Project: VERBUND Pinos Puente
Location: Andalucía, Spain
Dates: Operational since 2022
Objectives: Preserving biodiversity in the face of habitat loss and increased risks of collision mortality due to the development.
Measures undertaken: Reforestation with native bushes and trees along boundaries, plus the installation of vegetation screens along the perimeter fence. Installation of passageways for small fauna in the perimeter fence and the addition of signalling plaques to minimise wildlife collisions with the fence. Installation of two nesting boxes for lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni). Maintaining low herbaceous vegetation for fauna to shelter and traverse in areas not affected by the construction.
Results: Installation of nesting boxes for lesser kestrels proved successful, with reports from on-site staff that 10 pairs have been spotted using the structures.
Challenges:
- Contradicting regulations from different regional and state administrations, specifically with regards to the location and positioning of the vegetation screen;
- Increased costs associated with integrating biodiversity, such as the maintenance of implemented measures throughout the project life cycle;
- Maintaining the reforested areas and installed vegetation screens in good condition throughout the project life cycle, due to the harsh conditions; and
- Promoting spontaneous use of the nesting boxes by lesser kestrel.
Success factors:
- Monitoring mitigation measures, adaptively managing them for refinement;
- Sharing the lessons learnt;
- Researching and understanding the surrounding territory and its requirements;
- Promoting connectivity between natural and modified habitats via ecological corridors, facilitating wildlife movement and counteracting habitat fragmentation; and
- Locally publicising the biodiversity measures undertaken and their success, including costs and methods.
Images copyright: VERBUND