Background
Inappropriate forestry and hunting practices, lack of active management and uncontrolled human leisure activities have resulted in the loss of living, feeding, breeding and wintering habitats of targeted species in the Kočevje municipality territory. Consequently, a significant decline in some species populations has been detected. Additionally, waste dumping in karst caves and unsustainable agricultural practices by local farmers are polluting underground karst habitats and underground water, resulting in degradation of cave habitats and a decline in the olm or proteus (Proteus anguinus) population.
Objectives
The project’s main objective is to re-establish favourable conservation status for five priority species listed in the Birds Directive (Tetrao urogallus, Bonasa bonasia, Dendrocopos leucotus, Picoides tridactylus, Haliaeetus albicilla), one priority species listed in the Habitats Directive (Proteus anguinus) and a priority habitat type listed in the Habitats Directive (caves not open to the public, 8310). By addressing the main causes of their decline, the project intends to upgrade existing management of Kočevsko Natura 2000 sites.
Expected results:
- At least six contaminated karst caves cleaned and long-term access to the cave established;
- Improved underground water quality, thus improving the conservation status of habitat for Proteus anguinus;
- Improved habitat conditions for Dendrocopos leucotus and Picoides tridactylus as a result of increased concentration of deadwood and non-productive forest areas. (Thinning will occur on as much as 200 ha, and dead wood mass will increase by at least 1200 m3);
- Disturbance in the habitat of Tetrao urogallus and Bonasa bonasia will be reduced by establishing 600 ha of ‘quiet zone’;
- Installation of 20 forest road barriers and 20 forest road signs to limit disturbance;
- Erection of 20 new ‘feeding’ fences to improve food supplies for target species;
- Removal of 10 anthills in Tetrao urogallus habitat and protected with steel bars against brown bear destruction;
- Removal of all hunting hides (18 in total) from Tetrao urogallus and Bonasa bonasia habitats;
- Reduction in predator populations;
- Establishment of a new winter feeding ground for Haliaeetus albicilla and the construction of physical barriers to prevent uncontrolled access;
- Modernisation of an existing trail to redirect visitors away from nesting and feeding site; and
- Renovation of the ‘Eagle house‘.
Coordinator: Municipality Kočevje
Partners: ZRSVN (Zavod Republike Slovenije za varstvo narave); Slovenia ZGS (Zavod za gozdove Slovenije); Slovenia LU Kočevje (Ljudska univerza Kočevje), Slovenia
Duration: 01-SEP-2014 to 28-FEB-2019
Total budget: 2,270,013.00 €
EU contribution: 1,135,006.00 €
