Conservation and restoration of habitats and species in the Incoronata Regional Natural Park

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

The Capitanata area (northern Apulia) is located within the larger geographical region of “Tavoliere delle Puglie”, one of Italy’s intensive agriculture areas. The monocultural landscape, characterised mainly by the cultivation of wheat, has resulted in the gradual disappearance and reduction of natural areas such as wetlands and forests. Another problem is that the remaining uncultivated pastures, have become overgrazed, which in turn causes an alteration of species composition. Due to these strong pressures, remaining natural areas play an important strategic role in preserving biodiversity in the region and providing an important refuge for rare or endangered animal species, especially raptors, amphibians and reptiles.

OBJECTIVES

The general project objectives are to conserve the rare or endangered habitats of the “Bosco dell’Incoronata regional natural park” and to increase the biodiversity of the “Valle del Cervaro - Bosco Incoronata” SCI (site of Community importance within the Natura 2000 network). The short- to mid-term objectives are to restore and improve the SCI habitats (92A0, 6220*, 91AA*) (asterix denotes a priority habitat for conservation) and to increase the individual numbers of the species typical of these habitats (raptors, amphibians, reptiles, bats). Among longer-term objectives, raising public awareness and local community participation are of fundamental importance for habitat and species protection and play an important role in ensuring sustainable environmental management.

Expected results:

The recovery of 100 ha of the 6220* priority habitat;

The recovery and improvement of 40 ha of habitat 92A0;

An improvement of 5 ha of 92A0 habitat and 20 ha of 91AA* habitat;

The design and implementation of a grazing management plan;

An increase in the number of the species typical of SCI’s habitats Milvus milvus, Milvus migrans and Elaphe quatuorlineata;

The introduction of more than 6 000 larvae and young Emys orbicularis, Triturus carnifex, Bombina variegata, and Testudo hermanni;

An increase in the presence and settlement of new species of chiroptera.