Creation of an ecological network for organisms dependent on mature trees (LIFE16 NAT/LT/000701)

Reducing the isolation of the dusky golden beetle by creating an ecological network between the largest cities of Lithuania - Vilnius and Kaunas.

Project duration

2017 09 to 2022 03

Budget

€1,378,000

Field of activity

Biodiversity is an asset that we all share, which we must protect, nurture, and pass on to future generations.

Project objectives

To reduce the isolation of the species by creating an ecological network between the largest cities of Lithuania - Vilnius and Kaunas. The ecological network was created by improving conditions in suitable habitats for the dusky golden beetle: by professional arborists performing tree maintenance work, removing invasive species, and installing temporary habitats. During the project, the restoration of the dusky golden beetle population in its historical habitat, where it has not been found for many years, was also initiated. Finally, by applying modern technologies, monitoring methods for this beetle were improved and optimized by creating smart pheromone traps.

Project results

1. An international map of the Lithuanian-Latvian ecological network has been created. 2. A 106 km long ecological network has been practically created in Lithuania. 3. 1,590 mature deciduous trees have been inventoried in the ecological network. 4. Arborists have carried out maintenance work on 643 trees, after tree owners signed tree protection agreements. 5. 68 hectares have been cleared of invasive tree species. 6. 6 temporary habitats have been installed in the Natura 2000 territory “Neris River Slope near Verkiai”: 2 specially constructed nest boxes for the dusky golden beetle and 4 donated logs of felled oak trees. 7. The dusky golden beetle population is starting to settle again in the Natura 2000 territory “Neris River Slope near Verkiai”. 8. Species monitoring methods have been improved by developing smart pheromone traps. 9. After searching for the dark-colored golden beetle in 247 potential locations, this rare beetle was discovered in 97 locations. 10. 2 nature management plans were prepared for Natura 2000 territories (“Kauno ąžuolynas” (LTKAU0020) and “Neris upės šlaitas ties Verkiai” (LTVIN0012)). 11. The dark-colored golden beetle monitoring methodology was updated. 12. 8 publications were prepared (you can find them all here: www.osmoderma.lt/leidiniai). 13. A cognitive trail was installed in Kaunas ąžuolynas Park. 14. 2 scientific articles were published. 15. 136 educational events for children were organized at the Lithuanian Zoo.