Reduction of predation by fox (vulpes vulpes). Part A: direct techniques
The fox causes decline in populations of threatened species and economic losses in hunting and livestock sectors. The direct techniques of predation reduction are the killing and the reduction of fox fertility. The more efficient direct techniques are the use of baits with poison, the shooting and trapping.
Rhodian fallow deer: Special characteristics, impact of wildfires, livestock grazing and poaching
Rhodian fallow deer is part of the natural asset and the historical and cultural heritage of the island of Rhodes as well. Great attention should be paid at this important animal and its study and protection should aim at conservation, development and increase of the existing population. The reason is that this species is not only a distinctly different species from the deer of the genus Cervus and of the subspecies Dama dama mesopotamica, but presents distinct differences in morphology and genetic structure even from the populations of the European fallow deer (Dama dama dama) as well. Its population in Rhodes follows a long term fluctuation concerning its size and spatial distribution. Although both parameters are heavily affected by wildfires and the intensity of livestock grazing in the island, however the effectiveness of protection and the elimination of poaching are more crucial factors for the conservation of the fallow deer population.
Livestock farming and protected areas in the prefecture of Trikala
Livestock farming and the processing and marketing of animal products are among the important economic sectors in the prefecture of Trikala. Animal products cover the needs not only of the consumers of prefecture, but they are available and in other regions of Greece and abroad. This work examines the relation between livestock farming and protected areas in the economy of prefecture according to the list of Network NATURA 2000 sites. According to the legislation of European Union, the protection of environment refer to the management and protection of waters, to soils and other wastes, in toxic and dangerous wastes, to the control of atmospheric pollution, and to the noise and in the natural environment. Protected areas in the prefecture of Trikala are Aspropotamos, the mountain Kozakas, the region of Antichasia, Meteora the mountain Neraida, and the valley of Acheloos. Livestock farming of prefecture declines in the last years because of the high cost of production resulting in the reduction of the rural and animal populations of the mountainous regions. On the contrary, there is an increase of tourist activity in the prefecture due to Meteora and other
mountainous regions.
Research on regeneration and certain soil parameters of the Dune forest of Vartholomio after the fire of 2007
The Dune Forest of Vartholomio extends in the N.W. part of Peloponnesus and covers an area of 1337 ha. It was originally planted on 1950 for aesthetic and soil conservation purpose. The main species are Pinus maritima and Pinus pinea. A part of the forest was party destroyed after the forest fires of the summer of 2007. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the natural regeneration of the pines and investigate certain soil parameters such as soil organic matter and pH. An intense natural regeneration was noticed in the burned area. Soil pH was slightly but statistically different in the burned area whereas soil organic matter was not affected by the fire.
Contribution of nomadic livestock husbandry on the creation of alpine and sub alpine formations «NATURA 2000» Areas
Nomadic livestock husbandry has been one of the main activities of people in Greece for centuries. Nomadic way of living consists of the annual, vertical movement of livestock between distinctive rangelands in order to exploit their seasonal plant growth. The use of rangelands, as areas for grazing by livestock and for diary production, created particular landscapes with pseudoalpine ecosystems. The upland areas in Greece are found at an altitude range of 1700 – 2900m., where the temperature usually does not exceed 0oC and they coincide with the alpine and the sub alpine formations «NATURA 2000» areas. A variety of habitats appears in these areas due to variation of ecological conditions, the geological substrate and livestock husbandry, resulting in the appearance of particular types of ecotopes to which rare and endemic species of fauna and flora are connected. The multifunctional role, the benefits and the services that may derive from the alpine landscapes enforce rational and sustainable and multiple use management according to the directives of «NATURA 2000».
