Actions
LIFE URCA PROEMYS is articulated through actions that are developed in an interconnected manner throughout the project’s duration; these actions are grouped into “workpackages” with the involvement of all partners, based on their different competences and roles.
Objective:
Drafting and adoption by the competent bodies of an Integrated Management Plan for the conservation of E. orbicularis, which aims to define the principles and actions to be implemented to safeguard the species.
The Plan will include protocols for the management of specific aspects mainly related to the demographic reinforcement of E. orbicularis, habitat restoration and eradication of Trachemys scripta, taking into account the ‘National Plan for the management of the American pond terrapins (Trachemys scripta) drafted in 2020 by the Ministry of the Environment and ISPRA. It will also define veterinary protocols to ensure proper management of the species in accordance with IUCN guidelines and protocols issued by ISPRA and MITE (2007).
An important workshop was held at the University of Florence, attended by 75 experts, to contribute to the drafting of the national management plan for Emys orbicularis
Objective:
To improve the condition of natural habitats of E. orbicularis.
Expected results: Restoration and improvement of wetlands, breeding and wintering sites of E. orbicularis for a total of 9 ha with indirect positive effects on about 50 ha in a total of 30 sites (28 Italian and 2 Slovenian).
Specific objectives:
Strengthening of E. orbicularis populations.
Expected results: Adaptation of 7 E. orbicularis restocking and breeding centres; genetic determination of populations; release of 1,150 individuals in at least 13 sites; production of a disease risk analysis protocol to ensure animal welfare and public health protection.
The breeding centres are the following: Centro La Francesa Carpi (MO), Centro Rettili e Anfibi della Bora (San Giovanni in Persiceto BO), Centro Emys di Albenga in locality Leca di Albenga (SV), Centro Emys di Serranella (Casoli, CH), Centro di Recupero degli Animali Selvatici e delle Tartarughe marine di Policoro (Policoro PZ), Centro Emys Piemonte in locality Castel Apertole (Livorno Ferraris, VC) and the indoor enclosure of the Acquario di Genova.
January 2023 a first survey was carried out in all centres
Objective:
Eradication and reduction of Trachemys scripta.
Expected results: establishment of temporary refuge centres for T. scripta at each of the 39 sites where eradication of the species is planned;
Total eradication or significant reduction (≥ 80%) of individuals of T. scripta from 39 Italian sites and 3 Slovenian sites, corresponding to approximately 2,716 individuals. The intervention corresponds to a 20% decrease in mortality in E. orbicularis populations.
Objective:
To monitor the effectiveness of interventions
Expected results: Coherence and improvement of actions towards greater efficiency and achievement of widespread impact
Objectives:
- to disseminate the project, its objectives and results;
- to raise awareness of the precarious conservation status of pond terrapins;
- to stimulate sustainable behaviour to limit the spread of invasive alien species
- encourage and support the sustainability and replicability of the project in the future.
Expected results:
- Organisation of a final international conference with national and international stakeholders;
- Distribution of 250,000 information leaflets;
- Organisation of events and realisation of 60 notice boards; d) Provision of 1,000 teaching kits for schools;
- Course in One Planet School, a LifeLong Learning platform to train teachers and multipliers
- Production of 1 video clip; 1,500,000 people reached by the communication and awareness-raising campaign; N° 25 articles in the national press n° 70 articles on the web
- Establishment of an “EMYSDAY” with 2 participatory science events involving citizens;
- Participation in the Festival of Science; participation in national SHI and European congresses (SEH, Societas Europaea Herpetologica)