Recording Nature, to Document Species & Habitats
HOW ARE WE DOING THIS - ECOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES?
HABITAT/ECOSYSTEM
MAPPING
Habitats are defined generally & also by specific classification according to EUNIS (e.g. Coastal Grasslands/Dunes; Malcometia Dune Grassland). This enables precise detailing and improved knowledge transfer. A 'Phase 1 Type Habitat Survey' has been performed with boundaries of habitats checked through exhaustive field study across the whole geographical study area. This results in 'Habitat Profiles' with ecosystem associations inclusive. Habitat Maps are completed, displaying accurate locations for future comparisons, to mitigate reductions of habitat space due to a range of factors.
BOTANICAL
SURVEYING
A 'Phase 2 Type Vegetation Survey' has been conducted with visual and photographic identification of plant species present, followed by multiple point reference certification of identity. Field identification by full mapping of habitats and mosaics of habitats, followed by observation of plant species in each habitat fragment throughout the Ecological Calendar. This results in a 'Botanical Inventory', with identification of Endangered, Endemic & Invasive populations (point-mapped). After the initial Vegetation Survey, the Botanical Inventory is checked annually with updates & taxonomic checks where required.
INVERTEBRATE
OBSERVATIONS
Focus is primarily on Arthropods (to include Gastrapoda & Oligochaeta, 2021+). A variety of techniques are used with emphasis on not-killing samples where possible, by Direct-Searching and Transects. Also, using passive, live-trapping methods, such as Dry-Pitfalls, Tree-Straps, non-killing Light-Sheet, Malaise & Flight Intercept traps. Sifting & Beat-Sheets with an aspirator for identification of species & Dead-wood searching for Beetles. Species identified are recorded in a central photo-database with point of observation logged (point-map). Due to the enormous number of species, research will initially be selective.
REPTILE
SPOTTING
To study Tortoise populations effectively (non-invasive) we will use Distance Transects & Sweep-Surveys followed by individual shell photographs to acsertain population size & environmental pressures. For Lizards (& Skinks), Snakes and Amphibians the techniques of Search-Observe & Bait-Observe, using photography and film for identification utilised together with point-mapping in order to place populations in habitats.
MAMMAL
SIGHTING
In order to identify Bat species present, Acoustic-monitoring will be utilised over transects of likely habitat. A Baited-Cage is the method for Rodents, using suitable healthy bait, & release after minimal observation. Where larger, more elusive Mammals are concerned a Camera-trap using a no-glow, infrared array will be set in predefined locations of likely occurrence (baited), to be supported by track or fecal identification where possible.
BIRD
WATCHING
By ground-based passive survey methods- Listen, Locate & Watch. At first by Transect-counts to determine species present and general frequency. Transects to cover 1km x 1km and method as used in Bird Breeding Surveys. Observation stations set-up using habitat incidentals and construction of hides. Vantage-point counts for Nests and Territory Mapping a possibility with certain species where required.
LITERATURE REVIEW:
Before full-scale research, an extensive analysis of scientific literature pertaining to the known existence of plant & animal species in the Capo Testa area, Olbia-Tempio region, Northern Sardinia, Sardinia as a whole and Corsica has been ventured, in order to actualise comprehensive Biodiersity Hypotheses. This includes Natura 2000 documentation, IUCN Red Lists and reports published by the Comune of Santa Teresa di Gallura relating to the Capo Testa SIC/SAC site, together with a wide range of scientific papers/books and websites stating observations of specific species in certain places on certain dates. This information is presented for background detail on relevant pages of the site, and has been used to create identification guides to assist in field-work. A large proportion of this background material, including official IUCN Red Lists and published reports are available to reader on the DOWNLOADS page.
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
Conducting an ongoing research project with the aim of creating a detailed record of what exists in nature at this wild & aesthetic northern extreme of Sardinia (Capo Testa), a Natura 2000, SAC site. The Valle Della Luna is a hauntingly beautiful place composed of rocky inlets/bays, abstract rock formations & unique Thermo-Mediterranean habitats . The goal of this research is to document the wildlife existing during the years 2017-2021+, in-line with European Nature Information System (EUNIS) classifications. Therefore providing a reference for Ecologists to note future change throughout the Anthropocene era & for visitors to assist in the Conservation of Biodiversity & Habitats.
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
At this time, Biodiversity is being lost at a tremendous & rather frightening rate. In essence we are living through a long-term mass extinction event. Because of our negative environmental input as humans, It is for humans to try and mitigate any impact on wildlife. This is important because as a species we rely on nature to live, from our breathable atmosphere to our clothes, food and energy. Most things in our world are produced from plants and plants are supported by complex ecosystem networks where the largest apex predator is as important as the smallest plant sucking aphid. Everybody needs to do their bit, Valle Della Luna Ecology aims to do one of those bits, in a small & subtle way.
A component of the Crucianellion maritimae Fixed Beach Dunes - Unfavourable, Bad EU Mediterranean Conservation status.
Malva veneta in foreground.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY, PROJECTS & TIMESCALE:
Following the Initial-Survey period in 2017-18, for Habitat Mapping, Botanical Survey & General Observations, a set format shall be applied to researching the wildlife, for reliability and ease of presentation.The Valle Della Luna Ecology Assessment Programme will run primarily over 4 years starting in October 2017 & finishing in 2021, although depending upon quantity and quality of data, weather conditions, local variables and possible research time it may run longer (without doubt a lifetimes work). Ecological monitoring will be a long-term project alongside any necessary conservation measures to be taken.
Methodology:
RESEARCH TOPIC
RESEARCH BLUEPRINT
BIODIVERSITY-HYPOTHESIS
For Individual Projects
IN-SITU FIELD RESEARCH
QUANTITATIVE & QUALITATIVE DATA
MULTI-MEDIA
RECORDS
DATABASE
FOOD WEB & ECOSYSTEM
DIAGRAMS
SPECIES
INVENTORY
SPECIES & ECOSYSTEM
MAPPING
HABITAT &
ECOSYSTEM
PROFILING
BENEFICIAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIONS:
CONSERVATION, RESTORATION, POTENTIAL REWILDING OF SPECIES, LONG TERM MONITORING OF HABITATS & SPECIES.
TAXONOMIC SPECIFICATION
Research Projects: Click on PDF icon for specific Research Blueprint or Project Name to go directly to the relevant page.
Phase 1 Habitat Survey of Capo Testa in-line with European Nature Information System (EUNIS) classification methods (HABITATS MAPPING & CLASSIFICATION).
Phase 2 Vegetation Surveys of Capo Testa excluding urban areas (the village & Funtanaccia), in order to create a Botanical Inventory of the island.
(BOTANICAL SURVEY & INVENTORY).
Identification & subsequent quantitatve & qualitative monitoring of Invasive Plant species threatening Endemic & Endangered Plant species & Habitats in Capo Testa. (INVASIVE & NON-NATIVE PLANT POPULATIONS).
Identification of Dermaptera species present, with focus towards importance in the local Food-Web & changing biomass over time in relation to climatic conditions.
Identification of Araneae species present in varying habitats throughout Capo Testa, with focus towards local Food-Web ecosystem interactions.
Identification of Anthophila (Hymenoptera; Apoidea) species present in Capo Testa, with focus on flowering plant associations and nesting habitats.
Identification of Terrestrial Testudines (Wild Tortoise spp.) present in Capo Testa with analysis of habitat requirements & current quality of habitat. Further focus upon the health of populations and enhancement of natural habitat. (WILD VALLE TORTOISES).
Habitat Profiling of Coastal Elicriso Gariga (EUNIS 5320: Low Formations of Euphorbia Close to Cliffs). With reference to Florae, Faunae, Ecosystem Mechanics, Bioacoustics & Habitat Management. (COASTAL ELICRISO GARIGA).
Habitat Profiling of Arborescent Ginepro Macchia (EUNIS 5210: Arborescent Matorral with Juniperus spp.). With reference to Florae, Faunae, Ecosystem Mechanics, Bioacoustics & Habitat Management. (ARBORESCENT GINEPRO MACCHIA).
Habitat Profiling of Coastal Ginepro Dunes (EUNIS 2250: Coastal Dunes with Juniperus spp.). With reference to Florae, Faunae, Ecosystem Mechanics, Bioacoustics & Habitat Management. (COASTAL GINEPRO DUNES).
Identification of Heteroptera (Hemiptera) species present in Capo Testa, with focus towards specific Angiosperm associations & importance in the local Food-Web.
(BUGS OF THE VALLE)
Habitat Profiling of Matthiola Dune Grassland (EUNIS 2230: Malcomietalia Dune Grassland.). With reference to Florae, Faunae, Ecosystem Mechanics, Bioacoustics & Habitat Management. (MATTHIOLA DUNE GRASSLAND).
Habitat Profiling of Fixed Beach Dunes with Armeria (EUNIS 2210: Crucianellion maritimae Fixed Beach Dunes ). With reference to Florae, Faunae, Ecosystem Mechanics, Bioacoustics & Habitat Management. (FIXED BEACH DUNES WITH ARMERIA).
Habitat Profiling of Tree Spurge Macchia (EUNIS 5330: Thermo-Mediterranean & Pre-Desert Scrub; 32.22 with Tree Spurge Formations). Reference to Florae, Faunae, Ecosystem Mechanics, Bioacoustics & Habitat Management.
(TREE-SPURGE MACCHIA).
Habitat Profiling of Holm Oak Forest (EUNIS 9340: Quercus Ilex & Quercus rotundifolia Forests). With reference to Florae, Faunae, Ecosystem Mechanics, Bioacoustics & Habitat Management (HOLM OAK FOREST).
Habitat Profiling of Vegetated Sea-Cliffs (EUNIS 1240: Vegetated Sea Cliffs of the Mediterranean Coasts with Endemic Limonium spp.). With reference to Florae, Faunae, Ecosystem Mechanics, Bioacoustics & Habitat Management.
(VEGETATED SEA-CLIFFS).
Habitat Profiling of Sardinian Genista Gariga (EUNIS 5430: Endemic Phryganas of the Euphorbio-Verbascion). With reference to Florae, Faunae, Ecosystem Mechanics, Bioacoustics & Habitat Management (SARDINIAN GENISTA GARIGA).
Habitat Profiling of Brachypodium Dune Grassland (EUNIS 2240: Brachypodietalia Dune Grasslands with Annuals). With reference to Florae, Faunae, Ecosystem Mechanics, Bioacoustics & Habitat Management. (BRACHYPODIUM DUNE GRASSLAND).
Identification of Lizard (& Skink) species present in Valle Della Luna, with focus towards Habitat preferences, IUCN Red List classed Endangered species & importance in the local Food-Web. (LIZARDS IN THE MOON VALLE).
Identification of Coleoptera species present in Valle Della Luna, with focus towards specific Cenotic associations & importance in the local Food-Web.
(BEETLES OF THE MOON VALLE).
Identification of Hoverflies (Syrphidae spp.) present in Valle Della Luna. Focus towards Angiosperm & Habitat associations & importance in the local Food-Web.
(HOVERFLIES OF THE VALLE).
Identification of Butterflies (Lepidoptera) present in Capo Testa. Focus towards Food & Nectar Plant associations & importance in the local Food-Web.
(BUTTERFLIES OF THE CAPO TESTA).
Habitat Profiling of Plagio Climax Habitats in the Valle Della Luna (Malva veneta Communities, Smilax-Pistachia Gariga, Pump-room Intensive Green-roof). With reference to Florae, Faunae, Ecosystem Mechanics, Bioacoustics & Habitat Management.
(PLAGIO CLIMAX HABITATS OF THE VALLE).
Identification of Moths (Lepidoptera) present in Valle Della Luna. Focus towards Food & Nectar Plant associations & importance in the local Food-Web.
(MOTHS IN THE VALLE).
Habitat Profiling of CAVES (EUNIS 8310: Caves Not Open to the Public). With reference to Florae, Faunae, Ecosystem Mechanics, Bioacoustics & Habitat Management (CAVES).
Habitat Profiling of Vegetated Drift-Lines (EUNIS 1210: Annual Vegetation of Drift-Lines.). With reference to Florae, Faunae, Ecosystem Mechanics, Bioacoustics & Habitat Management (VEGETATED DRIFT-LINES).
Identification of Amphibians present in Valle Della Luna, with focus towards Habitat preferences, IUCN Red List classed Endangered species & importance in the local Food-Web. (AMPHIBIANS IN THE MOON VALLE).
Identification Snakes present in Valle Della Luna, with focus towards Habitat preferences, IUCN Red List classed Endangered species & importance in the local Food-Web. (SNAKES IN THE MOON VALLE).
Identification of Mammals present in Valle Della Luna. with focus towards Habitat preferences, IUCN Red List classed Endangered species & importance in the local Food-Web. (MAMMALS IN THE VALLE).
Identification of Bird species present in Valle Della Luna. with focus towards Habitat preferences, IUCN Red List classed Endangered species & importance in the local Food-Web. (BIRDS IN THE VALLE).
Code Category Research Project Title Status
Habitats
Botanical
Botanical
Invertebrates
Invertebrates
Invertebrates
Reptiles
Habitats
Habitats
Habitats
Invertebrates
Habitats
Habitats
Habitats
Habitats
Habitats
Habitats
Habitats
Reptiles
Invertebrates
Invertebrates
Invertebrates
Habitats
Invertebrates
Habitats
Habitats
Reptiles
Reptiles
Mammals
Birds
Blueprint
Ongoing
from 2017
Ongoing
from 2017
Ongoing
from 2018
Ongoing
from 2019
Ongoing
from 2019
Ongoing
from 2019
Ongoing
from 2019
Ongoing
from 2019
Begins
Autumn
2019
Begins
Autumn
2019
Begins
Autumn
2019
Begins
Autumn
2019
Begins
Autumn
2019
Begins
Autumn
2019
Begins
Autumn
2019
Begins
Autumn
2019
Begins
Vernal
2020
Begins
Vernal
2020
Begins
Vernal
2020
Begins
Vernal
2020
Begins
Vernal
2020
Begins
Vernal
2020
Begins
Autumnal
2020
Begins
Autumnal
2020
Autumnal
2020
Begins
Autumnal
2020
Begins
Autumnal
2020
Begins
Autumnal
2020
Begins
Autumnal
2020
Begins
Vernal
2021
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
A8
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
B6
B7
B8
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
C6
C7
D1
D2
D3
D4
D5
D6
D7
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
(Research Projects section currently only available on desktop site, not mobile)
Current Timescale:
Phase A: 2017/18
Initial Survey by:
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Phase 1 & 2 Type Habitat & Vegetation Surveys.
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Botanical Inventory of Plant Species creation.
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Identification of Endangered & Endemic Plants.
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Identification of Invasive & Non-Native Plants.
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Identification of Common & Endangered Reptiles & Mammals (referred to in IUCN Red List Italy).
Phase B: 2018/19
Ecological Assessment by:
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Identification of Common & Endangered Invertebrates & Birds (with reference to IUCN Red Lists).
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Creation of Website & Methodologies analysis.
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Creation of Habitat Profiling System & Profiles.
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Creation of Research Biodiversity Hypotheses.
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Relevant Quantitative Field Research.
Phase C : 2020/21
Ecological Monitoring/Actions by:
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Ongoing Monitoring of Habitats & Species (Research, Habitat Profile, Species Inventory, Mapping Updates).
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Building relationships with partner organisations..
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Deeper Study of Ecosystems, Habitats & Species.
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Environmental Impact Assessment of Humans.
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Recommended Conservation Measures creation.
