Ecological networks and corridors

The first ideas about ecological networks appeared approximately three decades ago. Over only a few years, the designation of ecological networks was widely accepted as being one of the most effective tools for biodiversity conservation. An Ecological network is a system of areas connected by physical and ecological links. Usually, ecological networks consist of core zones and ecological corridors, which connect the core zones and the buffer zones. The core zones are the areas with the highest value for the conservation of biodiversity. In the European Union such areas are designated as Natura 2000 areas. These areas form a European-wide ecological network. Areas which are important for bird and habitat’s conservation are united in this network. Unfortunately, the distances between these protected areas are often too long, that  less mobile endangered species could travel from one protected area to another. To enable spatial connection between protected areas, ecological corridors are needed. There are many types of corridors: tunnels which help to cross a road, hedgerows structuring intensively used agricultural areas, ponds in a dry landscape, coastal wetlands for migrating birds. The corridors can be linear, such as rivers or hedgerows or made of stepping stone elements, where migrating animals can find shelter and food. The type of corridor chosen depends on the ecological needs of animal and plants species it is intended for.

An Ecological network is needed, because

The majority of animals migrate between different localities for various reasons:  e.g. in search for better habitats, food or partners, to avoid competition and more. However, distances between Natura 2000 areas often are too long and difficult to overcome for less mobile animals. For example, the European pond turtle moves several hundred meters a day, given it finds wet and safe places for resting.  One example:  the distance between Kučiuliškė herpetological reserve, where the turtles live, and the closest protected area – the environs of Stročiūnai village - amounts to 7 km. As there are numerous settlements, roads and dry pine forests in between, it is unlikely that a turtle can ever manage to move between the two sites.

Reptiles and amphibians have to be protected

Some species like the pond turtle, the fire bellied toad and the crested newt have existed for millions of years – sad enough that only a few last decades of human activities have been enough to threaten them with extinction.  Reptiles and amphibians are a priceless part of our natural heritage as well as biodiversity - we are responsible for the conservation and protection of these species also for future human generations.

The target species of the project are

native reptile and amphibian listed in Annex II and Annex IV species of the Habitats Directive, i.e. European pond turtle, sand lizard, crested newt, red-bellied, green, natterjack and common spadefoot toads, moor and European tree frogs.

European tree frog (Hyla arborea)

The European tree frog is the rarest frog in Lithuania. It is one of the smallest frogs in Europe; it grows up to not more than 3-5 cm length. It has adhesive discs at the end of its fingers, therefore these frogs can climb on a vertical surface. Most often tree frogs are bright green but they can change their colour and become even grey as a consequence of weather conditions and other factors, which are not yet fully understood. Tree frogs breed in the ponds with rich submersed vegetation and shallow zones. The water surface should be not overshaded, allowing it to be heated quickly by the sun. Adult tree frogs spend a lot of time climbing on the vegetation around their aquatic habitat. They hibernate in the burrows, decaying trees, piles of stones and even in cellars.