LIFE OSMODERMA - Ecological network for Osmoderma eremita and other species dependent on veteran trees LIFE16 NAT/LT/000701

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1 LIFE OSMODERMA - Ecological network for Osmoderma eremita and other species dependent on veteran trees LIFE16 NAT/LT/ Project description Environmental issues Beneficiaries Administrative data Read more Contact details: Contact person: Dalia BASTYTE-CSEH Tel: Fax: dalia.b@glis.lt Project description: Background The hermit beetle (Osmoderma eremita), which is listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive and Annex II of the Bern Convention, is a near threatened species in Europe. It is restricted to old-growth (primary-, primeval- or virgin forest) forests as it inhabits decaying tree hollows, notably old oaks and also other deciduous hardwood trees, so any activities that destroy such trees (e.g. stand-replacing disturbance) are strongly detrimental to the species. The main overall threat is likely to be degradation or loss of habitat quality, involving the removal of the older dead and dying trees from forest/ woodland areas. There are three habitat types in Lithuania related to the hermit beetle. Objectives The LIFE OSMODERMA project aims to: To develop a cross-border Lithuania-Latvia ecological network plan and identify the functional ecological network for the beetle and other saproxylic invertebrates (dependent on dead or decaying wood) from Kaunas oak forest to the slope of the Neris river by Verkiai; To prepare the necessary documentation for implementation of practical conservation actions in the area of the ecological network and ensure long-term conservation of restored habitat sites;

2 To prepare a methodology for reintroduction of the beetle and to restore a viable population; To create favourable conditions for the hermit beetle and other saproxylics in core project areas by suitable management of the areas of old-growth forests/woodlands, creation of migratory corridors and eradication of alien species; To create stepping stones between these project areas and other potential areas, or creation of temporary artificial habitats; To improve monitoring techniques and equipment; To raise public awareness on the importance of these older, hardwood tree species for biodiversity conservation, socioeconomic impacts and ecosystem functions; and To share knowledge about conservation strategies for the beetle species and practical experience on habitat restoration among experts, and ensure the transfer and replicability of the project methods. Expected results: A cross-border Lithuanian-Latvian ecological network plan; Identification of an ecological network for the target species and other saproxylics between Kaunas and Vilnius; Preparation of (two) management plans for Kaunas oak forest and for the slope of the Neris river by Verkiai; Guidelines on management of old-growth trees and deadwood for three Natura 2000 sites; A methodology for reintroduction of the beetle species; Installation of smart pheromone traps (e.g. to limit pest populations); Restoration and management of old-growth trees and other valuable older trees/deadwood; Elimination of invasive alien species on a total of 12 ha; Creation of dispersal corridors for the beetle species and control of invasive species inside core zones on a total area of 10 ha; Restoration of at least one viable hermit beetle population; Assessment of direct or indirect employment growth and raising the profile of the project area; Assessment of the project's impact on the ecosystem functions and of seven ecosystem services; and Various awareness raising activities. Results Environmental issues addressed: Themes

3 Species - Mammals Habitats - Forests Species - Invertebrates Keywords endangered species biotope network forest ecosystem monitoring management plan restoration measure Target EU Legislation Nature protection and Biodiversity Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats ( ) Directive 92/43 - Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora- Habitats Directiv... Regulation 1143/ Prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien... Target species Barbastella barbastellus Cucujus cinnaberinus Myotis brandtii Myotis nattereri Osmoderma eremita Pipistrellus pipistrellus Target Habitat types "Fennoscandian hemiboreal natural old broad-leaved deciduous forests (Quercus, Tilia, Acer, Fraxinus or Ulmus) rich in epiphytes" Fennoscandian wooded pastures "Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines" Natura 2000 sites SPA LTKAUB008 Kauno marios SCI LTKAI0002 Strevininku miskas SCI LTKAI0004 Vaiguvos miskas SCI LTKAU0007 Kauno marios SCI LTKAU0020 Kauno azuolynas SCI LTVIN0007 Dukstu azuolynas ir Dukstos upes slenis SCI LTVIN0012 Neries upes slaitas ties Verkiais

4 Beneficiaries: Coordinator Type of organisation Description Partners Lithuanian Fund for Nature NGO-Foundation The Lithuanian Fund for Nature (LFN) is one of the first nature conservation NGOs established in Lithuania. Its activities are closely related to the preservation of wildlife and include cooperation with national, municipal, scientific, non-governmental and private institutions. It concentrates on preservation of rare and disappearing species and their habitats, maintenance and restoration of natural habitats, preservation of water bodies and their resources, and environmental education. It also seeks to preserve Lithuania s natural resources for future generations by protecting the country s biodiversity and ecological balance. Lithuanian Zoological Garden, Lithuania Kauno miesto savivaldybė, Lithuania Daugavpils University Nature Studies and Environmental Education Centre, Latvia Administrative data: Project reference LIFE16 NAT/LT/ Duration 01-SEP-2017 to 31-MAR Total budget 1,378, EU contribution 1,033, Alytaus apskritis(lithuania Lietuva) Kauno apskritis(lithuania Lietuva) Klaipedos apskritis(lithuania Lietuva) Marijampoles apskritis(lithuania Lietuva) Panevezio apskritis(lithuania Lietuva) Siauliu apskritis(lithuania Lietuva) Taurages apskritis(lithuania Lietuva) Telsiu apskritis(lithuania Lietuva) Utenos Project location apskritis(lithuania Lietuva) Vilniaus apskritis(lithuania Lietuva) Extra-Regio(Lithuania Lietuva) Associated Lithuania (LT)(Lithuania Lietuva) Kurzeme(Latvia Latvija) Latgale(Latvia Latvija) Riga(Latvia Latvija) Pieriga(Latvia Latvija) Vidzeme(Latvia Latvija) Zemgale(Latvia Latvija) Extra-Regio(Latvia Latvija) Associated Latvia

5 (LV)(Latvia Latvija) Read more: Project web site Project's website Project description Environmental issues Beneficiaries Administrative data Read more