DRAGONLIFE - Securing Leucorrhinia
pectoralis and Pelobates fuscus in the
northern distribution area in Estonia and
Denmark
LIFE08 NAT/EE/000257
Project description Environmental issues Beneficiaries Administrative data R e a d m o r e Contact details:
Project Manager: Voldemar RANNAP
T el: +372 534 1 1 9 6 2
Fax: +372 6262 928
Email: [email protected]
Project description:
Background
The yellow-spotted whiteface (Leucorrhinia pectoralis), listed in Annexes II and
IV of the Habitats Directive, and the Annex IV-listed common spadefoot toad
(Pelobates fuscus), are threatened species in Europe. During the 20th Century, the
populations of these toads declined considerably, especially in the northern and
western part of their distribution range. One of the main reasons for this
significant decline was the destruction of their habitats, small freshwater bodies
surrounded by natural or semi-natural communities. Despite its severe decline,
large-scale habitat restoration for Leucorrhinia pectoralis has not been carried out
previously in Europe and only limited conservation work has been undertaken
for the common spadefoot toad. Moreover, conservation attempts have often not
succeeded in increasing reproductive and colonisation rates, underlining the
need for species-specific conservation actions. Objectives
The overall objective of the DRAGONLIFE project was to secure the small and
isolated populations of yellow-spotted whiteface dragonfly (Leucorrhinia
pectoralis) and common spadefoot toad (Pelobates fuscus) in the northern part of
their distribution range in Estonia and Denmark, and to draw up conservation
measures for successful population management of these toad species that are
applicable on a wider national and European scale. Specific project goals were to
applicable on a wider national and European scale. Specific project goals were to
safeguard isolated populations of Leucorrhinia pectoralis in four out of seven
known localities for this species in Denmark; to rescue populations of Pelobates
f u s c u s from extinction in the extreme northern part of its distribution range in
Estonia and in isolated sites in Denmark; to carry out large-scale habitat
restoration to preserve populations of the two target species; to establish three
reserve populations of Pelobates fuscus in the Danish project sites with
high-quality habitat conditions; to identify small freshwater bodies that are
valuable habitats for the target species and also other rare and threatened
species; to raise awareness about the target species; and to establish an
international network of experts and nature managers. Results
The DRAGONLIFE project conducted a range of conservation actions to protect
small and isolated populations of yellow-spotted whiteface dragonfly
(Leucorrhinia pectoralis) and common spadefoot toad (Pelobates fuscus) in Estonia
and Denmark. The success of these actions has resulted in both these Annexes II
and IV-listed Habitats Directive species gaining favourable conservation status in
Estonia. In Denmark, populations of both species were secured: the important
r e m a i n i n g P elobates fuscus populations (including their genetic variation) and Leucorrhinia pectoralis populations due to the renovation of their few remaining
habitats. The project team carried out conservation actions at eight sites in Estonia and
eight sites in Denmark, and facilitated the surveying of habitats over a much
wider area. A total of 511 water bodies were inventoried in Estonia, Denmark and
the Netherlands by an international team of amphibian and invertebrate experts,
using an inventory form elaborated in the project. The project team defined
habitat requirements and developed criteria for assessing the favourable
conservation status of both target species.
At the project sites, the DRAGONLIFE team created 82 small water bodies, and
restored a further 105, in Estonia and Denmark, as suitable habitat for the
reproduction of the two species. Complementary actions resulted in a further 37
ponds being restored or created elsewhere in Estonia, and 54 in Denmark. Private
landowners agreed to maintain ponds in the future. Aquatic invasive alien
species (Crucian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio), goldfish (C. auratus), and plant
species of Elodea) were eliminated from numerous water bodies, and guidelines
were compiled for the eradication of invasive alien species based on practical
experience. The project team cleared 50 ha of terrestrial habitats around the new
and restored water bodies by removing scrub and creating suitable hibernation
sites for Pelobates fuscus; established three reserve populations of Pelobates
f u s c u s; reared over 10 000 tadpoles; and released young newly-metamorphosed
toads into the ponds. These actions were particularly important in saving the
r e m a i n i n g Pelobates fuscus populations and their genetic diversity. By restoring
small water bodies, the project also contributed to the conservation of many
other species, and to maintaining biodiversity in Estonia and Denmark.
The project team greatly raised awareness concerning the two endangered
species and their habitats, with activities that involved different ages (e.g.
students and adults) and target groups (e.g. landowners, nature conservation
specialists, local government, community groups) in conservation activities These
actions encompassed a variety of methods, including TV and radio (including
spots on the Estonian environmental TV show OSOON), a website, a video film,
printed publications, 18 information boards, 2 permanent and 1 temporary
exhibitions, a study trail on dragonflies and amphibians, 4 site visits for experts,
3 international workshops and a final seminar, and 16 guided tours in Estonia
and 38 in Denmark (together engaging around 1 400 people). The publications
included identification keys on the target species and invasive alien species, Best
Practice guidelines, and species action plans.
In terms of policy, the project directly contributed to the objectives of the EU
Habitats Directive ( Leucorrhinia pectoralis is listed in Annexes II and IV and Pelobates fuscus in Annex IV) the Water Framework Directive and the EU2020
Biodiversity strategy. The project was also relevant to the implementation of the
EU invasive alien species regulation. Project outputs (e.g. inventory forms, best practice guidelines) could be used
elsewhere in Europe, contributing to significant savings in time and expense. The
project team made suggestions for improving dragonfly inventory
methodologies, as part of the Estonian action plans, including adding the new
water bodies. As the restoration of ponds has become increasingly popular, small
local businesses stand to gain by an influx of work.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report
and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).
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Environmental issues addressed:
Themes
Species - Amphibians
Species - Invertebrates
Keywords
restoration measure‚ population dynamics‚ endangered species Target EU Legislation
Nature protection and Biodiversity
COM(2011) 244 final “Our life insurance, our natural capital: an EU
biodiversity strategy to 2020 ...
Regulatio n 1 1 4 3 / 2 0 1 4 - Pre v e n t i o n a n d m a n a g e m e n t o f t h e i n t r o d u c t ion
and spread of invasive alien ...
Water
Directive 2000/60 - Framework for Community action in the field of water
policy (23.10.2000)
Nature protection and Biodiversity
Directive 92/43 - Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and
flora- Habitats Directiv ...
Target species
Leucorrhinia pectoralis Pelobates fuscus Target Habitat types
3140 - Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp.
3150 - Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition type vegetation
3160 - Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds
Natura 2000 sites
SCI
SPA
SCI
SCI
SCI
SCI
SCI
SPA
SCI
SPA
SCI
SCI
SCI
SCI
SCI
SCI
DK003X106
DK003X108
DK003X207
DK003X210
DK00BX166
DK00BX290
DK00FX115
DK003X343
EE0010173
EE0080373
EE0080671
EE0060202
EE0060203
EE0060206
EE0060214
EE0060225
Arresø, Ellemose og Lille Lyngby Mose
Gribskov
Gribskov
Kattehale Mose
Store Vandskel, Rørbæk Sø og Tinnet Krat
Egtved Ådal
Kærsgård Strand, Vandplasken og Liver Å
Arresø
Lahemaa
Emajõe suudmeala ja Piirissaare
Karula
Mõdriku-Roela
Neeruti
Lasila
Porkuni
Varangu
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Beneficiaries:
Coordinator
Type of organisation
Description
Partners
Environmental Board
National authority
The Environmental Board implements activities
derived from legal acts, national nature
conservation policy and corresponding
strategic documents within its competence. Amphi Consult, Denmark Allerød Municipality,
Partners
Amphi Consult, Denmark Allerød Municipality,
Denmark Hjørring Municipality, Denmark Vejle
Municipality, Denmark Hillerød Municipality,
Denmark Gribskov Municipality, Denmark Top
Administrative data:
Project reference
Duration
Total budget
EU contribution
Project location
LIFE08 NAT/EE/000257
01-JAN-2010 to 31-OCT -2015
1,050,430.00 €
525,215.00 €
København Og Frederiksberg
Kommuner(Danmark),Københavns
amt(Danmark),Frederiksborg
amt(Danmark),Roskilde
amt(Danmark),Vestjællands
amt(Danmark),Storstrøms
amt(Danmark),Bornholms amt(Danmark),Fyns
amt(Danmark),Sønderjyllands
amt(Danmark),Ribe amt(Danmark),Vejle
amt(Danmark),Ringkøbing amt(Danmark),Århus
amt(Danmark),Viborg
amt(Danmark),Nordjyllands
amt(Danmark),Põhja-Eesti(Estonia
Eesti),Lääne-Eesti(Estonia
Eesti),Kesk-Eesti(Estonia
Eesti),Kirde-Eesti(Estonia
Eesti),Lõuna-Eesti(Estonia
Eesti),Extra-Regio(Estonia Eesti),Associated
Estonia (EE)(Estonia Eesti)
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Read more:
Brochure
Brochure
Leaflet
Leaflet
Title: "Yellow Spotted Whiteface" Leaflet
(2.75MB) Year: 2014 No of pages: 2 Title: "Common Spadefoot Toad" Leaflet
(2.72MB) Year: 2014 No of pages: 2 Title: "Beskyttelse af stor vand-salamander og
logfro" (854 KB) Editor: Vejle Amt No of
pages: 2 Title: "Protection of the great crested newt"
Leaflet
Title: "Protection of the great crested newt"
(1.16 MB) Author: Riinu Rannap, Lars Briggs,
Aleksi Päivärinta Editor: Estonian ministery of
the environment No of pages: 12 Leaflet
Title: "Harivesilik" (0.99 MB) Author: Riinu
Rannap, Lars Briggs, Aleksi Päivärinta
Editor: Keskkonnaministeerium No of pages: 12 Leaflet
Title: "Mudakonn ja suur-rabakiil :
väikeveekogudega seotud liigid ja nende kaitse"
(637 KB) Editor: PÕLVA-VALGA-VÕRU
REGIOON No of pages: 2 Poster
Title: Project poster (1.84MB) Year: 2014 No of
pages: 1 Poster
Title: Project poster (2.49MB) Year: 2014 No of
pages: 1 Project web site
Project's website
Publication: Article-Paper
Title: "Dragonlife kaitseb kiilide ja konnade
kodusid" (416 KB) Author: Piret Pappel,
Voldemar Rannap Year: 2010 Editor: LOODUSE
HÄÄL No of pages: 1 Publication: Article-Paper
Title: "Dragonlife project's article [Russian]"
(416 KB) Author: N and p e r a n e l s claims, In
a l s d e m a r v Year: 2010 Editor: Gazette
nature No of pages: 1 Publication: Book
Title: "Eesti : kahepaiksete välimääraja" (2.63
MB) Author: Lars Chrisian Adrados, Riinu
Rannap, Lars Briggs Year: 2010 Editor: Amphi
Consult'i No of pages: 59 Publication: Guidelines-Manual Title: "Criteria for assessing the favourable
conservation status of Pelobates fuscus :
Project report" (118 KB) Author: Riinu Rannap,
Lars Briggs, Wouter de Vries Year: 2012 No of
pages: 8 Publication: Guidelines-Manual Title: "Criteria for assessing the favourable
conservation status of Leucorrhinia pectoralis :
Project report" (119 KB) Author: LARS IVERSEN
Year: 2012 No of pages: 7 Publication: Guidelines-Manual Title: "GUIDELINES FOR ERADICATION OF
INVASIVE ALIEN AQUATIC SPECIES" (981KB)
Author: Wouter DE VRIES, Riinu RANNAP, Lars
BRIGGS Year: 2012 No of pages: 19 Publication: Technical report
Title: "Habitat requirement of pelobates fuscus
and leucorrhinia pectoralis : Project report"
(303 KB) Author: Rinu Rannap, Tanel Kaart,
Lars Briggs ... [et al] Year: 2011 No of pages: 23 Top
Project description Environmental issues Beneficiaries Administrative data Project description Environmental issues Beneficiaries Administrative data R e a d m o r e