Habitat improvement actions for wildlife in RED NATURA 2000 areas: reduction of the trap effect of cisterns and increase in the availability of water points in the surroundings of the Sierra de Alcubierre.
The trap effect is an environmental problem that occurs when human infrastructures, such as water reservoirs (hereinafter referred to as cisterns), attract fauna looking for water or humidity, and they become trapped without the possibility of escaping. This situation can lead to their death by starvation, drowning or extreme exposure.
Animals of all sizes have been found in these cisterns, from amphibians and reptiles to birds and mammals. However, the most vulnerable groups are amphibians and reptiles, especially during their breeding stages, due to their high dependence on aquatic environments.
In arid zones, where these cisterns are common since they have historically been used for agricultural or livestock use, the consequences are especially serious. Furthermore, the lack of natural and semi-natural water points in certain regions aggravates this problem, turning these facilities into deadly traps.
Information was collected from the available data on cisterns in the work area, in the municipalities of Perdiguera, Leciñena, Farlete, Alfajarín and Monegrillo (Zaragoza). Thanks to the collaboration of local contacts, administration, field visits and GIS tools, it was possible to find more than 50 cisterns.
Escape structures of different materials were designed depending on the nature of the cistern, taking into account the roughness of the material and the slope of the ramp to favor escape. This has been carried out in more than 30 cisterns. Even in some of them, immediately after their placement, amphibians were observed using them.
This will reduce the unnatural mortality of different groups of fauna, and favor the protection of Red Natura 2000 areas.
The main objective of this project has been to prevent the mortality of wild fauna and facilitate access and exit, especially those species that, when attracted by water, run the risk of being trapped at these points without being able to escape. To address this problem, work has been carried out on the construction of escape ramps (wood, iron and concrete).
In total, 38 ramps of different materials have been built, 17 of wood, 20 of iron and 1 of concrete.
Escape ramps for fauna
The project also included the rehabilitation of existing water points and the creation of small pools.
The Balsa del Madero, an element of great historical and cultural value for the community of Farlete. Originally, this water point was fundamental for the people and livestock of the town, but with the arrival of running water in 1975, it fell into disuse. As a result of various agricultural modifications, the pool suffered damage, especially two furrows in its slope, which left it unusable.
The actions carried out included:
In addition to the rehabilitation of existing water points, new small pools were built, specifically in the locations of Taralluelas and Cabañanera. These ponds are designed to provide a suitable refuge for fauna, storing water and creating habitats for diverse species.
Call for aid for the financing of biodiversity conservation actions in Red Natura 2000 areas, within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan