GIS and Remote Sensing for Natura 2000 Monitoring in Mediterranean Biogeographic Region

NATURA 2000 areas monitoring is a key research topic on European countries since Habi-tat Directive specifies the obligation to implement monitoring systems for conservation status in Natura 2000 spaces. This can be achieved by combining GIS-based models of the Potential Natural Vegetation (PNV) with remote sensing classification or interpretation results. The presented study focuses on the implementation of a methodology to locate and detect changes in forest spaces of Natura 2000 Network. Location of different habitats types were carried out based on geo-factors and remote sensing interpretation, terrestrial mapping and analysis of natural habitat distribution for a test site. In order to derive the actual forest habitats, potential natural vegetation was derived from a defined rule-set, in which the habitat types with the highest possibility of occurrence could be ranked accordingly. The result of the modelling for pontential natural vegetation was verified using available satellite data (LANDSAT TM). This task was carried with a maxi-mum likelihood classification using the software PCI Geomatica. The results of the classi-fication and the GIS analysis are combined to obtain preliminary habitat types. These types were verified with existing Forest Management Plans, and compared with results of local terrestrial mapping and natural distribution of habitat types

Proposals and performances for restoration and conservation of Cantabrian capercaille (Tetrao urugallus cantabricus, Castroviejo 1967) habitat and populations.

The species Tetrao urogallus (Linnaeus 1758) is not globally threatened thank to its wide distribution range and its habitat, mostly located in remote places. However, it is suffering important declines in its occidental distribution area and in central Europe, where local extinctions are isolating its populations. The Cantabrian subspecies (Tetrao urogallus cantabricus CASTROVIEJO 1967) is the most threatened and the one which has worst future perspective in middle term, since its populations begin to be isolated without the possibility of genetic renovation. Although the Cantabrian capercaillie is protected species in Spain, its populations have been declining during the last 20 years till dramatic levels. The main causes are deforestation, human activities (stockbreeding mainly) and urban development, combined with some reproduction requirements such as the sound that males in heat need to emit, which requires no human interferences and their type of egg-lying which does not help to get many viable eggs. One of the few places were the Cantabrian capercaillie can still be seen is "Pinar de Lillo" (in Cantabrian mountains) which is included in a Site of Community Importance (SCI) and in a Special Protection Area (SPA). In the management plan of this site an inventory and analysis of the mesohabitat and microhabitat, which has the requirements needed for the maintenance and conservation of the species, have been made. And following the recommendations of the Strategy for the Conservation of the Cantabrian capercaillie in Spain, some specific actions have been defined

Management recommendations and performances for more effective conservation of the Spanish imperial eagles (Aquila adalberti Brehm, 1861) habitat and population.

The Spanish imperial eagle (Aquila Adalberti BREHM, 1861) is nowadays the predatory bird most threatened in the Iberian Peninsula, as well as one of the most threatened in the world. It is listed in several International agreements of protection (IUCN, Bern, Cites, Bonn) as well as in the annexe I of Birds Directive (79/409/CEE) which makes up the Natura 2000 network. Regarding the Spanish framework, some measures have been taking to protect the Spanish imperial eagle. It is included in the National Catalogue of Threatened Species as “In danger of Extinction” (Real Decreto 439/1990) and also in annexe IV of the new Law 42/2007 of Natural Heritage and Biodiversity. Nowadays there are only 216 pairs and it is limited to the western South quadrant of the Iberian Peninsula. The present communication will try to show a set of performances and measures of management, which have been carried out in Spain, for improvement and conservation of habitat and populations of Spanish imperial eagle. We want to show also different contributions and information from different specialists and work groups with recognized prestige and experience, which follow the recommendations proposed in the National Strategy for the Conservation of the Spanish imperial eagle. Also particular management experiences carried out in private and public properties, which are included in Natura 2000 network. In these experiences we will comment among other proposals, the compatible forest practices with the conservation of the Spanish imperial eagle’s habitat and the improvement of the habitat and the populations of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), main Eagle’s prey

Management recommendations and performances for more effective conservation of the Spanish imperial eagles (Aquila adalberti Brehm, 1861) habitat and population.

The Spanish imperial eagle (Aquila Adalberti BREHM, 1861) is nowadays the predatory bird most threatened in the Iberian Peninsula, as well as one of the most threatened in the world. It is listed in several International agreements of protection (IUCN, Bern, Cites, Bonn) as well as in the annexe I of Birds Directive (79/409/CEE) which makes up the Natura 2000 network. Regarding the Spanish framework, some measures have been taking to protect the Spanish imperial eagle. It is included in the National Catalogue of Threatened Species as “In danger of Extinction” (Real Decreto 439/1990) and also in annexe IV of the new Law 42/2007 of Natural Heritage and Biodiversity. Nowadays there are only 216 pairs and it is limited to the western South quadrant of the Iberian Peninsula. The present communication will try to show a set of performances and measures of management, which have been carried out in Spain, for improvement and conservation of habitat and populations of Spanish imperial eagle. We want to show also different contributions and information from different specialists and work groups with recognized prestige and experience, which follow the recommendations proposed in the National Strategy for the Conservation of the Spanish imperial eagle. Also particular management experiences carried out in private and public properties, which are included in Natura 2000 network. In these experiences we will comment among other proposals, the compatible forest practices with the conservation of the Spanish imperial eagle’s habitat and the improvement of the habitat and the populations of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), main Eagle’s prey

Objects-based Image Analysis for Mapping Natura 2000 Habitats to Improve Forest Management.

Clasificación de una imagen de alta resolución "Quickbird" con la técnica de análisis de imágenes en base a objeto

Object-based image analysis for mapping Natura 2000 habitats.

Clasificación de una imagen de alta resolución "Quickbird" con la técnica de análisis de imágenes en base a objetos

Spatial Analysis for Conservation Status Assessment within Natura 2000 Network in Forest Area "Prado de Robledela" (Ávila, Spain).

The aim of the Directive 92/43/EEC (EEC, 1992), commonly known as Habitats DireCli\c. "sha11 be to contribute towards ensuring bio-diversity through the cOl1selvation 01' natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora in the European teITitory of lhe Member Stales lo which the Treaty applies" (Article 2). Because of it, it is necessary to ensure the pertinent measures which may help to evaluate the status conservation (Article La) 01' the natural habitats included in Natura 2000 Network. To facilitate this work il is necessary to compil~ and process this information with GIS tools

Black Truffle Production, Soils and Mediterranean Woods: Spanish Research Contributions (1962-2006)

The production of mycorrhizal fungi provides higher economic returns than any other forest product in many Mediterranean woods. In these areas, truffles (Tuber spp.) and mushrooms of Boletus and Lactarius genus are the fungi that yield the highest economic benefits. However, there are still evident gaps in the understanding of the truffle's biological cycles, ecology and interactions with host plants and other fungi. In the last 12 years, Spanish research has begun to respond to the requirements of truffle research. Most of Spanish Tuber references deal with the areas of agronomy, forestry, ecology and soil science. In this respect, Spain is one of the main truffle-producing countries in the world and its varied climate, topography and lithology make it a useful geographic area for increasing knowledge on Tuber ecology and truffle production. This work describes the content of Spanish research and its impact on the knowledge of truffles

Propuesta metodológica para la ordenación integral de montes de la Red Natura 2000

La presente Tesis Doctoral propone una metodología para la ordenación integral de espacios forestales de la Red Natura 2000, que dé respuesta tanto a las disposiciones establecidas en la Directiva Hábitats, como a los requerimientos específicos de gestión de la ordenación tradicional de montes. Para ello, se propone la adaptación de la estructura y los contenidos del proyecto de ordenación de montes, recogido en las correspondientes instrucciones generales para la ordenación de montes, para cumplir con los requerimientos de la Directiva. La metodología incluye la identificación, localización y evaluación de los hábitats naturales y especies silvestres presentes en los espacios forestales de la Red. La evaluación del estado de conservación y la valoración ambiental de dichos hábitats y especies, permitirá establecer objetivos y recomendaciones específicas para su mejora y conservación. Asimismo, la metodología se ha aplicado en cuatro montes incluidos en la Red Natura 2000. The Doctoral Thesis establishes a methodology for integrated management of Natura 2000 forest sites. The proposed methodology complies and fulfils the general objectives of the Habitats Directive, and the specific requirements of traditional forest management. Subsequently, in order to comply with the requirement of the Directive, the adaptation of the structure and contents of the general instructions for the management of forested areas is proposed. The presented methodology includes the identification, location and assessment of natural habitats and wild species included in forested areas of Natura 2000 network. The evaluation of their conservation status, together with their environmental assessment, makes possible to establish objectives and recommendations for conservation and restoration of these habitats and species. The presented methodology was applied in four pilot areas within Natura 2000 netwo

Modelo de Impacto del Desarrollo Urbano enZonas de Especial Conservación para Aves de la Red Natura 2000.

Modelo de Impacto del Desarrollo Urbano enZonas de Especial Conservación para Aves de la Red Natura 2000