LIFE15 NAT/ES/001016 Management of Urban SPAs in Extremadura for the conservation of Lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni) PROJECT LOCATION: EXTREMADURA, SPAIN PROJECT BUGET: 2.779.810 EU CONTRIBUTION: 2.054.120 DURATION: SEPTEMBER 2016-DECEMBER 2020 BENEFICIARIES: COORDINATING BENEFICIARY: Dirección General de Medio Ambiente ASOCIATED BENEFICIARIES: Dirección General de Turismo Dirección General de Bibliotecas, Museos y Patrimonio Cultural INTROMAC DEMA Asociación Terra Naturalis LA RUINA GRÁFICA La Ruina Gráfica SL Prefabricados Extremadura 2002 SL Atanasio Fernández, Project Coordinator
PROJECT OBJECTIVES 1 2 3 4 5 To improve conservation and management of breeding populations in urban SPAs. Starting from precise knowledge on every SPA population and problems of each building, several measures will be carried out in order to increase the number and quality of nesting sites, reducing the competence with other species, avoiding direct destruction of nests and disturbances in the colonies by building restoration works. To ensure suitable foraging habitats for urban populations of Lesser kestrel. Diet preferences and foraging habitat use and patterns will be analysed in order to define the farming practices more favourable for the species, and developing a pilot experience in Extremadura by getting cooperation agreements with landowners. To raise the awareness of local population on L. kestrel conservation and its problems. To develop tourism experiences based on L. kestrel, as a model of sustainable economic activities at local level. To develop a Strategy of Replicability to transfer the results of the project beyond its end.
1 2 3 4 5 PROJECT MAIN ACTIONS Lesser kestrel population census an urban SPAs. Evaluation and design of a effective method of census of Lesser kestrel in urban areas. To improve nesting sites in urban SPAs buildings: nest boxes and putlog holes. New model of nest boxes (safer, long-lasting and lower cost). Reinforcing the population in colonies at risk of disappearance. Training workshops for building construction and restoration companies. Habitat Conservation Plan in Extremadura /Concerned regulations in each municipality. Revision of limits and zoning of current SPAs and, if needed, designation of new SPAs. Initial survey on feeding grounds and prey preferences (GPS/satellite tracking). Prey availability assessment and presence of pesticides. Pilot experience: farming management scheme to improve the quality of the foraging habitat A survey on social perception of local inhabitants about Lesser kestrel. Awareness and information for building owners, local population, children, professionals. Good practice guide, leaflets, web, networking, nest webcam, videos, internactional workshop, etc. Creation and promotion of a new tourism product focused on Lesser kestrel. Mobile App. Strategy for the replicability and transferability of project results, not only during the project...
MAIN EXPECTED RESULTS (quantifiable) RESULTS Nº Putlog holes adapted 900 New model nesting boxes placed 1.000 Buildings kestrel-friendly restored 50 Breeding population urban SPAs (pairs) 880 Agreements signed with farmers/stockbreeders 20 cereal crops (ha) 100 Grassland (ha) 700 leguminous/alfalfa (ha) 200 field margins with natural vegetation (km) 10 Reinforcement in one urban SPA (increase nº breeding pairs) 6-8 Survey social perception and tourism product 5.000 Project website (visits) >15.000
MAIN EXPECTED RESULTS To improve local population and professionals knowledge and sensitization about L. kestrel. To improve knowledge on urban L. kestrel feeding areas and roosting sites. New model of nest boxes (safer, long-lasting and lower cost). To define a precise and agreed methodology for L. kestrel census in urban areas. Habitat Conservation Plan for the L. kestrel in Extremadura (Regional List for Endangered Species) Updated municipal planning normative including management measures for the species. Revision of limits of current SPAs. Revision of zoning of current SPAs. Designation of new SPAs (if necessary).