Turning Eradication Targets Into Durable Effects

Introduction

LIFE TETIDE focuses on the conservation of Mediterranean Islands (in Italy, Malta, and Croatia), with a wide geographical range and a high catalytic potential. The project aims to achieve this through several key strategies:

1. Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Biosecurity:

   • Preventing IAS (rodents and plants) arrival.
   • Efficient detection and rapid response for potential incursions.
   • Maintaining results achieved in this and previous projects.

2. Upscaling Experiences:

   • Building on experiences from previous LIFE projects through further interventions of IAS management.
   • Attracting seabirds.

3. Community Involvement:

   • Upscaling the involvement of island communities in active conservation efforts.

Expected Results

The main expected results of the project include:

• Protection of about 50% of the populations of two endemic Mediterranean taxa, Puffinus yelkouan and Hydrobates pelagicus melitensis, from rat invasion/reinvasion of rat-free colonies.
• Protection of EU habitats, species, and ecosystems through rat removal on Palmarola and small islands of Croatia and Malta.
• Protection of the largest EU colony of Calonectris diomedea and a population of Brachypterus megacephalus (first project on this Vulnerable and Annex II species) through innovative permanent rodent control on a sector of Linosa.
• Improvement of conservation status of 10 EU habitats through the release from the pressure of plant IAS (mainly Opuntia stricta).
• Establishment of new breeding sites of P. yelkouan and H. pelagicus on rat-free islands of Italy and Malta through attraction and nest boxes.
• Increased support of island communities through community engagement in projects with relevant socio-economic benefits, enhancing the long-term sustainability of maintaining IAS-free status.

Activities

Activities aimed at replication and catalytic potential include:

• Strengthening of networking between EU groups active in seabird conservation.
• Drafting of shared guidelines and protocols among beneficiaries and supporting organizations of other EU member states.
• Development of a Mediterranean islands rat-free strategy concerning the next phase of rat eradications and biosecurity.