conservation. In Europe, protected areas are expected to significantly increase as the new EU Biodiversity strategy sets an ambitious target of 30% of land and 30% of water to be protected by 2030. Despite the popularity of this environmental policy, understanding variations in the level of public support for protected areas remains underexplored. This is an important area of research, considering that, in order for protected areas to be effective, they need to be supported by most users, including local communities and visitors. In this paper, we reviewed theoretical and empirical evidence explaining the level of support for protected areas and proposed a new approach when designing and designating protected areas in Europe. This approach models the process of the introduction of a new protected area as a policy intervention within a socio-ecological system. Specifically, it models how protected area social outcomes or impacts are conditioned and contextualised by numerous intervening factors relating to the social context and governance and management system to influence local actors’ attitude and active support for the protected area. This new approach aims to assist policy makers, conservation practitioners and scientists to plan actions that assist in increasing the level of public support for protected areas in the context of the post 2020 Biodiversity Strategy of the European Union.
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Crist E, Kopnina H, Cafaro P, Gray J, Ripple WJ, Safina C, Davis J, DellaSala DA, Noss RF, Washington H, Rolston H, Taylor B, Orlikowska EH, Heister A, Lynn WS, Piccolo JJ. Protecting Half the Planet and Transforming Human Systems Are Complementary Goals. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.761292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The unfolding crises of mass extinction and climate change call for urgent action in response. To limit biodiversity losses and avert the worst effects of climate disruption, we must greatly expand nature protection while simultaneously downsizing and transforming human systems. The conservation initiative Nature Needs Half (or Half Earth), calling for the conservation of half the Earth's land and seas, is commensurate with the enormous challenges we face. Critics have objected to this initiative as harboring hardship for people near protected areas and for failing to confront the growth economy as the main engine of global ecological destruction. In response to the first criticism, we affirm that conservation policies must be designed and implemented in collaboration with Indigenous and local communities. In response to the second criticism, we argue that protecting half the Earth needs to be complemented by downscaling and reforming economic life, humanely and gradually reducing the global population, and changing food production and consumption. By protecting nature generously, and simultaneously contracting and transforming the human enterprise, we can create the conditions for achieving justice and well-being for both people and other species. If we fail to do so, we instead accept a chaotic and impoverished world that will be dangerous for us all.
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Portaccio A, Basile M, Favaretto A, Campagnaro T, Pettenella D, Sitzia T. The role of Natura 2000 in relation to breeding birds decline on multiple land cover types and policy implications. J Nat Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2021.126023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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11
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Zotos S, Stamatiou M, Naziri A, Meletiou S, Demosthenous S, Perikleous K, Erotokritou E, Xenophontos M, Zavrou D, Michael K, Sergides L. New Evidence on the Distribution of the Highly Endangered Natrix natrix cypriaca and Implications for Its Conservation. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11041077. [PMID: 33918973 PMCID: PMC8069274 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The critically endangered Cyprus grass snake (Natrix natrix cypriaca) has been studied for the past 25 years. Although the need for a complete survey on the distribution of its population, outside the strict boundaries of the known mountainous localities, had been stressed, such an effort has not been conducted to date. In this study, we used a rapid survey approach to investigate possible sightings of the species upstream of the known distribution in the Troodos Mountains. We are presenting evidence from 13 sightings of the species that expand the previously known distribution in Cyprus by nearly 70%. This is the first time that new localities for the critically endangered N. n. cypriaca have been reported since the rediscovery of the species in 1992 and the extensive work that followed. Almost all new localities were discovered outside of the currently known species distribution, while individuals were found, for the first time, within the Natura 2000 site of Dasos Machaira (CY2000004) with indications of healthy populations in the area. New localities were recorded within watersheds of the Pediaios and Gialias Rivers, the first sightings outside of Serrachis watershed, indicating an even broader distribution of the species in the Troodos region. The importance of sparse springs within systems of ephemeral streams is highlighted as an exceptional niche for the population in the region. We are discussing the importance of our findings for the conservation of the species and propose targeted conservation actions that will highly improve connectivity of the populations in the region. We underline the necessity of expanding the research on this critically endangered subspecies, based on current findings, so as to fully comprehend its ecology and distribution range in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savvas Zotos
- Terra Cypria, The Cyprus Conservation Foundation, Agiou Andreou 341, Limassol 3035, Cyprus; (M.S.); (A.N.); (S.M.); (S.D.); (K.P.); (K.M.); (L.S.)
- Terrestrial Ecosystem Management Lab, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Open University of Cyprus, Giannou Kranidioti 33, Latsia 2220, Cyprus
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University of Cyprus, Diogenous 6, Engomi 2404, Cyprus
- Correspondence:
| | - Marilena Stamatiou
- Terra Cypria, The Cyprus Conservation Foundation, Agiou Andreou 341, Limassol 3035, Cyprus; (M.S.); (A.N.); (S.M.); (S.D.); (K.P.); (K.M.); (L.S.)
- Terrestrial Ecosystem Management Lab, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Open University of Cyprus, Giannou Kranidioti 33, Latsia 2220, Cyprus
| | - Andrea Naziri
- Terra Cypria, The Cyprus Conservation Foundation, Agiou Andreou 341, Limassol 3035, Cyprus; (M.S.); (A.N.); (S.M.); (S.D.); (K.P.); (K.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Sotiris Meletiou
- Terra Cypria, The Cyprus Conservation Foundation, Agiou Andreou 341, Limassol 3035, Cyprus; (M.S.); (A.N.); (S.M.); (S.D.); (K.P.); (K.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Stalo Demosthenous
- Terra Cypria, The Cyprus Conservation Foundation, Agiou Andreou 341, Limassol 3035, Cyprus; (M.S.); (A.N.); (S.M.); (S.D.); (K.P.); (K.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Konstantinos Perikleous
- Terra Cypria, The Cyprus Conservation Foundation, Agiou Andreou 341, Limassol 3035, Cyprus; (M.S.); (A.N.); (S.M.); (S.D.); (K.P.); (K.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Elena Erotokritou
- Department of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, 28th Octovriou Avenue 20–22, Engomi, Nicosia 2414, Cyprus; (E.E.); (M.X.); (D.Z.)
| | - Marina Xenophontos
- Department of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, 28th Octovriou Avenue 20–22, Engomi, Nicosia 2414, Cyprus; (E.E.); (M.X.); (D.Z.)
| | - Despo Zavrou
- Department of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, 28th Octovriou Avenue 20–22, Engomi, Nicosia 2414, Cyprus; (E.E.); (M.X.); (D.Z.)
| | - Kyriaki Michael
- Terra Cypria, The Cyprus Conservation Foundation, Agiou Andreou 341, Limassol 3035, Cyprus; (M.S.); (A.N.); (S.M.); (S.D.); (K.P.); (K.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Lefkios Sergides
- Terra Cypria, The Cyprus Conservation Foundation, Agiou Andreou 341, Limassol 3035, Cyprus; (M.S.); (A.N.); (S.M.); (S.D.); (K.P.); (K.M.); (L.S.)
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Müller A, Schneider UA, Jantke K. Evaluating and expanding the European Union's protected-area network toward potential post-2020 coverage targets. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:654-665. [PMID: 32022301 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Convention on Biological Diversity's (CBD) strategic plan will expire in 2020, but biodiversity loss is ongoing. Scientists call for more ambitious targets in the next agreement. The nature-needs-half movement, for example, has advocated conserving half of Earth to solve the biodiversity crisis, which has been translated to protecting 50% of each ecoregion. We evaluated current protection levels of ecoregions in the territory of one of the CBD's signatories, the European Union (EU). We also explored the possible enlargement of the Natura 2000 network to implement 30% or 50% ecoregion coverage in the EU member states' protected area (PA) network. Based on the most recent land-use data, we examined whether ecoregions have enough natural area left to reach such high coverage targets. We used a spatially explicit mixed integer programing model to estimate the least-cost expansion of the PA network based on 3 scenarios that put different emphasis on total conservation cost, ecological representation of ecosystems, or emphasize an equal share of the burden among member states. To realize 30% and 50% ecoregion coverage, the EU would need to add 6.6% and 24.2%, respectively, of its terrestrial area to its PA network. For all 3 scenarios, the EU would need to designate most recommended new PAs in seminatural forests and other semi- or natural ecosystems. Because 15 ecoregions did not have enough natural area left to implement the ecoregion-coverage targets, some member states would also need to establish new PAs on productive land, allocating the largest share to arable land. Thirty percent ecoregion coverage was met by protecting remaining natural areas in all ecoregions except 3, where productive land would also need to be included. Our results support discussions of higher ecoregions protection targets for post-2020 biodiversity frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Müller
- Research Unit Sustainability and Global Change, Universität Hamburg, Grindelberg 5, Hamburg, 20144, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School on Earth System Modelling (IMPRS-ESM), Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, Bundesstr. 53, Hamburg, 20146, Germany
- Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability (CEN), Universität Hamburg, Bundesstr. 53, Hamburg, 20146, Germany
| | - Uwe A Schneider
- Research Unit Sustainability and Global Change, Universität Hamburg, Grindelberg 5, Hamburg, 20144, Germany
- Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability (CEN), Universität Hamburg, Bundesstr. 53, Hamburg, 20146, Germany
| | - Kerstin Jantke
- Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability (CEN), Universität Hamburg, Bundesstr. 53, Hamburg, 20146, Germany
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13
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Hindrances to Effective Implementation of the Habitats Directive in Italy: Regional Differences in Designating Special Areas of Conservation. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12062335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
“Natura 2000” is a coordinated network of protected areas that stretches across the European Union in compliance with two directives (the so-called “Habitats Directive” and the “Birds Directive”) that underpin the Union’s policies on biodiversity conservation. This study is aimed at assessing the implementation of the network by qualitatively analyzing how Special Areas of Conservation are being designated. Such designation process, which is being implemented, although with great delay, in a number of member states, entails the establishment of site-specific conservation measures that may be included within appropriate management plans or other development plans. A systematic documental analysis of official acts establishing Special Areas of Conservation and approving conservation measures and management plans was performed by taking Italy as a case study. The analysis focuses on four key topics, as follows: use of conservation measures and appropriate management plans; multi-level governance of the Natura 2000 sites, in terms of involved institutions and tiers of government; stakeholders’ inclusion in the designation process; and the relationship between conservation measures and the wider spatial planning system. The results show significant differences regarding the implementation of the Natura 2000 network and highlight potential general hindrances to completing the designation process in the European Union.
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14
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Steinacker C, Beierkuhnlein C, Jaeschke A. Assessing the exposure of forest habitat types to projected climate change-Implications for Bavarian protected areas. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:14417-14429. [PMID: 31938529 PMCID: PMC6953681 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Due to their longevity and structure, forest ecosystems are particularly affected by climate change with consequences for their biodiversity, functioning, and services to mankind. In the European Union (EU), natural and seminatural forests are protected by the Habitats Directive and the Natura 2000 network. This study aimed to assess the exposure of three legally defined forest habitat types to climate change, namely (a) Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes, and ravines (9180*), (b) bog woodlands (91D0*), and (c) alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (91E0*). We analyzed possible changes in their Bavarian distribution, including their potential future coverage by Natura 2000 sites. We hypothesized that protected areas (PAs) with larger elevational ranges will remain suitable for the forests as they allow for altitudinal distribution shifts. METHODS To estimate changes in range size and coverage by PAs, we combined correlative species distribution models (SDMs) with spatial analyses. Ensembles of SDM-algorithms were applied to two climate change scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) of the HadGEM2-ES model for the period 2061-2080. RESULTS Our results revealed that bog woodlands experience the highest range losses (>2/3) and lowest PA coverage (max. 15% of sites with suitable conditions). Tilio-Acerion forests exhibit opposing trends depending on the scenario, while alluvial forests are less exposed to climatic changes. As expected, the impacts of climate change are more pronounced under the "business as usual" scenario (RCP8.5). Additionally, PAs in flat landscapes are more likely to lose environmental suitability for currently established forest habitat types. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Based on these findings, we advocate the expansion of the Natura 2000 network particularly in consideration of elevational gradients, connectivity, and projected climatic suitability. Nonclimatic stressors on forest ecosystems, especially bog woodlands, should be decreased and climate change mitigation efforts enhanced. We recommend transferring the approach to other habitat types and regions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carl Beierkuhnlein
- Department of BiogeographyUniversity of BayreuthBayreuthGermany
- Bayreuth Center for Ecology and Environmental Research BayCEERBayreuthGermany
- Geographical Institute Bayreuth GIBBayreuthGermany
| | - Anja Jaeschke
- Department of BiogeographyUniversity of BayreuthBayreuthGermany
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Altitudinal Shift of Tetrao urogallus in an Alpine Natura 2000 Site: Implications for Habitat Restoration. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/app9061164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.), a territorial galliform species, is known to prefer mature conifer stands with canopy gaps and a vigorous understory of ericaceous species. Capercaillie is a useful umbrella species that has recently shown declining population trends and distribution changes in its southern geographic range. We aim to identify and assess the possible changes in summer capercaillie habitat selection between 2001 and 2011 in the Scanuppia Natura 2000 site (south-eastern Alps). The area is dominated by spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karsten) forests, followed by mixed forests, scrub, and open habitats. In both years, summer presence–absence of capercaillie was verified through the detection of droppings over 10 m radius circular plots located along contour lines (1500–1800 m). A set of environmental and habitat features was also surveyed. While overall population numbers remain unchanged over the surveyed period, results have shown an altitudinal shift in capercaillie distribution. Habitat variables had a stronger effect on the presence of capercaillie in 2001 than in 2011. Land cover and climate change are likely among the drivers of the shift in altitudinal distribution. This confirms the relevance of habitat restoration actions and to monitor changes in factors explaining capercaillie habitat selection.
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