C Actions

Action C.1: Pilot interventions of sowing of suitable species for the restoration of the pasture biocenosis in a suitable area for Little bustard (*Tetrax tetrax)
The pilot intervention foresees the restoration of the typical biocenosis of the environmental landscape in the pastures of Oasi Lago Salso through the sowing of suitable plants. The action concerns 280ha of and which were used for several decades for agriculture and recently started to the reconversion to pasture (habitat 6220*- Pseudo-steppe with grasses and annuals (Thero- brachypodietea)
The intervention will consist in the sowing of perennial herbal species and cultivated species which were demonstrated to be useful for the species by the technical-scientific sources and the experience gained in other LIFE projects (see LIFE04/NAT/FR/000091). Moreover, shrubby and arboreal autochtonal species will also be sown.
The management of the sowing and land cultivation will be aimed to the realization of a mosaic of diversified micro-habitats, in order to meet both sexes' requirements. Indeed, males prefer low vegetation (20-30 cm) sites, while females prefer a higher vegetation, probably because of the needs of overseeing and shelter.

Action C.2: Little bustard breeding centre
This intervention foresees the realization of structures aimed to the reproduction, breeding and release of specimens of Little bustard. The structures will be designed according to those realized by LPO - Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux, within the LIFE04/NAT/FR/000091 project, whose responsible are involved in the present LIFE project.
The structures will be realized in the Oasi Lago Salso of Manfredonia and include:
n° aviary breeding tunnel for reproduction;
n° single aviaries;
n° nursery for the hatching and for the breeding of pulli.

Action C.3: Restocking activities of the Little bustard (*Tetrax tetrax)
This action foresees the collection of eggs and pulli from the French and/or Spanish populations. They will be forwarded to the breeding centre (action C2) for the following release of adult or young specimens in the project sites.
According to the results of the genetic researches (action A7), the population whence the eggs will be collected will be chosen. Afterwards, a campaign of egg collection will be yearly realized for a duration of four years, involving the local experts of fauna.
The release activity of youngs of Tetrax tetrax will be realized in the SPA "Promontorio del Gargano", SPA "Paludi presso il Golfo di Manfredonia".

Action C.4: Pilot interventions of management by means of domestic livestock (habitat 6220*) in the suitable area for the conservation of Little bustard
Along with the interventions foreseen by action C1, the action C4 foresees the naturalization of the rural lands to pastures by means of domestic livestock. Electric mobile fences will be used to manage in the best way the grazing activity. They are necessary to guarantee an alternation of the grazing areas, meeting the Little bustard's requirements for what concerns the vegetation's height. The livestock will graze alternately on the whole land that has to be naturalized, in order to create a mosaic of diversified micro-habitats.