Monitoring methods for turtles and amphibians

Description (what, how and where): Good monitoring methods are essential for estimating the effects of conservation work and for separation status and structure of a natural population from populations managed with conservation activities. The monitoring of turtles can be combined simultaneously with the monitoring of amphibians in the north European lowlands.

Currently, in Germany, Poland and Lithuania several different monitoring methods for Emys orbicularis, Bomina bombina and Triturus cristatus are employed. The species’ monitoring programmes have not been worked out yet in Lithuania and Poland. In Lithuania, some plans have already been submitted, but the deadline for beginning will be in 2008, which means that the international experts involved in this project can work out and influence the national monitoring programme not only in Lithuania but also in Poland.

In making inventories of Emys orbicularis, Lithuania has mainly used the method of visually identifying the presence of adults of all species and collecting information from local people about their knowledge of the occurrence of Emys orbicularis. In co-operation with the German Centre of Nature Conservation (University of Goettingen) a scientific project in Kuciuliske has been started and a register of Emys orbicularis individuals has been created by live-trapping and estimating the status of the animals. This method of individual recording has been followed in Meteliai Regional Park since the onset of their first project for the protection of Emys orbicularis in 1999. In Veisiejai Regional Park, visual controls to the habitats of Emys orbicularis has been led since 2000. No real monitoring method similar to that of Lithuania exists in Poland, except the visual identification of the adults and juveniles present, and the checking of nesting sites. Germany applies mainly visual searching, trapping and the individual recording of Emys orbicularis. Data on reproductive success are obtained by observing reproductive females during their nesting period and checking nests after the incubation period - this is supplemented by the monitoring of climate.

A similar method is used for the monitoring of amphibians. In Denmark, monitoring methods have been developed for all annex 2 and 4 amphibians as part of a national monitoring programme. During the LIFE project (LIFE99NAT/DK/006454) (Consolidation of Bombina bombina in Denmark) the methods for Bombina bombina were well tested. During the LIFE project (Protection of Triturus cristatus in Eastern Baltic Region) monitoring methods for Triturus cristatus will be developed and cross-checked between several areas in the northern Boreal regions in Finland and Estonia and in the North European lowland regions. Both project results will be included in the conception of monitoring methods for amphibians in Lithuania, Poland and Germany.

The experts will take relevant parts of the amphibian monitoring programmes into the Emys orbicularis monitoring programme so that turtle monitoring can be combined with the monitoring of amphibians in the future. In order to be able to assess breeding success and to estimate the number of adults of Emys orbicularis in one locality as well as the associated amphibian community, experts should develop common monitoring methodologies, that should be applied in the North European lowlands (Lithuania, Poland, Germany) and could also be extended to other European countries.

During this project we will test the acquired methods with the methods and experiences from two LIFE-projects from a complete different part of Europe (LIFE04NAT/ES/000064) (Recovery of the habitat of amphibians and Emys orbicularis in the Baix Ter) and (LIFE03NAT/E/000067) (Recuperation of the aquatic environment of Porqueres and the lake of Banyoles): One Spanish turtle expert and one Spanish amphibian expert will be invited to the meetings on the development of monitoring methods and to define any possible variations in approach from the North European lowlands to southern Europe, especially for Emy orbicularis.

A common methodology such as this would provide a more exact overview of the status of all species and annual changes in populations. As separate countries currently employ different methods, the results gained are not suitable for comparison. It is possible, though, to elaborate an optimal monitoring methodology by analysing the various methods used in consideration of different habitat conditions in all project areas.

Reasons why it is necessary (ref. to threat being addressed): Elaborating and employing common monitoring methods for Emys orbicularis, Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus would facilitate the comparison of monitoring results gained in different countries and the achievement of the necessary analyses. This would allow the establishment of an overview of the changes taking place within meta-populations. – (See threat 1).

Responsible for implementing it: Lithuanian, Polish, German, and Danish experts co-ordinated by the Lithuanian Fund for Nature, University of Goettingen and Amphi Consult.

Expected results (quantitative information when possible): The common monitoring methodologies for Emys orbicularis, Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus that will be applied in the North European Lowlands could also be followed in other European countries.

Evaluation of ponds

Description (what, how and where): In order to ensure that the protection and management activities for Emys orbicularis, Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus are planned in the most effective way, some fieldwork is essential. It is very important to identify several types of suitable ponds for Emys orbicularis and Bombina bombina and breeding ponds for Triturus cristatus. All the required fieldwork guarantees that the actions under C and D are suitable for Emys orbicularis, and also for Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus population viability and improvements of habitats. For the evaluation of ponds it is very necessary to compare populations of Emys orbicularis and also of Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus in natural and in artificial ponds/pond complexes. This requires evaluation of the original Emys orbicularis ponds, which will take place in Lithuania, Germany and Poland. During the summer season 50 ponds will be examined for the presence of Emys orbicularis in each of these countries. Pond type (natural types such as potholes or old meanders or artificial types such as marl pits or village ponds), physical properties of the ponds (water surface area, maximum depth and mean depth area, inlets and outlets), distances to neighboring ponds, succession stage, exposure to sunlight, geological underground, slopes of banks, surrounding habitat, dominating vegetation and structure, composition and density of invertebrate, fish and amphibian species will be recorded.

Additionally, with the help of radiotracking, some individuals will be located during the active period to find out which ponds are inhabited and when these ponds are used. Finally, the suitability, properties und functions of the ponds will be identified for the turtles, e.g. summer habitats, by German experts. Furthermore, the evaluation of artificial ponds should also be one, but during previous conservation history only 7 ponds were dug in 2000 with the aim of supporting the Emys orbicularis population in the Meteliai Regional Park in Lithuania. All data about the status of the whole complex and the physical properties of the 7 ponds combined with the analysis of the turtles’ space use and the colonization progress will be included in the evaluation of ponds of Emys orbicularis. Since only 7 Lithuanian ponds have been dug for Emys orbicularis, a lack of colonization data will exist, so it is very important to analyze the physical structure and biological function of new ponds dug for amphibians and the colonization of these newly dug ponds for Triturus cristatus and Bombina bombina. Additionally, no less than 100 small ponds will be evaluated for both amphibian species in Lithuania, Poland, Germany and Denmark. Germany (Brandenburg) and Lithuania have little pond-creating tradition, and thus natural ponds will be selected for the investigation of pond characteristics important for Emys orbicularis, Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus. Denmark and to some extent Poland have a tradition for creating ponds for the conservation of amphibians and thus it will be relevant mainly in those countries to choose new ponds for the investigation since it will reveal the success of colonization by amphibians, since the project integrates turtles and amphibians.

It is important to measure colonization success in new ponds, 5 year old ponds, 10 year old ponds and 15 year old ponds for amphibians as it exists in Denmark. The colonization of ponds by Emys orbicularis cannot be studied anywhere except the 7 ponds in Lithuania, and thus the colonization results of ponds by Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus in Denmark (0, 5, 10 and 15 year old ponds) and Poland (0 to 5 year old ponds) can provide valuable data to compare with the survey of Emys orbicularis and of Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus in existing natural and artificial ponds in Germany and Lithuania.

The result from both Germany/Lithuania and Poland/Denmark will provide the best possible background study for how to design new ponds and restore existing ponds in order to have a combined effect on Emys orbicularis, Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus.

Additionally, for a good evaluation of ponds in all project countries it is essential to analyze and to determine the status of existing populations, e.g. the population structure of Emys orbicularis, Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus, and for relating the abundance to pond types. After the identification of all types of suitable ponds for Emys orbicularis, Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus, the evaluation of existing populations will be carried out, which will include answering the following questions: what the earlier structure of pond clusters was like; do the structure of the clusters of existing types of pond ensure population survival; where and to what extent the ponds should be restored; where new ponds should be dug in order to connect the isolated populations and restore former viable populations.

The knowledge and practical experience gained from the different demonstration sites will be used while compiling an action plan. The Lithuanian, Polish, German and Danish experts will be involved in the process of decision-making and discussing individual pond

actions.

The examination of the ponds will be carried out and results will be analysed and evaluated by Danish experts in co-operation with Lithuanian, Polish and German experts.

Reasons why it is necessary (ref. to threat being addressed): The results of the evaluation help to determine which water bodies are preferred by Emys orbicularis, Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus, what the key characteristics of those ponds are, how densely

the water bodies should be grouped together, which structure type is characteristic of a viable population, etc.

As the Danish, German, Lithuanian and Polish experts participate together in the investigation as well as the evaluation of ponds, the Lithuanian and Polish participants will consequently gain a wider grasp and understanding of the problems in these different situations. All participants will be able to employ these experiences and knowledge for the elaboration of the best practice management guidelines for the North European Lowlands.

Responsible for implementing it: Lithuanian, Polish, German, and Danish experts coordinated by Lithuanian Fund for Nature, University of Goettingen and Amphi Consult.

Expected results (quantitative information when possible): A report that is based on the evaluation of the artificial and restored amphibian ponds in Denmark and Poland, the 7 artificial turtle ponds in Lithuania and the natural ponds in Lithuania, Poland and Germany and the radiotracking observations of Emys orbicularis. This evaluation will provide an overview of Emys orbicularis and of Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus preferences in the field of ponds as well as an idea of pond types and surroundings.

Defining the favourable conservation status for turtles and amphibians

Description (what, how and where): It is vital to determine the criteria for assessing the favourable conservation status of Emys orbicularis, Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus. As this has not been done in Germany, Poland or Lithuania, the most efficient solution seems to be to simultaneously determine the assessment criteria for this region as a whole. The criteria for the favourable conservation status of Emys orbicularis near the northern border of the species range will be acquired from the experience of German experts. The definition of the favourable conservation status of Emys orbicularis will be elaborated with the following criteria: the population size and structure, number of occupied ponds, the density of specimens in a pond complex, number of suitable nesting sites and their distances to the ponds, distances to neighbouring populations and other parameters. As the corresponding criteria for Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus have already been elaborated in Denmark, based on a 20-year-long history of active protection of threatened amphibian populations, the experiences gained by Danish experts can be put into good use for determining the criteria for the North European Lowlands with Lithuania, Poland and Germany as the central part of the distribution range of Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus. To determine the criteria for assessing the favourable conservation status of Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus, the density of adult specimens per pond in relation to terrestrial habitat, the effective population size, the structure of meta-populations (number of ponds, distance between ponds) and other parameters will be taken into account.

Reasons why it is necessary (ref. to threat being addressed): Emys orbicularis, Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus are listed in Annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive, which encourages member states and accession countries to restore the species to a favourable conservation status across the EU. As Germany, Poland and Lithuania lack the corresponding assessment criteria, it is important to elaborate these criteria for this region as a whole. Furthermore, the criteria for assessing the favourable conservation status of Emys orbicularis, Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus could also be followed in other EU member states and accession countries.

Responsible for implementing it: Lithuanian, Polish, German, and Danish experts coordinated by Lithuanian Fund for Nature, University of Goettingen and Amphi Consult.

Expected results (quantitative information when possible): Determining the criteria for defining the favourable conservation status of Emys orbicularis, Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus in the North European Lowland.

Action plan

Description (what, how and where): Lithuania, Poland and Germany are in need of national action plans that enable the co-ordination and implementation of Emys orbicularis, Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus protection management activities in localities that host these species. Species protection management should be carried out in accordance with common goals, plans and methodology. At present, the network of proposed NATURA 2000 areas for Emys orbicularis, Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus has nearly been completed in Germany. In Lithuania and Poland, the first round of network of NATURA 2000 areas has been established with the already-protected areas. The designation of new NATURA 2000 areas is still ongoing in these countries. In Lithuania, current additional inventories have revealed or determined the localities where Emys orbicularis occur. However at the moment only app. 20 % of the Lithuanian Emys orbicularis sites and app. 75 % of the North-Polish Emys orbicularis sites are included whereas in Germany 90 % of the Emys orbicularis populations exist in protected areas. The NATURA 2000 sites proposed for Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus are not based on the real occurrences and population sizes in Lithuania and Poland.

Since the NATURA 2000 areas appointed for Emys orbicularis are not sufficient for securing the species in the future, we need to secure some of the core population in this project.

Furthermore, it is necessary to prepare action plans that establish how to connect the isolated populations partly situated inside the NATURA 2000 sites with each other by designing a strategy for turtle corridors. These action plans will be an important tool to argue the Lithuanian, German and Polish Ministries of Environment for enlarging the NATURA 2000 territories for Emys orbicularis (and for Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus if they occur on those sites) especially in Lithuania. Four separate action plans for Emys orbicularis will be prepared based on actions A2, A3, A5, A6 and A8 – one for Lithuania, one for Northeast-Poland, one for West-Poland and one for Germany (Brandenburg). Four separate action plans for Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus will be prepared based on actions A2 and A3 – one for Lithuania, one for Northeast-Poland, one for West- Poland and one (only Triturus cristatus) for Germany (Brandenburg). Links between the action plans for Emys orbicularis and for Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus will be written in the plan in all cases where common action and investment for conservation is beneficial according to the experts.

It is very important to compose these action plans in the course of the present project, as this enables contributions from the Lithuanian, Polish, German and Danish experts to be incorporated, allowing them to exchange information, experiences and practical advice and to learn from each others’ experiences. International co-operation provides the opportunity to have a wider grasp on the problems and find the best protection strategy. Forwarding information, experiences and practical advice from the Danish and German experts to the Lithuanian and Polish experts will take place. In all countries the drafting of the action plans includes defining protection management goals, determining the factors that endanger the species, and preparing the plan, schedules and agreeing upon suitable monitoring methods for assessing protection management results. The preparation of the action plans includes a set of round table meetings with various stakeholders and authorities as well as with nature conservation specialists. All actions plans will be lead by a team of German, Polish, Lithuanian and Danish experts in close co-operation with local experts and sites managers. The Lithuanian action plans will be prepared by species experts, representatives of stakeholders and by the specialists from the Zuvintas Biosphere Reserve and Veisiejai Regional Park. The corresponding work in Poland will be supported locally by the authorities and specialists from Piska Forest, Napiwodzko-Ramucka Forest, Bialowieza National Park, PTOP and Klub Przyrodników. The German experts of Agena e.V. and LFV Oberes Rhinluch e.V. will prepare the German action plans for Emys orbicularis – and Triturus cristatus -habitats.

Reasons why it is necessary (ref. to threat being addressed): To co-ordinate and plan the actions for the protection of Emys orbicularis and Bombina bombina/Triturus cristatus in all its distribution areas in the project countries Lithuania, Poland and Germany. The Polish, Lithuanian and German National Action Plans for the conservation of the three species guarantee the long-term continuation of the species’ protection in those countries.

Responsible for implementing it: Lithuanian Fund for Nature, Poland: PTOP and Klub Przyrodników, Germany: Agena e.V., Amphi Consult.

Expected results (quantitative information when possible): A National Action Plan for Emys orbicularis in Lithuania. An Action Plan for Emys orbicularis in Northeast-Poland and an Action Plan for Emys orbicularis in West-Poland. A National Action Plan for Emys orbicularis in German(Brandenburg). Three Action Plans for Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus in Lithuania, Northeast-Poland and West-Poland. A National Action Plan for Triturus cristatus in Germany (Brandenburg).

Evaluation of characteristics and structure of turtles hibernation sites

Description (what, how and where): There is a lack of information about the condition of favourable hibernation sites and the survival rate of turtles during hibernation in Germany, Poland and Lithuania. In literature on the subject, some cases of turtles hibernating on land aredescribed, but usually turtles hibernate in water bodies. The concentration of turtles at specific sites shows that only a small number of areas guarantee the specific over-wintering requirements of Emys orbicularis. Initial observations indicate that oxygen supply and temperature determine the suitability of hibernation sites. Beginning in late summer, radio tracking of adult specimens will give information about the location of hibernating sites in all Emys orbicularis project sites with pond actions. At these hibernation sites, data related to conditions and structure, e.g. spring-water, depth, substrate, vegetation, etc. will be collected. While hibernating, turtles will be observed by radiotracking. Since the turtles do not move around very much during hibernation, locating the turtles once a month will be sufficient during hibernation. Additionally, data will be collected at these sites, e.g. water level, water temperature, oxygen capacity and other chemical values during the hibernation period. The German experts have already prepared a possibility to analyze water data and to evaluate hibernation sites. With all these data the characteristics and structure of hibernation sites will be described and defined for a suitable pond management regime. Reasons why it is necessary (ref. to threat being addressed): In order to construct suitable new ponds there is a need to gather all the necessary information about the habitat requirements of turtles throughout the year. By giving some of the characteristics of hibernation sites to the new ponds we are able to secure more hibernation places for local populations and to improve their chances of survival. In the case of pond restoration, it is very important to have knowledge on the characteristics of the existing hibernation sites to avoid a negative impact by destroying old sites with restoration activities.

Responsible for implementing it: Lithuanian, Polish, German, and Danish experts coordinated by Lithuanian Fund for Nature and University of Goettingen.

Expected results (quantitative information when possible): In the selected Emys orbicularis project sites 5-10 turtles will be followed to their hibernation sites and radiotracked during the winter. At these hibernation sites, data about hibernation conditions will be collected. An evaluation report of hibernation sites with a complete list of requirements for the Emys orbicularis hibernation sites will be prepared. This will lead to an improvement in knowledge for the design of pond clusters - hibernation requirements could then be taken into consideration and incorporated within practical design.

Finding nesting sites and evaluation of nesting sites

Description (what, how and where): Knowledge about nesting sites is very rare in most of the Emys orbicularis localities in the whole project area. From there, it is really necessary to find out the current and old nesting areas. In Lithuania and Poland interviews with local people shall help to recapitulate where the nesting areas are/were. In Poland and Lithuania, visual controls will be led in possible areas and, additionally, specially trained dogs will search for females during the nesting period to find the nesting sites of local populations. In order to follow females during the nesting period and to find the nesting sites, radio tracking is a suitable method. In all project countries some females of each population will be fitted with a transmitter in spring. Between May and June every day mainly during the afternoon and evening, females will be located with a receiver combined with an antenna. This work will be carried out with the help of German experts who have a long-standing experience in radiotracking methods. This is really necessary in order to enable Polish and Lithuanian staff to radiotrack in a way that prevents disturbances and stress to the reproductive females and locates females in the most effective way.

Methods for data analysis of nesting areas (e.g. size, data of exposition, inclination, soil type and soil structure, ground vegetation and density, possible daily sunshine duration, distances to water bodies, composition of predators etc.) and discovering the parameters necessary to evaluate the suitability of nesting sites will be elaborated for the North European Lowlands. It helps also to understand the loss of old nesting areas and which actions are necessary to improve the old ones.

Details on the cost-benefit expected concerning the interview with local people: In Lithuania first interviews were led in 1999 and 2000 in Lazdijai-District by the staff of the Meteliai Regional Park. This method gave first useful results about former and current occurrences of turtles in this region. The direct contact between the interviewer and the local people has different advantages. Interviewed persons can directly show places where they noticed turtles and the interviewer can start with first investigations and evaluations of the area (visual checking with binocular for individuals, checking pond quality and the habitat quality around for possible nesting areas, neighbouring ponds and disturbances by man). In Lithuania the interviews are a very suitable method for finding habitats with occurrences of turtles, because the interviewer can immediately estimate the quality and the truth of the information and the importance as turtle habitat. During the interview the persons will be informed about the turtles, their threats and the conservation measures. Experiences of the Meteliai Regional Park showed that many persons regularly observe turtles during their agricultural activities, but in the countryside there exists no consciousness for species and nature conservation and people don’t talk about their observations. Interviews help that people lose consciousness for species and nature conservation and start to talk. For the project interviews will be a good tool for coming into close contact with the people in the countryside. Finally, a good relationship to them, their support, insight and consciousness for nature conservation will be necessary for a successful project work and the conservation of the turtles. Consequently, the interviews are very important for a good overview about turtle populations in southern Lithuania and at the same they can effectively be used as kind of education of the local community.

Reasons why it is necessary (ref. to threat being addressed): The survival of northern turtles depends on successful reproduction and nesting areas can be a decisive or even a limiting factor. Observations of juveniles prove the possibilities of successful reproduction, but the number of such localities seems to be too low. Overgrowth and shading by bushes destroys suitable nesting sites. In Germany, Poland and Lithuania the lack of favourable nesting sites forces females to lay eggs e.g. on agricultural land or field roads where no reproduction success is possible. Consequently, it is important to find more nesting sites and to initiate active management so the reproduction rate can clearly be raised in the future. With it the population size will clearly be increased which is vital for viable populations. A good basis of knowledge about the localities of old and existing nesting sites, their current status and conditions is necessary for elaborating methods for data collection and analysis.

Therefore it is important to find a relatively large percentage of existing nesting sites, and by describing the characteristics of these it will be possible to obtain a more adequate evaluation of the threats towards these sites. These evaluation results of for old and existing nesting sites allow the improvement of existing areas, restoration of old sites or creation of new potential ones with regard to the habitat requirements of Emys orbicularis for successful reproduction. Responsible for implementing it: Lithuanian, Polish, German, and Danish experts coordinated by Lithuanian Fund for Nature and University of Goettingen.

Expected results (quantitative information when possible): In Lithuania and Poland a minimum of 50 people who live close to the project areas will be interviewed about their knowledge and observations. In Germany the number of interviewees will be smaller. Between 5 and 10 females of selected project populations depending on population size will be radiotracked during the nesting period. There will be a written a report on the investigations. The knowledge of all nesting sites will be used for the creation of management plans in an area. After the evaluation of the characteristics, we will have a much bigger statistical background for the creation of new sites.

Local management plans

Description (what, how and where): All management techniques should be applied within a framework of appropriate management plans for all project areas. In Poland and Lithuania, no management plans for Emys orbicularis, Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus exist. In the German project areas it is also necessary to prepare management plans. Within the LIFEproject management plans will be developed for each project area by species experts in cooperation with the head of the local manager and adopted by the relevant local or regional authority e.g. national park, regional park or the county. For all areas it will be defined as the current site conditions and the specific existing threats, which is necessary in order to elaborate the required actions with explanatory maps and to render a long-term documentation for each population of Emys orbicularis, Bombina bombina and/or Triturus cristatus possible. In addition to that, for the areas close to the NATURA 2000 sites it should be a written concept for including them. These areas are suitable for the establishment of bigger populations consisting of various local populations. The management plans will be the basis for the management of each project area and they will be given to all authorities who are responsible for the preservation of natural conditions. In addition, the plans will be the basis for specialist recommendation from the ministry and the confirmation of plans which have to be checked by the ministry. The management plan will ensure that the necessary management is widely approved and carried out in an agreed manner to an agreed time-scale. The plans need to be flexible and require regular updating to take into account new information, and other changes that occur, new extrinsic threats and new ecological information.

Reasons why it is necessary : The long-term viability of populations depends not only on the general requirements of a species. The site specific properties and conditions have big impacts on population survival. No activities can be efficient or successful without local management plans, because activities without consideration to site specific conditions will not be effective and can even harm populations. Small and isolated populations have a particular need for site specific actions. With these plans it is possible to demonstrate the effectiveness of management and to guarantee the continuity of effective management e.g. with a new staff of project partners.

Responsible for implementing it: Lithuanian, Polish, German, and Danish experts coordinated by Lithuanian Fund for Nature.

Implementation of management plans after the end of the project:

All Lithuanian management plans prepared for protected areas are as subject of Lithuanian Law on Protected Areas (4.12.2001, Nr. IX-628), Governmental Decision preparing strategic planning documents (09.06.2004, Nr. 709) and Ministerial order on content of management plans (14.12.2004, Nr. D1-645). Management plans prepared for protected areas should be approved by Ministry of Environment.

In Poland the areas where active protection are planned, are sites with occurrence of Emys orbicularis - a species that is under the zone protection in Poland. According to the Act on nature conservation of April 16 2004 Dz. U. No 92, item 880, completed by the Decree of the Minister of Environment on the protection of animal species of September 28 2004 Dz. U. No 220 item 2237, breeding sites and sites of permanent occurrence of the species should be protected as protection zones. At present, there are no appointed protection zones in province Warminsko Mazurskie, (there have been appointed a few en Poland all together). During the realisation of the project, it is planned to locate the protection zones in the provinces of project implementation and establish ecological reserves. Managing plans for these areas are going to be consulted with the Provincial Nature Conservator and managers of the land. In the case of the Warminsko-Mazurskie province, the areas of interest are managed by the State Forest. Usually there are no problems in relation to establish "zone protection" in state forest, but in some cases "zone protection" is to complicated as it can give many conflicts with private owners, par example when the area of interest is situated close to arable fields and farms. In the later case, after discussion with the Provincial Nature Conservator and the owners – we prefer another option, a kind of ecological reserve - in Polish: "uzytek ekologiczny" (English - "ecological zone"). It is a compromise between wishes of owners and the needs of Emys orbicularis.

Germany, project area "Emys orbicularis": In the context of its responsibility the federal state Brandenburg is responsible for the development and the decree of protection of species programs. Since Emys orbicularis is a species which particularly has to be protected after EC guideline 92/43/EWG 7910, a protection program for this species is of prior importance. Agena e.V will continue the management plans after the end of the LIFE-project on its own plots. The project is promoted on a long-term basis by important private donations. In the public and the responsible authorities it possesses a high acceptance. Its continuance is assured by interdisciplinary treatment by nature protection authorities, forest authorities and voluntary nature protection. Germany, project area "Upper Rhinluch": The conservation management implemented during the project will continue after the end of the project. At its own plots the LFV will take care of a management that meets the habitat requirements of Bombina bombina and Triturus cristatus. For the other parts of the Upper Rhinluch conservation authorities will try to get a conservation management done -during as well as after the end of the project. As these areas are suitable for management under the agri-environment and conservation support, these support schemes will be used. No EU-LIFE support is planned for management measures at these areas.

Expected results (quantitative information when possible): For each project area in Germany, Poland and Lithuania management plans will be written, printed and made available to all authorities. Management plans will be drawn up for a total of 7 areas in Lithuania, 3 areas in Northeast Poland, 6 areas in West-Poland and 5 areas in Germany (Brandenburg).

Genetic investigation

Description (what, how and where): In all project countries (Lithuania, Poland and Germany) the partners will take genetic samples for a genetic analysis of the Emys orbicularis populations at the northern border of the species range. Herpetologists from each partner institution and the experts will collect up to 15 samples of each population. Denmark and Latvia mark the extreme northern border of the range with two populations each and efforts will be made to get genetic samples from these populations, too, although it cannot be promised due to the small population size (less than 20 adult individuals). DNA samples from the saliva make it possible to take a fast sample without too much stress and with no physical damage to the animal. During the handling of the animal there is a minimum infection or damage risk to the animal using this method. The institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology in Heidelberg will lead the genetic investigations. The PhD student of Prof. Wink will develop a method for an analysis with microsatellites and additionally she will work with mitochondrial DNA. Samples will be collected in 5 populations in Germany, 6 populations in West-Poland, 2 populations in Northeast-Poland and in 10 populations in Lithuania. The data will be analysed with regard to questions of management and will give recommendations for a genetics-orientated population management regime. The investigations should be started at the beginning of the project. The results and recommendations will immediately be discussed with the experts and area managers and the herpetologists of the partners. Afterwards, first drafts of strategies will be developed for leading the further actions of population management. The genetic investigations shall indicate the effects of the increasing isolation of local populations. Such genetic investigations are important for the following

1. Evaluation of the risk of extinction in a local population.

2 Evaluation of the exchange of individuals and genes between local sub-populations.

3. Calculating the effective population size of isolated populations.

The genetic analysis of Lithuanian populations and partly of Northeast- and West-Polish and German populations shall determine local population borders, the genetic exchange between local populations and presumable isolations of local populations. The population structure affects the preservation and the loss of genetic variability and is responsible for the degree of heterozygoticity of a sub- or meta-population. The degree of heterozygocity shall be determined in order to recognize the possible effects of inbreeding and genetic drift in local populations. In Germany and West-Poland allochthonous individuals already exist in the wild. These turtles are released or they escape e.g. from artificial ponds in gardens. Additionally, to the analysis of the status and structure of northern Emys orbicularis populations the genetic analysis shall help to clear the origin of turtles which could be of external origin.