Project goals
Eradication of Senecio inaequidens
The project aims to eliminate or contain the impacts caused by some alien species in the Gargano National Park (major interventions in the Tremiti Islands), and in the “Coastal Dunes from Torre Canne to Torre San Leonardo” Regional Park (SIC Litorale Brindisino IT9140002), and to eradicate species capable of spreading and causing significant ecological and economic impacts. Among this species there is the South African ragwort Senecio inaequidens. This recently arrived species is known only in 2 sites of the entire Puglia Region, both located in the Gargano National Park. A similar approach will be implemented for Callinectes sapidus in the Brindisi Coastal SIC.
Eradication of the Black Rat
The eradication of the black rat in the Tremiti Islands is necessary for the improvement of the conservation status of the breeding populations of Calonectris diomedea and Puffinus yelkouan, and the creation of suitable conditions for the settlement of Hydrobates pelagicus. This will bring an improvement of the overall quality of the island ecosystems, with effects on the economy and health of the local community.
Habitat protection in the Tremiti Islands
The project aims to protect the habitat 5320 (3.8 ha), 5330 (18.6 ha), * 6220 (18.6 ha), 9540 (18.6 ha) of the Tremiti Islands, linked to the risk of disappearance or degradation due to the diffusion of Ailanthus altissima. The removal of one of the most invasive exotic plants of the Italian islands makes possible to protect and increase the levels of naturalness of the island ecosystems as a whole, while maintaining their use for migratory birds.
Protection of dune and back dune habitats
Protection of dune and back dune habitats in the “Coastal Dunes from Torre Canne to Torre San Leonardo” Regional Park, where the impact of some alien plants is already rapidly increasing.
Quick response to the recent arrivals of Senecio inaequidens in Puglia and Callinectes sapidus in the Brindisi Coastal SCI, both species capable of producing significant impacts in the future.
Educate and raise awareness of local communities
Greater awareness of local communities thanks to information and awareness-raising activities, which will be carried out throughout the territory of the Gargano National Park and in the “Coastal Dunes from Torre Canne to Torre San Leonardo” Regional Park, and thanks to the involvement of communities in eradication of the black rat in the Tremiti Islands and exotic plants in the SIC coast of Brindisi.
