Project name: Project documentation (expert background study, study documentation, main/implementation project) for the target species Myotis bechsteinii (Bechstein’s bat) for the project “Hidden World of Lika Forests and Waters”
Client: Public Institution for Nature Conservation of Lika-Senj County
Project partner: Supernatural Ltd.
Period: 08/2024 – 8/2025
Location: Croatia
The development of project documentation for the target species Myotis bechsteinii (Bechstein’s bat) in the special reserve Laudonov gaj and the ecological network Natura 200 area HR2000632 Krbavsko polje for the project „Hidden World of Lika Forests and Waters” included the following segments:
- development of EXPERT BACKGROUND STUDY for improved management of Bechstein’s bat
- development of STUDY DOCUMENTATION as a basis for the application and implementation of the project proposal, which included the development of monitoring protocols for Bechstein’s bat and its habitats
- development of technical documentation for the MAIN/IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT for the restoration and maintenance of a favourable habitat condition for Bechstein’s bat.
The preparation of the expert background study included the following activities:
- Reconnaissance of the special reserve area and neighbouring stands with the aim of determining the condition of the stands and determining protection zones around the reserve borders
- Description of the target species Bechstein’s bat and the methodology for determining its abundance
- Forestry survey of structural elements in the wider area of the reserve and classification of stand types according to the purpose and type of necessary restoration measures
- Determination of the health status of pedunculate oak
- Mapping of habitats in the reserve area and protection zones according to the National Habitat Classification.
The preparation of the study documentation included a description of the methodology for determining and assessing the condition of habitat types, as well as descriptions of the protocols for habitat condition monitoring, invasive species monitoring, implemented measures results monitoring and Bechstein’s bat population monitoring.
The preparation of technical documentation for the main/implementation project included the following activities:
- Listing the prerequisites that must be met in order to implement the project
- Detailed description of measures to stop the spread of Scots pine and silvicultural measures and activities for the restoration of pedunculate oak for each stand type
- Detailed description of measures to prevent the succession of forest clearings
- Description of guidelines for maintaining a favourable habitat condition
- Description of activities to educate land users on the possibilities of implementing measures
- Description of activities to monitor the effectiveness of measures and the condition of the habitat and Bechstein’s bat.
Implementation of this Project contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals:
