European Union Habitats Directive Research Articles

Ecology and abundance of a relict population of the bush cricket Saga pedo in the Northern Apennines, Italy.

The expansion of forest cover and intensification of agriculture represent the main threats to the bush cricket Saga pedo, currently listed as Vulnerable globally by the IUCN and included in Annex IV of the European Union Habitats Directive. Gathering information on its ecology and population size is challenging due to its low abundance and localized distribution. Additionally, the elusive and cryptic behavior of this species reduces the likelihood of its detection, potentially resulting in population underestimations. Thus, in this study, we aimed to (1) estimate S. pedo population size in relation to environmental variables and prey availability and (2) predict abundance of S. pedo in our study area for future monitoring in nearby territories. We found that the population of S. pedo in our study area consists of 197 (±115) individuals with a detection probability of 21.01% (±11.09). Detection probability of S. pedo further decreases on windy days. Moreover, we found that the investigated population of S. pedo occupies suboptimal areas, as highlighted not only by the predicted abundances but also by the association between S. pedo and other subfamilies of orthoptera that are ecologically very distant from our target species and mostly linked to mesophilic biotopes. Most of the individuals we observed are concentrated in small clearings completely within wooded matrices and therefore isolated from each other. Based on our results, it is possible that forest expansion toward open meadows represents the main threat to this population, transforming the clearings and xeric meadows (to which S. pedo is linked) into small and fragmented patches that are suboptimal and insufficient to host viable populations.

Development and optimization of a novel environmental DNA‐based method for moor frog (Rana arvalis) monitoring and comparison with a commercial detection kit

AbstractMoor frogs (Rana arvalis) are protected by the European Union's Habitats Directive, often making them a target for environmental impact assessments. However, moor frog detection with the traditional method using their mating calls is difficult, time‐consuming, and limited to the short mating season. Environmental DNA (eDNA)‐based methods could be beneficial in moor frog detection since moor frogs are shy and co‐occurring common frogs (R. temporaria) are morphologically similar. Additionally, eDNA‐based methods could even extend the detection period of moor frogs. We tested two different DNA isolation methods and two different eDNA detection methods, Sanger sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR), and compared the results to the traditional mating call survey method. In addition, we tested whether linear polyacrylamide treatment would improve eDNA detection. We sampled 27 sites in Finland, of which moor frogs were detected in 17 sites by traditional acoustic survey method, in 20 sites with Sanger sequencing‐based eDNA method, and in 21 sites with qPCR‐based eDNA method. We sampled water bodies during and 3–4 weeks after the end of the mating season. Our results show that both tested eDNA methods (Sanger sequencing and qPCR) can be used to detect moor frogs and extend the moor frog detection period by at least 3–4 weeks, but qPCR slightly outperforms Sanger sequencing. Linear polyacrylamide treatment did not improve the results. Detection probabilities were similar or higher with the eDNA‐based methods than with the traditional survey method, as moor frogs were also detected in water bodies in which mating calls were not heard. Based on our results, eDNA‐based detection methods can be highly beneficial in monitoring the presence of moor frogs and can be used to complement traditional surveys.

Current Water Management of Small Lotic Waterbodies in the Context of Nature Conservation in Germany

Small lotic waterbodies are abundant and species rich habitats, offering refuges and microhabitats to protected species of the European Union Habitats Directive. Highly impacted by water management actions, it is essential to reveal the current status and challenges of water management. The present study aims to identify relevant issues by conducting a survey concerning water management authorities. Authorities were selected according to their involvement in the management of small lotic waterbodies within the actual range of a threatened species, Coenagrion mercuriale (Odonata), which is highly dependent on water management actions and protected by the Habitats Directive. The survey involved three sets of questionnaires, (1) socio-demographic (personal) questions (2) specific questions about water management and (3) questions on the biological background. Out of 181 selected authorities, 75 participated in the survey. The results showed that though nature conservation interests are partially considered, they represented a minor factor in water management decision-making. In addition, knowledge exchange is insufficient between involved stakeholders from policy, management practice and science, which was especially reflected in the case of equipment use and accruing material. The reconciliation of both, water management and nature conservation interests, can contribute to enhance the conservation status of key protected species of small lotic waterbodies under the Habitats Directive.

Physico-chemical characterisation of protected lake habitats: A matter of dystrophy

Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals of sandy plains (code 3110) and Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds (code 3160) are widespread freshwater lake habitats within Atlantic blanket bog habitats. Despite being protected under Annex I of the European Union (EU) Habitats Directive, the conservation conditions of these lake habitats is considered bad and inadequate respectively. A lack of field data (including physico-chemical, algal, macrophytes and invertebrates) is preventing appropriate conservation condition assessments, and recommendations to maintain / restore favourable conservation condition. This research aims to characterise these lake habitats with water chemistry data from favourable conservation condition sites and determine their natural state, and to consider seasonal and regional variability to evaluate whether two lake habitats exist. Several water chemistry parameters were monitored in 24 waterbodies monthly for 12 months. Lake habitat 3110 were characterised by higher levels of pH, alkalinity, silica and dissolved oxygen, whereas, contrary to previous reports, levels of true colour and dissolved organic matter (DOM) were lower in lake habitat 3160. However, all 24 sites were acidic with low alkalinity and slightly coloured, hence exhibiting dystrophic conditions. Principal Component Analysis highlighted a strong regional influence separating larger, coloured sites from smaller acidic and altitudinal sites. Differences in true colour were due to strong positive relationships between DOM and catchment area confirming their influence on a regional scale. This research highlights an urgent need to gather physico-chemical field data from a wider range of protected lake habitats 3110 and 3160, and from across the EU to discern whether a gradient of dystrophy exists along which both habitats occur. Outcomes of such research would have implications on the reporting and conservation assessment of these lake habitats by Member States and help harmonise monitoring methods and provide more accurate assessment tools for their reporting under the EU Habitats Directive.

Areas of spatial overlap between common bottlenose dolphin, recreational boating, and small-scale fishery: management insights from modelling exercises.

Sustainable management requires spatial mapping of both species distribution and human activities to identify potential risk of conflict. The common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is a priority species of the European Union Habitat Directive, thus, to promote its conservation, the understanding of habitat use and distribution, as well as the identification and spatial trend of the human activities which may directly affect populations traits, is pivotal. A MaxEnt modeling approach was applied to predict the seasonal (from April to September) habitat use of a small population of bottlenose dolphins in the north-western Sardinia (Mediterranean Sea) in relation to environmental variables and the likelihoods of boat and fishing net presence. Then, the overlapping areas between dolphin, fishing net and boat presence were identified to provide insights for the marine spatial management of this area. Three of the main factors influencing the seasonal distribution of bottlenose dolphins in the area are directly (boating and fishing) or indirectly (ocean warming) related to human activities. Furthermore, almost half of the most suitable area for dolphins overlapped with areas used by fishing and boating. Finally, relying on fishing distribution models, we also shed light on the potential impact of fishing on the Posidonia oceanica beds, a protected habitat, which received higher fishing efforts than other habitat types. Modelling the spatial patterns of anthropogenic activities was fundamental to understand the ecological impacts both on cetacean habitat use and protected habitats. A greater research effort is suggested to detect potential changes in dolphin habitat suitability, also in relation to ocean warming, to assess dolphin bycatch and the status of target fish species, and to evaluate sensitive habitats conditions, such as the Posidonia oceanica meadow.

Wild Things: Animal Rights in EU Conservation Law

The concept of animal rights is highly topical in animal legal scholarship. There is much debate on whether or not animals can and do hold rights, although there does seem to be consensus that animals currently do not have such legal rights that would grant them any foundational protection in the way that human rights do for humans. This article challenges that assumption through a discussion on the legal rights of wild animals under the European Union (EU) Habitats Directive. The article establishes a theoretical framework on animal rights and analyses the Habitats Directive according to the rights framework. It subsequently argues that preliminary fundamental legal rights for certain wild animals can be found in EU conservation law. However, through a discussion on the scope and objective of the Habitats Directive, the article finds that the legal rights that are found are not grounded in the interests of the animals themselves. Instead, the preliminary fundamental animal rights are a by-product of the anthropocentric value of biodiversity and do not support a rights-based approach to animal rights. The article concludes with a discussion on the interpretation that follows from these findings and how an instrument such as the Habitats Directive could implement rights-based wild animal rights.

Identifying typical and early warning species by the combination of functional-based diagnostic species and dark diversity

The European Union Habitats Directive requires the identification of typical species that reflect the structure and functions of habitat types, as well as early changes in the habitat condition, but no common methods are available for their selection. Diagnostic species with high fidelity to a specific group of plots are identified by traditional methods, but their value as typical species is still debated. We designed a protocol for the identification of typical plant species based on a recently proposed method to detect diagnostic species by combining abundances and functional traits. We tested the method on a set of alpine habitat subtypes, comparing diagnostic species based on traits or Grime’s CSR strategies (competitive, stress-tolerant, ruderal) with those based on presence/absence or abundance only, and then we calculated for each species the dark diversity probability—i.e. probability of being absent from a habitat type with suitable ecological conditions. Functional-based methods allowed to recognize larger sets of exclusive species, adding dominant species linked to the structure and functions of habitat subtypes (i.e. to the functional centroid). Dark diversity probability was equally distributed between diagnostic and non-diagnostic species identified by functional-based methods. Species with higher dark diversity probability among those associated with the functional centroid can be considered as early warning indicators of changes in habitat conditions. The protocol proposed here enables species ranking on measurable variables (functional association, dark diversity probability) and can be applied as a standardized tool for the identification of typical plant species for habitat types dominated by plants.

Evaluation of different monitoring methods at maternity roosts of greater mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis)

In recent years, biodiversity has declined faster than ever before in human history. Appropriate monitoring methods are needed to detect the decline of populations in time to be able to take conservation measures. Information on population dynamics can only be obtained by conducting standardised monitoring programmes, and the quality of the data depends on the survey method used. The present study aims to provide scientifically sound recommendations for the selection of a suitable survey method for emerging flights at greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) maternity roosts. For this purpose, three survey methods, namely infrared video recordings, counting by light barriers and visual counting of emerging bats, were used simultaneously for 4–5 nights at three different maternity roosts in 2019 and comparatively evaluated. Besides the quality of the counting data, the requirements and limitations of the different methods were compared and discussed. The results of this study showed that the number of emerging flights detected with all three survey methods were closely correlated, regardless of location, number of emerging flights per night (between 300 and 800) and season. Furthermore, it was shown that the presence of the observer and infrared video recordings had no significant influence on the emergence behaviour of the bats recorded by light barriers concerning the time of emergence, the duration of activity and the number of counts. As the three methods differed with regard to additional parameters, such as the need for technical equipment or qualified personnel, the time required, the costs and the error-proneness individual settings and requirements should be taken into account when deciding about the method used. However, for the continuous monitoring of greater mouse-eared bats at their maternity roosts, which is part of the monitoring requirements under the European Union Habitats Directive, the use of light barriers proved to be the method of choice, in particular as it allows to promptly detect changes in the bats’ activity as a basis for conservation measures.

Bryophyte diversity as an indication of habitat quality in two special areas of conservation on the outskirts of Vilnius (Verkiai Regional Park)

The research results on bryophyte diversity in two special areas of conservation (Environs of Lakes Žalieji and Ežerėliai Complex ) included into the Natura 2000 network and occurring on the outskirts of Vilnius are presented. The study aimed to ascertain bryophyte diversity at the studied sites. In addition, the conservation status of habitats protected under the European Union Habitats Directive in terms of bryophyte species they contain was evaluated. The research was carried out in 2019–2020 and 2022 and covered all habitat types and substrata in the territories. A total of 110 bryophyte species (11 liverworts and 99 mosses) were recorded in both studied areas. About 70% of bryophytes were recorded in one of the areas. Among 13 habitats protected under the Habitats Directive, bryophyte diversity in three of them confirmed their favourable status. Habitats with dominant deciduous trees (9020 Fennoscandian hemiboreal natural old broad-leaved deciduous forests rich in epiphytes and 9180 Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines) distributed in the area Environs of Lakes Žalieji were characterised by a large number of epiphytes, among which there were also indicators of favourable habitat conservation status. In both habitats, Dicranum viride was recorded. Our research did not reveal bryophyte species indicating the favourable status of 9010 Western taiga habitats. In contrast, small areas of wetland habitats are of favourable conservation status. Three typical bryophyte species (Hamatocaulis vernicosus, Sphagnum warnstorfii and Tomentypnum nitens) were recorded in 7140 Transition mires and quaking bogs (the area Ežerėliai Complex). The results of our study confirm that some habitats of Vilnius outskirts, despite increased pressure of urbanisation, are still able to maintain favourable status.

Benthic habitat mapping of Plazh Gradina - Zlatna ribka (Black Sea) and Karpathos and Saria Islands (Mediterranean Sea).

BackgroundHabitat mapping is nеcessary for the efficient conservation and protection of marine ecosystems. In addition, it is a requirement for EU Member States as stated in the European Union (EU) Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), as well as necessary for the achievement and maintenance of 'good environmental status (GES)' of benthic marine habitats in the framework of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC).New informationThis study provides baseline information on the marine benthic habitats of Sozopol Bay (Black Sea) and Karpathos and Saria Islands (Mediterranean Sea). These two Natura 2000 sites were selected as study sites of the RECONNECT project, which aimed at creating a transnational cooperative network to confront the environmental threats of ecosystems with a high natural and cultural interest, by the establishment of common practices and a joint regional strategy. The specific objective was to map the marine habitats using a defined a priori classification (EUNIS), with the ultimate purpose of supporting government marine spatial planning, management and decision-making processes through the development of a Decision Support System.

An integrated decision driven design framework to support the ecological restoration of rivers

A structured and collaborative approach to design and decision‐making in the context of ecological restoration of rivers is developed and illustrated using a case study involving the mitigation of physical barriers to fish migration on the River Trent in the UK. The integrated design and decision-making framework provide a practical workflow model for structuring multi‐attribute decisions, engaging stakeholders, and assembling a design team needed to successfully plan environmental interventions. In our implementation team, members included ecologists, fisheries biologists, government scientists, and representatives of key stakeholder groups. The case study demonstrated a values‐based approach to implementing an ecological restoration plan that addresses some of the long‐standing barrier removal goals associated with the reintroduction of Atlantic salmon and European Union (EU) Habitats Directive listed species European lamprey and River eel. The integrated decision-driven, design framework approach is highlighted by trans-disciplinarily and social learning.

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the north‐western Adriatic Sea: Spatial distribution and effects of trawling

Abstract Many species and populations of odontocetes have modified their behaviour to take advantage of feeding opportunities provided by fishing activities, with depredation of fishing gear being the most common type of adaptation. The northern Adriatic Sea has been identified as an important marine mammal area because of a regular occurrence of common bottlenose dolphins. Boat surveys were conducted within a 3,000 km2 sector of the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Veneto, Italy, between April and October 2018–2019. Based on 76 days at sea, 10,711 km of navigation, and 81 h 26 min of dolphin tracking, this study contributes novel quantitative information on dolphin spatial distribution, and on their occurrence in the wake of beam trawlers, otter trawlers, and midwater pair trawlers. A combined generalized additive model and generalized estimation equation framework indicated that trawling—along with other physiographic, biological and anthropogenic variables—influenced dolphin distribution. In days of trawling, the chance of encountering dolphins increased by ~4.5 times (95% confidence interval 1.8–11.0) near active beam trawlers, by ~16.0 times (7.1–36.0) near otter trawlers, and by ~28.9 times (12.0–69.6) near midwater pair trawlers. Spatial modelling was used to create maps of predicted distribution, suggesting differences in habitat use between trawling and no‐trawling days. Spatial modelling for all days identified a dolphin distribution hotspot of 832 km2, situated off the Po river delta. Evidence contributed by this study can be used to inform management action within one of the world's areas most heavily impacted by fishing and other human encroachment. Such management action would help enforce the European Union's Habitats Directive and Marine Strategy Framework Directive, while also informing EU's Maritime Spatial Planning.

Biases of Odonata in Habitats Directive: Trends, trend drivers, and conservation status of European threatened Odonata

Abstract Dragonflies and damselflies, within the order of Odonata, are important ecological indicators with widely recognised conservation value. They are generally better researched and protected than other invertebrates, yet, they have received limited protection from the European Union (EU)'s Habitats Directive, which serves as the major legislative tool for species conservation in Europe. We reviewed the conservation status and trends, legal protection status, and knowledge gaps of Odonates within the EU. Among the 22 threatened and 27 endemic species in EU, respectively 19 and 11 of them are not protected by the Directive. Out of the 35 species which are threatened and/or listed on the Annexes, 61.5% of them are declining. Nevertheless, threatened non‐Annex species are more likely to have a decreasing population trend than Annex species. There are also 26% of threatened non‐Annex species with unknown trends. Inaccuracies in evaluating Odonata trends are also revealed due to the lack of standardised methodology and incomplete surveys. Moreover, most conservation research focuses on climate change's effects on range shift, therefore knowledge gaps exist in understating how water and habitat qualities, the most important Odonate trend drivers, shape Odonata conservation status. There is an urgent need to revise the legal protection status of Odonata in Europe, for instance by revising the EU Habitats Directive Annexes to include threatened damselflies and dragonflies. There is also an urgent need for systematic, standardised, and regular survey to be able to investigate trends and drivers of change to identify priority conservation actions.

A Study of the Emerald Network objects in Ukrainian Forest-Steppe of Dnieper Ecological Corridor

A Study of the Emerald Network objects in Ukrainian Forest-Steppe of Dnieper Ecological Corridor

The Vjosa River corridor: a model of natural hydro-morphodynamics and a hotspot of highly threatened ecosystems of European significance

ContextLarge near-natural rivers have become rare in Europe, a fact reflected in the high conservation status of many riverine ecosystems. While the Balkan still harbors several intact river corridors, most of these are under pressure from planned hydropower constructions. Unfortunately, there is little information available on the hydromorphodynamics and biota of Balkan rivers under threat.ObjectivesWe present a synthesis of research on the Vjosa in Southern Albania. Here, longitudinal continuity in water flow, undisturbed sediment transport and intact fluvial dynamics are still maintained, but threatened by two large dams planned in its downstream section. We intend to provide a first multidisciplinary inventory of this river system as an example of the knowledge base required for sound water management decisions in the Balkans.MethodsBased on field work of a multidisciplinary consortium of scientists from Albania and other countries conducted from 2017 onwards, we summarize the most important findings on geomorphology of the riverine landscape, habitat turnover rates, vegetation ecology and selected animal taxa.ResultsWe found evidence that significant areas (86%) of the river corridor are covered by habitats listed in Annex 1 of the European Union Habitats Directive. These are associated with a high number of threatened biota.ConclusionsOur findings underscore the value of the Vjosa as one of the few remaining reference sites for dynamic floodplains in Europe and as a natural laboratory for interdisciplinary research. We emphasize that such multidisciplinary studies are a prerequisite for informed evaluation of potential impacts caused by hydropower plants.

Effects of vegetation cutting on invertebrate communities of high conservation value Calluna upland peatlands

Abstract Upland moors and bogs in the United Kingdom are peatlands of high nature conservation value, many designated under the European Union's Habitat Directive, with internationally important bird populations, which depend on abundant invertebrate populations when breeding. Moorland management in the United Kingdom traditionally employs controlled burning in 10–30 year rotations of heather, Calluna vulgaris, creating habitat mosaics of different species composition and physical structure. This can increase overall invertebrate biodiversity and abundance, for certain key invertebrate groups. Burning has potential negative environmental effects, including peat erosion and contamination of drinking‐water supplies. Rotational cutting of vegetation is now being trialled as an alternative to burning, but its long‐term effects on invertebrates are poorly understood. We surveyed invertebrates on a 16‐year chronosequence of rotational cutting on an extensive area of dwarf shrub vegetation on upland peat soils in Northern England. Invertebrate Simpson diversity was greatest on intermediate‐aged patches, and along edges between cut and uncut areas. Older patches, cut between 2000 and 2008, were dominated by ants (Hymenoptera‐Formicidae), plant‐feeding bugs (Hemiptera‐Auchenorrhyncha) and parasitic wasps (Hymenoptera‐Parasitica). Patches cut more recently, between 2009 and 2016, had significantly lower invertebrate abundance, and were dominated by predatory ground beetles (Coleoptera‐Carabidae), ants and harvestmen (Opiliones). There were significant relationships between vegetation and invertebrate community composition under both invertebrate sampling methods. We recommend that rotational cutting is used as the primary means of management, it should be undertaken in approximately 15–20 year rotations, in irregularly shaped mosaics, to maximise the benefits to invertebrates and associated wildlife.

Remotely Sensed Variables of Ecosystem Functioning Support Robust Predictions of Abundance Patterns for Rare Species

Global environmental changes are affecting both the distribution and abundance of species at an unprecedented rate. To assess these effects, species distribution models (SDMs) have been greatly developed over the last decades, while species abundance models (SAMs) have generally received less attention even though these models provide essential information for conservation management. With population abundance defined as an essential biodiversity variable (EBV), SAMs could offer spatially explicit predictions of species abundance across space and time. Satellite-derived ecosystem functioning attributes (EFAs) are known to inform on processes controlling species distribution, but they have not been tested as predictors of species abundance. In this study, we assessed the usefulness of SAMs calibrated with EFAs (as process-related variables) to predict local abundance patterns for a rare and threatened species (the narrow Iberian endemic ‘Gerês lily’ Iris boissieri; protected under the European Union Habitats Directive), and to project inter-annual fluctuations of predicted abundance. We compared the predictive accuracy of SAMs calibrated with climate (CLI), topography (DEM), land cover (LCC), EFAs, and combinations of these. Models fitted only with EFAs explained the greatest variance in species abundance, compared to models based only on CLI, DEM, or LCC variables. The combination of EFAs and topography slightly increased model performance. Predictions of the inter-annual dynamics of species abundance were related to inter-annual fluctuations in climate, which holds important implications for tracking global change effects on species abundance. This study underlines the potential of EFAs as robust predictors of biodiversity change through population size trends. The combination of EFA-based SAMs and SDMs would provide an essential toolkit for species monitoring programs.

Regional Policy Paper on the Biodiversity Information Management and Reporting in Southeast Europe

In the region of Southeast Europe (SEE) the obligation to establish and maintain information systems for nature conservation is scarcely mentioned in national legislation and is not adequately covered in legislative documents. Therefore, there is a great need for a more detailed regional policy paper that consists of a set of measures and a template of regulation. A set of measures was proposed and agreed upon among Biodiversity Information Management and Reporting (BIMR)* Regional Platform members and prepared in a way to be feasible, clear, resourceful and adjusted to the national circumstances, thus easier to implement. The regulation tackles all information system aspects in order to improve reporting processes towards the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD, https://www.cbd.int/mechanisms) and other relevant conventions (e.g., exchange and provisioning of the data, access and usage rights, technical and functional requirements/standards, compliance with relevant international standards and European Union (EU) directives such as EU INSPIRE Directive (Infrastructure for spatial information in Europe, https://inspire.ec.europa.eu), Birds (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/birdsdirective/index_en.htm) and Habitats Directive (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/habitatsdirective/index_en.htm). Capacities and skills of BIMR Regional Platform partner institutions are utilized while other available policy and strategic documents are used for emphasizing BIMR priorities in BIMR policy paper. Stakeholders have an opportunity to express national data gaps and needs through a questionnaire where BIMR priorities are selected at the regional level and presented in a proposed set of measures and regulation. Consultative meetings of the BIMR Regional Platform are used for drafting and preparing the document in a form to be ready for endorsement. The BIMR policy paper will be delivered to the Biodiversity Taskforce (BD TF https://www.rcc.int/docs/443/biodiversity-task-force-of-south-east-europe--technical-and-advisory-body-of-the-regional-working-group-on-environment), an intergovernmental technical and advisory body of the Regional Working Group on Environment (RWGE), which coordinates regional activities, facilitates the implementation of the SEE 2020 Strategy (https://www.rcc.int/pages/86/south-east-europe-2020-strategy) and creates a framework for more efficient implementation of biodiversity policies in the framework of accession to the EU. As a final outcome, the BD TF will report on the BIMR policy paper to the RWGE for further endorsement. Main result: Cooperation between economies is strengthened and their willingness to implement EU standards and fulfill international obligations is fostered by improving the capacities and skills of partner institutions for an active regional exchange, including learning/knowledge transfer and practices. This regional paper enables amplification of BIMR issues in the national legislation by improving the decision-making processes of stakeholders in their own institutions and reporting progress towards international biodiversity agreements. BIMR Regional Platform is a consultative technical group which represents focal points from the Ministries of Environment, Environmental Protection Agencies and Institutes for Nature Conservation from SEE and Croatia. It facilitates consultant work at the national/regional level, communicates and disseminates information on BIMR activities in respective institutions and other biodiversity relevant sectors and initiatives, verifies and presents BIMR deliverables and mobilizes institutional, scientific and technical networks in support of BIMR activities.

A population genomics insight by 2b‐RAD reveals populations' uniqueness along the Italian coastline in Leptopsammia pruvoti (Scleractinia, Dendrophylliidae)

AbstractAimMarine bioconstructions such as coralligenous formations are hotspot of biodiversity and play a relevant ecological role in the preservation of biodiversity by providing carbon regulation, protection and nursery areas for several marine species. For this reason, the European Union Habitat Directive included them among priority habitats to be preserved. Although their ecological role is well established, connectivity patterns are still poorly investigated, representing a limit in conservation planning. The present study pioneers a novel approach for the analysis of connectivity in marine bioconstructor species, which often lack suitable genetic markers, by taking advantage of next‐generation sequencing techniques. We assess the geographical patterns of genomic variation of the sunset cup coral Leptopsammia pruvoti Lacaze‐Duthiers, 1897, an ahermatypic, non‐zooxanthellate and solitary scleractinian coral species common in coralligenous habitats and distributed across the Mediterranean Sea.LocationThe Italian coastline (Western and Central Mediterranean).MethodsWe applied the restriction site‐associated 2b‐RAD approach to genotype over 1,000 high‐quality and filtered single nucleotide polymorphisms in 10 population samples.ResultsThe results revealed the existence of a strongly supported genetic structure, with highly significant pairwise FST values between all the population samples, including those collected about 5 km apart from each other. Moreover, genomic data indicate that the strongest barriers to gene flow are between the western (Ligurian–Tyrrhenian Sea) and the eastern side (Adriatic Sea) of the Italian peninsula.Main conclusionsThe strong differentiation found in L. pruvoti is similar to that found in other species of marine bioconstructors investigated in this area, but it strongly contrasts with the small differences found in many fish and invertebrates at the same geographical scale. All in one, our results highlight the importance of assessing connectivity in species belonging to coralligenous habitats as, due to their limited dispersal ability, they might require specific spatial conservation measures.

Length‐based assessment of larval lamprey population structure at differing spatial scales

Abstract Perspectives on lamprey management contrast between pest control in the US Great Lakes and species conservation in the Pacific Northwest, New Zealand, and Europe. Five lamprey species are listed in the European Union (EU) Habitats Directive (HD) as requiring conservation measures. Assessments of HD ‘conservation status’ for these lampreys mainly target the larval (ammocoete) stage. Larval lamprey populations can be assessed by evaluating presence or absence, density and demographic structure in riverine samples. Demographic structure has typically been described from length–frequency data using qualitative approaches and the statistical assignment of age classes. Length‐based indicators (LBIs) may provide a more rapid and flexible framework. The demographic structure of a fish population can be described by univariate length metrics: length range (LRANGE) and 90th percentile of length (L90). This study used a pooled data set from seven Irish catchments to estimate a reference point (RP) value for each metric corresponding to a healthy larval lamprey population. Two LBIs were then derived that can be estimated for an observed (OBS) population as LBIRANGE = LRANGE_OBS/LRANGE_RP and LBI90 = L90_OBS/L90_RP. Simulated lamprey population length structures, representing a range of status values, were used to develop a reference gradient (RG) to support population assessment using LBIs. The assessment framework was applied to each of the seven Irish catchments, and also to subcatchment and sampling‐site scales within the Barrow system. The LBIs and RG suggested that most catchments had favourable conservation status overall, whereas smaller assessment scales revealed a spread of status values. The proposed framework allows the rapid assessment of demographic structure and comparison across systems. There is potential to track states across sampling sites, events, and legislative reporting cycles, and to interpret change in relation to the local environment. The general approach may be adaptable for other fish species monitored during juvenile stages.