Pechora River basin integrated system management PRISM; biodiversity assessment for the Pechora River basin; Cluster B: biodiversity, land use & forestry modeling

This report describes the biodiversity for the Pechora River basin Integrated System Management (PRISM). The Pechora River Basin, situated just west of the Ural Mountains, Russia, consists of vast boreal forests and tundra landscapes, partly pristine and undisturbed. The concept of biodiversity is discussed and parameters are selected which are descriptive for biodiversity at both the landscape and stand level. Based on these parameters the biodiversity is assessed to describe or quantify impacts of certain forest or land use exploitation scenarios. The chosen parameters for biodiversity should therefore be meaningful for the expected or possible changes. The biodiversity is described, based on field data which was collected for vascular plants, lichens, mosses, invertebrates, birds, mammals, fishes, reptiles and amphibians and benthos. For the different taxa it is described and discussed what the biodiversity is of the Pechora River Basin, for the different land units that have been defined. The results are extrapolated to the River Basin leve

Corridors for LIFE; ecological network analysis Regione Emilia-Romagna - the plains of Provincia di Modena & Bologna

This report gives the result of an analysis of the ecological network, designed for the agricultural plains of the Provinces of Modena and and Bologna. Three ecosystem types were selected: woodland, wetland, and grassland. Species were selected which can be considered representative of these ecosystems. The LARCH model was used to assess whether these ecosystems still function as an ecological network. We found that the region has a serious fragmentation problem. After implementation of the ecological network the situation would improve much. Larger areas for nature rehabilitation would further improve the functioning of the ecological network

Corn-based Pet Food Production in South Dakota: Preliminary Feasibility Study

This report is an external analysis of the pet food market and precedes a full-scale feasibility study for a processing facility in South Dakota that would use corn products as a pet food ingredient. The three objectives addressed in this report are: 1. define the product market for dog and cat foods, 2. identify under-served geographic locations and demographic groups regarding pet food markets in the U.S., and 3. assess the growth potential of these markets

Design of an ecological network for Piano di Navelli (Abruzzo); networks for LIFEE

This report provides a design for an ecological network at Piano di Navelli, Abruzzo, Italy. The design is based on habitat and corridor requirements of five indicator species: green lizard (Lacerta bilineata), Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex)water shrew (Neomys fodiens), hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) and red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris). Corridor dimensions, guidelines for habitat development within the corridors, and suggestions for wildlife passages at locations where the ecological network crosses roads are given. The ecological network is mapped for each species. An artist's impression visualizes the future situation of Piano di Navelli

Ecological network analysis for Umbria (Italy); RERU, rete ecologica della Regione Umbria

This report gives the result of an analysis of the ecological network, designed for Regione Umbria. Indicator species relevant for conservation were selected. The model LARCH was used to assess whether these ecosystems still function as an ecological network. An ecological network was designed, on the basis of the analysis results. Through the implementation of the ecological network good opportunities are created, especially for long-range species. Analysis results were however mostly indicative for forest ecosystems; other relevant ecosystem like (alpine) grasslands or steppe, or aquatic ecosystems should be studied in more detail with relevant species. The approach used here, based on the Geobotanical map, can be applied elsewhere in Ital

Corn-based Food Production in South Dakota: A Preliminary Feasibility Study

Agriculture is evolving from an industry based on producing commodities to one focused on producing and marketing intermediate and finished products. It has become increasingly important to conduct thorough market analyses to identify potentially profitable value added ventures. This preliminary feasibility study is one component of a multi-disciplinary research effort assessing the market potential of specialty corn products produced in South Dakota. This preliminary feasibility study was based on three objectives: 1. define the product market for white and yellow corn flour, 2. identify underserved geographic locations and demographic groups in the U.S., and 3. assess the growth potential of these markets. To identify what might become a viable market strategy, we analyzed customers, competitors, exterior influences, and general conditions affecting U.S. and international food corn markets. We also examined opportunities and threats within the food corn markets