Bio-diversity

The project aimed to apply complex measures that would ensure successfull reintroduction of the population of wood-grouses (Tetrao urogallus) in the Karsuva forest, where they still could be seen a few decades ago. Two types of activities related to bird s reintroduction being implemented. That included restoration of the potential wood-grouses habitats, which were accentuated when Scientists of Institute of Ecology prepared the programme of reintroduction and the management as well as education and raising of the public awareness, installing educational infrastructure, aiming to guarantee better protection of the birds released from the nursery. The essence of the habitats management was to create proper living conditions for the wood-grouses by forming special structure of the woods. In the chosen area of 74,8 ha of mature and premature forest 30 ha of the firs underwood were clear-cut. This way the wood will become brighter and the blueberries biotops important for the nutrition of the released birds will be recreated. The methodology claims, that wood-grouses will place themselves in these recreated areas. To maintain and ensure maintenance of natural grasslands in the future, the hay making equipment was purchased, i.e. a rotational mower and a hay rake aggregate. During the project 6,5 ha of natural meadows, including 2 ha of the buffer zone of the reservation were restored. Every member of the community, has a possibility to use this equipment free of charge for the maintenance of natural meadows under his property, will be able to use it after the project. To improve nature education conditions1,85 km length educative-cognitive path was constructed in the territory of the National Strict Nature Reserve of Viesvile with the exit of wooden constructions of 250 m. into the Artoji high wetlands. There are 5 information stands with the information on forest and wetland s ecosystems fauna and flora, including the characteristic habitants to the wood-grouses. During the project 1 article was published in the national media and 4 articles in the website of the Administration of the National Strict Nature Reserve of Viesvile www.viesvile.lt. The sustainability of the project will be ensured by the management of the Viesvile national natural reservation.

Lithuania