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Pond management for the conservation of amphibians in Collserola Natural Park
Published on 10 April 2018
Spain
Cataluña
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
Collserola Park has worked on the creation of new ponds as well as the rehabilitation of existing ones. Likewise, the regular removal of invasive species from such ponds forms an integral part of their ongoing maintenance.
An initial inventory helped to identify and characterize the presence of existing ponds and other standing water bodies and temporary pools with regard to their suitability as potential breeding sites for amphibians, as well as registering the actual presence of the different species at such sites. This information largely formed the basis for subsequent decisions regarding conservation priorities .Over the years, a variety of different measures have been applied to improve the conservation status of amphibian populations within the park:
-Placement of numerous small mini-ponds, - Restoration of an artificial reservoir which historically was noted for the high diversity of its amphibian populations, - Creation of a small pond close to a dam to serve as a reservoir habitat during times when the dam might remain empty for maintenance purposes,- Adaptation of quarry restoration measures to guarantee the presence of permanent and temporary pools among restored quarry habitats,- Collaboration with private initiatives with a view to creating pond habitats in different areas around Collserola,- Adaptation of restoration measures at natural drinking fountains located in mountainous areas, - Removal invasive exotic species of fish, crayfish, tortoises
An initial inventory helped to identify and characterize the presence of existing ponds and other standing water bodies and temporary pools with regard to their suitability as potential breeding sites for amphibians, as well as registering the actual presence of the different species at such sites. This information largely formed the basis for subsequent decisions regarding conservation priorities .Over the years, a variety of different measures have been applied to improve the conservation status of amphibian populations within the park:
-Placement of numerous small mini-ponds, - Restoration of an artificial reservoir which historically was noted for the high diversity of its amphibian populations, - Creation of a small pond close to a dam to serve as a reservoir habitat during times when the dam might remain empty for maintenance purposes,- Adaptation of quarry restoration measures to guarantee the presence of permanent and temporary pools among restored quarry habitats,- Collaboration with private initiatives with a view to creating pond habitats in different areas around Collserola,- Adaptation of restoration measures at natural drinking fountains located in mountainous areas, - Removal invasive exotic species of fish, crayfish, tortoises
Resources needed
Many of the restauration works have been assumed by private or public companies with which the Park has make a partnership agreement. For example, the restauration of a new pond has costed 27.000 € and has been completely assumed by a Water company.
Evidence of success
An increasing network of permanent and temporary ponds, pools and reservoirs has been consolidated, which continues to aid the conservation status of amphibian populations within Collserola Natural Park. Nevertheless, these sites require regular monitoring and maintenance in order to ensure their full potential as adequate breeding sites.
Potential for learning or transfer
Potential aspects to transfer: 1. Cooperation with private companies and quarries to fund the restauration works, 2. closely work with Herpathological society to do inventory of species and to identify conservation measures,
Further information
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Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Consorci del Parc natural de la Serra de Collserola
Spain
Cataluña
Contact