Restoration of Corncrake (Crex crex) habitats in Dviete floodplain Natura 2000 site (Acronym - DVIETE) LIFE09 NAT/LV/000237
The Corncrake (Crex crex) is a specially protected species both in Latvia and the European Union. About one quarter (26 000 – 38 000 pairs) of the EU population of this species has been estimated as breeding in Latvia. The „Dviete floodplain” Natura 2000 site is one of the most favorable homes to the endangered Corncrake, especially favorable are floodplains. Unfortunately, during the 20th century the quality of the site and Dviete floodplain grasslands has been remarkably decreased by the alteration of hydrological regime. By utilizing the latest technology we have been able to help the conservation efforts through observing and reversing historical changes in the habitat and developing a more sophisticated understanding of the corncrake’s needs.
1.image. Corncrake (Crex crex). Photo by A.Auniņš
The Aims
- To improve the conservation status of Corncrake (Crex crex) in Latvia
- To restore breeding habitats for Corncrake in the degraded and abandoned section of the Dviete River floodplain
- To demonstrate and promote the use of complex restoration methods of Corncrake habitats in degraded floodplain grasslands.
- To increase the participation and awareness of land-owners and local municipality on management of Dviete floodplain Natura 2000 site for the species of EU importance, in particular, the Corncrake.
Our Role
On the basis of airborne hyperspectral and laser scanning (LiDAR) data, we developed a habitat model for Corncrake (Crex crex) breeding territories. The remote sensing technologies were applied to assess the territory and status of Corncrake’s habitat, as well as to measure the distribution of corncrakes within the Dviete floodplain.
2.image. Habitat suitability map for the Corncrake (Crex crex) within Dviete floodplain. A part of Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA) model.
Results
The project resulted with a detailed assessment of the current condition of Dviete River, an elaborated digital terrain model (DTM) of the project territory and a habitat model for Corncrake (Crex crex) breeding territories in the Dviete Floodplain Natura 2000 site, a restoration plan of the straightened section of the Dviete River.
Combining remote sensing and ground truth data our specialists elaborated Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA) model for suitable nesting places for the Corncrake. The ENFA model is applicable not only for the assessment of suitable habitat for the Corncrake (Crex crex) within Dviete floodplain, but also outside the project territory. The model is based on the IES data of vegetation height and hyperspectral images.
3.image. Suitability map for the Corncrake (Crex crex) within Dviete floodplain and its surroundings.
4.image. Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA) model shows habitat suitability for the Corncrake (Crex crex) within whole Dviete floodplain and its surroundings.
Project Brochure
Project duration: 01.10.2010. – 30.09.2014.
Project Manager: Edmunds Račinsiks, Latvian Fund of Nature
IES project coordinator: Rūta Abaja, ruta.abaja@videsinstituts.lv, Mob.tel. +371 27818676
Project is financed by: European Union LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity Programme
Co-funding: Latvian Environment Protection Fund Administration
Beneficiary: Latvian Fund of Nature, ARK Fund (The Netherlands), Ilūkste County, ELM Media, Institute for Environmental Solutions
