LIFE08 NAT/IT/000326

“URGENT PILOT ACTIONS FOR

THE PROTECTION OF

AMPHIBIANS, REPTILES AND

BATS OF THE

SCI MONTE CALVO – PIANA DI

MONTENERO"

LAYMAN’S REPORT

Project location Italy – Puglia Region

Project start date 01/01/2010

Project end date 30/06/2015

Total project duration (in months) 66

Total budget € 1,366,694.00

Total eligible budget € 1,366,694.00

EU contribution € 683,347.00

(%) of total costs 50%

(%) of eligible costs 50%

WEBSITE

www.lifemontenero.it

WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE PROJECT?

Beneficiary institutions and cofinanciers: Ente Parco Nazionale del Gargano (beneficiary Coordinator),

Centro Studi Naturalistici Onlus and Montenero Farm (beneficiaries), Province of Foggia (co-founder).

Project supporter: Ministry of Environment and Protection of Land and Sea - Directorate for Nature

Conservation, Puglia Region - Department of Ecology.

WHAT WAS THE CONTENT OF THE PROJECT?

Purpose of LIFE + Nature 2008 project "Pilot actions for the protection of amphibians, reptiles and bats of

SCI Monte Calvo – Piana di Montenero" was to ensure the survival and growth of the populations of some

species of amphibians, reptiles and bats in the SCI IT9110026 Monte Calvo – Piana di Montenero. The

actions of the project were conducted in one of the most important Italian key sites for the following

species: Triturus carnifex, Triturus vulgaris. The site is also important at European and global level because

the populations of the species mentioned above are mainly found in South Italy. At the regional level, the

site is a strategic area for the conservation of Elaphe quatuorlineata. The site is also important for the

Chiroptera (bats) as in this SCI 18 of the 37 Italian and the 44 European species occur. For this, the project

area can vaunt 51% of the bat species occurring in Italy and 41% of the bat species occurring in Europe.

THE ISSUES ADDRESSED DURING THE PROJECT ARE THE FOLLOWING:

The objective of LIFE+ Nature 2008 project "Pilot actions for the protection of amphibians, reptiles and bats

of SCI Monte Calvo – Piana di Montenero" was to ensure the survival and growth of populations of some

species of amphibians, reptiles and bats in the SCI IT9110026 Monte Calvo – Piana di Montenero. The

project area falls within a vast area in the National Park of Gargano, one of the largest protected areas in

Italy, inside two Natura 2000 sites: SCI “Monte Calvo – Piana di Montenero”, SPA “Promontorio del

Gargano”; as well as in the Important Bird Area (IBA) “Gargano Promontory”.

The presence of these protected areas suggests the huge importance of the site, that, for its outstanding

natural traits, is characterized by an extremely high biodiversity. The area looks like a karst plateau with an

average altitude of 900 m a.s.l. with a very high concentration of sinkholes, caves and other Karst cavities

among the most impressive of the entire Gargano. The landscape is particularly striking with ongoing

depressions (karst sinkholes) in an environment charachterized by sub-steppic pastures with a high

biodiversity, important from a scientific and naturalistic point of view, alternated with mixed woods

dominated by Turkey oak and pubescent oak. The project area is one of the most important areas of

southern Italy for the populations of Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex), Italian newt (Triturus italicus),

Italian tree frog (Hyla intermedia) and some reptiles such as the Four-lined snake (Elaphe quaturlineata)

and the Western Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni).

In particular the project area represents a key site, at European and global level, for the presence and

conservation of the Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex) and the Italian newt (Triturus italicus).

In addition, for its morphological characteristics and due to the occurrence of numerous natural caves and

numerous ruins of rural artifacts, the SCI is one of the sites with higher suitability for most species of bats

living in the Gargano area and therefore a key site for their conservation at national level. During the

monitoring activities, thanks to the specific conservation actions implemented during the project, the

presence of 18 bat species has been recorded, including 7 species new to the SCI (table follows):

N. SPECIES BAT SPECIES (Italian name /

Scientific name) TARGET SPECIES / NEW SPECIES FOR THE SCI

1 Rinolofo maggiore

Rhinolophus ferrumequinum Target species

2 Rinolofo minore

Rhinolophus hipposideros Target species

3 Rinolofo eurìale

Rhinolophus Euryale Target species

4 Vespertilio di Capaccini

Myotis capaccinii Target species

5 Vespertilio maggiore

Myotis myotis Target species

6 Vespertilio maggiore/di Blyth

Myotis myotis/blythii Target species

7 Vespertilio smarginato

Myotis emarginatus new species for the SCI

8 Vespertilio di Natterer

Myotis nattereri new species for the SCI

9 Vespertilio di Bechstein

Myotis bechsteinii new species for the SCI

10 Pipistrello albolimbato

Pipistrellus kuhlii Target species

11 Pipistrello nano

Pipistrellus pipistrellus new species for the SCI

12 Pipistrello pigmeo

Pipistrellus pygmaeus new species for the SCI

13 Nottola di Leisler

Nyctalus leisleri new species for the SCI

14 Pipistrello di Savi

Hypsugo savii

Target species

15 Serotino comune

Eptesicus serotinus

Target species

16 Barbastello

Barbastella barbastellus new species for the SCI

17 Miniottero Target species

Miniopterus schreibersii

18 Molosso di Cestoni

Tadarida teniotis Target species

THREATS IDENTIFIED ACTIONS TAKEN IN RESPONSE TO THREATS

Minor wetland drainage and lack of buffer areas

/buffer zones.

During the twentieth century the wetlands as part

of the karst landscape of the site have been

transformed into agricultural areas. Therefore, at

present the Piana di Montenero has no longer

wetlands buffer areas but only agricultural areas

adjacent to their banks.

The drainage led to the disappearance of an

extensive network of wetlands, which represents

one of the first causes of the general

impoverishment of biodiversity and one of the

contributory causes of drastic decrease that some

amphibian species have undergone, such as Hyla

intermedia, Triturus carnifex and Triturus italicus

(Lissotriton italicus).

Recovery of 11 small ponds (CUTINI) to allow the

establishment of 11 new colonies of amphibians

and reptiles (Italian tree frog, Italian newt, Italian

crested newt). The action led to the restoration of

the hydraulic and structural conditions for

rainwater collection, in addition to creating

appropriate climbs for wildlife.

Disappearance of typical elements of stone

architecture (dry stone walls and barns)

The degradation of the main elements of the rural

civilization of the Gargano, the dry stone walls and

barns, besides being a cultural loss, represents a

serious harm to populations of bats living close to

man, and in general for all amphibians and reptiles

that use the network of dry stone walls for their

movements.

Along the network of dry stone walls 10,000 m of

linear hedges have been restored, as a suitable

habitat for the Four-lined snake and the Western

Hermann’s Tortoise, and natural features has been

created to promote a wider overall renaturalization.

Pollution resulting from the use of biocidal

products in agriculture.

The use of biocides, also against invertebrates,

determines, on the one hand, the reduction in food

availability for those wildlife species that feed on

them and, on the other hand, diffuse pollution of

surface water and groundwater and lower capacity

of self-purification of water resources, with

consequent loss of biodiversity. Amphibians and

bats, in particular, are very sensitive to any action

involving the massive use of biocides.

Creation of an information service for breeders,

farmers and local operators and to promote further

conservation initiatives in the site.

Inbreeding (repeated inbreeding crosses).

Too much inbreeding can lead to the collapse of

populations. This threat is especially severe for the

Italian tree frog, the Italian crested newt, the Italian

newt, the Four-lined snake and the Western

Hermann's Tortoise, because of their low mobility

and excessive distance between populations.

10 outdoor tubs were realized in the site, according

to naturalistic and sustainable criteria. In addition,

10 aquaterrariums were hosted in a suitable place

in the visitors centre of “Oasi Lago Salso”. The

larvae and egg masses were collected from their

habitats and transferred in the facilities of the

Centre, where they were grown under controlled

conditions. For the Hermann's Tortoise 4

aquaterrariums were made with enclosures against

predators designed to not interfere with the

reproduction of the individuals. The larvae and the

just metamorphosed of the Italian tree frog, the

Italian newt, the Italian crested newt and the youth

of the Western Hermann's Tortoise were released

in the same places in which the eggs were collected

and in other suitable sites.

Summer Drought.

Premature drying of puddles, mainly occurring in

summer as a result of droughts, is often responsible

for the failure of reproductive success for

amphibians that use them to lay their eggs.

The restoration of small ponds (CUTINI) has

increased the capacity and efficiency in water

reserve retained in the same artifacts.

Lack of knowledge about the biology of the

species.

Despite not being directly a threat or a limiting

factor, the lack of information on important aspects

of the biology and ecology of target species at local

level, represents a serious limitation in the

management and restoration of habitats and

therefore in the implementation of effective

conservation actions.

In particular, important lack of knowledge regarding

all the target species are: productivity and

population dynamics, survival, ecological

characteristics determining the choice of

reproductive sites.

For bats, moreover, also the exact determination of

the occurring species was uncertain.

Studies have been performed in habitats suitable

to the target species through the definition of:

conservation status; current and potential

threats; current and potential distribution;

evolution in progress; realization of cartography.

In particular, for amphibians and reptiles, the

following actions have been realized:

• Census of breeding populations;

• Mapping of nesting sites that host species;

• Mapping of trophic areas frequented;

• Study on the density of the species;

• Morpho-genetic surveys on the population.

For the bats the following actions have been

realized:

• Census of breeding populations;

• Mapping of breeding sites that host species;

• Mapping of trophic areas;

• Winter roost sites.

Disappearance of natural elements present in the

agricultural matrix.

The strong anthropic pressure realized by

agricultural activities caused the almost total

disappearance of hedges, tree rows, dry stone walls

(that constituted the "corridors" and micro-habitats

favourable for many animal species).

Even forest exploitation in the prevailing coppice

management has eliminated old trees with crevices

and holes that were suitable sites for the presence

of bats.

In addition to restoring hedges, 1,000 bat-boxes

were installed, boxes designed to accommodate

many bat species.

They were placed in sites considered most

appropriate along wooded bands (especially

degraded forests and also artificial forests of

conifers), using two different sized lodges to

accommodate more species of bats.

After the installation a continuous monitoring has

been carried out to verify the employment rate

and species of bats present.

Human disturbance in the caves.

The tourism/scientific use of caves, if not regulated,

has resulted in their abandonment by bats.

Similarly, in an area rich in graves and sinkholes

(vertical cavities), in which grazing is practiced,

farmers often have blocked those cavities to defend

themselves and their livestock from accidental falls.

N. 9 caves were secured, by installing access

gates to two horizontal caves (cave of Montenero

and cave of the Difesa), using gates already tested

in other bats conservation activities, with

particular reference to the use of horizontal bars,

in order to allow the passage of the fauna and

simultaneously prevent the disturbance. For other

7 vertical caves fences were placed around the

caves, to allow the passage of bats and to avoid

the accidental fall of persons and livestock.

WHAT WERE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT?

The aim of the project was to ensure the survival and population increase of some species of amphibians,

reptiles and bats in the SCI IT9110026 “Monte Calvo – Piana di Montenero”.

In what NATURA 2000 Sites the project was carried out?

The project area is located within a vast area that was included in the following three sites of international

importance due to its characteristics of high naturalness: SCI “Monte Calvo – Piana di Montenero” (Natura

200 site); SPA “Promontorio del Gargano” (Natura 2000 site); Important Bird Area IBA “Promontorio del

Gargano”. Moreover, the project area is included inside the Gargano National Park, one of the largest

protected areas in Italy.

The area looks like a karst plateau with an average altitude of 900 m a.s.l., characterized by highly fractured

limestones, of which the substrate is composed. This situation has led to the presence of very pronounced

karstic phenomena, in particular caves and karst sinkholes. The site has the largest concentration of

sinkholes and other karst cavities on the Gargano Promontory. The landscape is very impressive and it is

characterized by a plateau with several depressions (karst sinkholes); the vegetation is characterized by

sub-steppic grasslands with high biodiversity and valuable scientific and naturalistic aspects, alternated

with mixed forests dominated by oaks (Turkey oak and pubescent oak).

WHAT WAS DONE DURING THE PROJECT?

The concrete conservation actions are the "core" of a Life project. The five actions of the Life “Montenero”

allowed the following results: recovery of 10 small ponds (Cutini) for amphibians (C1), plantation of

10,000 m of hedges along the dry stone walls in favor of reptiles (C2), placement of 1,000 bat-boxes for

bats (C3), creation of a breeding Center for amphibians and reptiles (C4) and 9 caves/sinkholes suitable

for bats secured (C5).

Thanks to the breeding and reproduction activities, carried out in captivity in the breeding centre, every

year young larvae of amphibians (Italian tree frog, Italian crested newt and Italian newt) and young

tortoises were produced. The amphibians were released in the recovered small ponds called “Cutini”

(altogether about 9,650 larvae until 2015), and the young tortoise were released in other suitable areas of

the SCI (altogether 207 young tortoises).

The monitoring of the target species has been essential for the effectiveness of the concrete conservation

actions.

Thanks to the various techniques used (bat boxes, caves and “Cutini” inspection; day and night routes of

observation, listening and bio-acoustic monitoring with bat detector; etc.), the monitoring actions allowed

to carry out relevés that proved over the years: the colonization of all the small ponds (Cutini) by the target

amphibians; the increasing of the populations of reptiles along the dry stone walls; the progressive

occupation of bat boxes by the bats (grown significantly over the years, reaching around 20% with a trend

that we hope will continue in the future) and the increase in number of species and individuals of the bats

populations in the secured caves.

The monitoring activities have also allowed to identify the opportune release areas for the common

tortoise, to direct the activities of the breeding Center, ensuring the salvage of numerous individuals of the

target species destined to die, and, finally, to certify the use of the small ponds (Cutini) even by bats, as

hunting sites (due to the increased presence of insects). Thus, the Cutini, as trophic sites, demonstrated an

unexpected value not only for amphibians but also for bats. Therefore, the importance of the synergy

between actions C3 (bat boxes) and C5 (caves) with C1 (Cutini) seems evident for the improvement of the

ecological niches of different bat species. In fact, where these actions are located closely, the synergy

between them is that, while the first two actions improve the bat refuges, the third action reinforces the

trophic niche. As an example, one of the most interesting observations of Barbastelle (Barbastella

barbastellus), a rare species of well-preserved forest environments, was made on the small pond (Cutino)

located along the access road to “Montenero” farm, in an area not suitable for the species (which is linked

to old-growth forests) but where it maybe found the bat boxes installed during the project activities.

The awareness and popularization activities foreseen by the project were also important for the

conservation of the Natura 2000 species and habitats. Popularizing publications (foldings, booklets,

newsletters), information panels and a documentary have been produced. Educational activities were

carried out involving more than 181 school classes, for a total of 3,667 pupils who learnt about the target

species and habitats and saw with their own eyes the interventions realized in the natural environments.

Last but not least, the project website and a special information desk for farmers were activated.

WHAT WERE THE RESULTS OF THE PROJECT?

The conservation actions have been realized by implementing preliminary verification actions (scientific

inventory) in synergy with the plan of the natural elements that need restoration (planning) and their

realization.

The project has achieved all the proposed conservation objectives, by restoring the small ponds (Cutini) in

the site, creating buffer zones along the dry stone walls, implementing the sites appropriate for bats and

performing the actions of captive breeding and release. For the amphibians, 11 small ponds (Cutini) were

realized, that were colonized by the target species and by other species (plants and animals), with the

result of the general rise of local ecological functionality that is guaranteed in the long term. Besides,

according to the provisions of the project, the breeding Center was created and managed, 1,000 bat boxes

were installed and 9 caves suitable for bats were secured.

All the conservation activities made it possible to achieve the objectives of the project.

SPECIFIC

OBJECTIVE

EXPECTED RESULTS RESULTS ACHIEVED

Recovery of 10

small ponds

(Cutini) for

amphibians.

Strengthening the presence and

ensuring greater chances of survival of

amphibian populations (Italian tree frog,

Italian newt, Italian crested newt) in the

SCI, intervening both in the availability

of suitable sites and in the removal of

alien fish species possibly occurring, and

also improving the parameters in terms

of inbreeding.

11 small ponds (Cutini) for amphibians

were realized, that were colonized by the

target species and by other species

(plants and animals), with the result of

the general rise of local ecological

functionality that is guaranteed in the

long term.

The Cutini resulted very useful also for

bats as feeding areas, thus helping to

strengthen the specific actions on bats. In

addition, the Cutini lead to the

stabilization of populations, their increase

in distribution within the SCI, and to the

interaction with other important natural

sites, facilitating the exchange of

individuals between populations and

reducing the negative effects of

inbreeding.

Realization of 10

Km of hedges for

reptiles.

Improving the presence of reptiles (Four-

lined snake and Western Hermann’s

Tortoise) in the site, acting on the

expansion and qualification of trophic

sites. In addition, increasing in overall

naturalization of the site and landscape

improvement.

About the restocking of the common

tortoise, the released individuals were

monitored throughout the season, with

results considered positive.

Installation of

1,000 bat boxes

for bats.

Enhancement of populations of bats in

the area through an increase in and a

diversification of settlement sites and

contextual study on suitable habitats of

the target species (censuses, mapping of

nesting sites, trophic areas and winter

roosts).

An increase was observed in the presence

of forest bats in areas in which bat boxes

were set.

In the medium to long term the bats will

continue to benefit from the presence of

bat boxes.

Population

increase of

amphibians and

reptiles as a result

of breeding in a

dedicated Center.

Colonization of suitable sites for

amphibians and reptiles, through release

of individuals bred in a dedicated

breeding center: Hyla intermedia

tadpoles, Triturus carnifex tadpoles,

Triturus vulgaris tadpoles, Testudo

hermanni juv.

The breeding Center was created and

managed in compliance with the project

provisions.

N. 9,650 amphibians and n. 207 tortoises

were raised in the center and released in

nature.

9 karst caves

suitable for bats

secured.

Improvement of karst sites suitable for

bats and elimination of causes of human

disturbance.

An increase in the use of the caves by the

troglophile species was recorded (as

refuge, and/or nursery and/or

hibernation). In the medium to long term

the bats will continue to benefit from the

action performed for the caves. N. 7 bat

species new to the site were found.

WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM BENEFITS OBTAINED WITH THE PROJECT?

The performed conservation actions fully comply with the objectives of the project and their realization

according to the project design proved not only the validity of the scheduled actions, but also the validity of

the design, getting the best possible result through the implementation of key actions in a synergistic way

within the partnership.

For amphibians and reptiles the performed actions, such as the creation of damp biotopes built respecting

the local architectural types, together with the restocking activities, provided an immediate colonization

success that will maintain long-term. Preliminary actions (inventories) and monitoring activities ensured the

best implementation of conservation activities, by directing and verifying the situation ex ante, ex post and

during the implementation of the actions.

RESTORED “CUTINO” INSTALLED BAT BOX CAVE OF MONTENERO

MONITORING ACTIONS ITALIAN TREE FROG’S EGG

MASSES MONITORING ACTIONS