Additional data is necessary to monitor some species and habitats in Wallonia in an adequate way. To generate this data, new methods for inventorying and monitoring are developed. This is the objective of our subproject A12.
Newsletter December 2016
Development and testing of biological monitoring methods
In the beginning of 2016, the subproject A12 was launched. The emphasis lies on some of Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats. Past spring and summer several methods were developed and tested in the field by DEMNA staff and trainees for the following species:
- Stag beetle (Lucanus cervus)
- Southern damselfly (Coenagrion mercuriale)
- Yellow spotted whiteface (Leucorrhinia pectoralis)
- Violet copper (Lycaeana helle)
- Natterjack toad (Bufo calamita)
The results will be analysed this winter.
Besides this work, a first methodology was developed and field-tested to assess the structures and functions of rocky habitats. This study included a student’s thesis (ULG).
Also, working groups have been established to develop or improve methodologies for the assessment of other habitat types (heaths, bogs and grasslands), starting with a review of existing methodologies in Flanders and surrounding regions.
Finally, forest habitat modelling is ongoing and will deliver the first potential distribution maps of forest habitats this winter.
If you want to know more about these new methods, you can contact our colleague of DEMNA, Lionel Wibail.