Canteras la Ponderosa

Objective

To rehabilitate areas degraded by the extraction of aggregates, and improve the habitat of the flora and fauna of the area, including recovering ecosystems that have disappeared throughout history as a result of human activity.

Context

The company rehabilitates an exploitation area encompassing several small projects: R & D, compensatory measures in compliance with the ecological needs of the Bonelli's Eagle, Aquila fasciata (=Hieratus fasciatus), creating the 360º circle, recovering residues suitable for restoration, and creating, improving and recover habitats for flora and fauna in wetlands.

The climate is very dry and this is a key issue for rehabilitation.

Actions

R & D project

Implantation of an innovative product in restorations in adverse and dry climates. The Dutch company Land Life Company presents the product Land Life Box, which ensures water to the plant for a year in a biodegradable container

Project restoration of extractive activities in areas de campeo of águila perdicera

This project is based on the needs to implant new habitats for the Bonelli's eagle. The corrective and compensatory measures are focused on expanding the area of the species, which has been losing due to human action and substantial modifications of the soil.

As compensatory measures, the following are carried out:

Creation of 6 small cultivation plots of 1 hectare, alternated with natural vegetation, seeding these plots with cereals and legumes and destined exclusively for small game, without mowing them or taking any economic or agricultural advantage.

Construction of several majanos, at least one per plot, with the necessary maintenance to ensure the permanent existence of rabbits.

Declaration of the whole area of restoration with the figure of the Zone of Security so that hunting is not used

The maintenance of vertical cliffs of about 40 meters makes it possible to nest rocky species. Given that the orientation most sought by the fauna is up, a vertical ridge is being created on the slopes located to the southwest of the extension area, on the highest part of the slope, with cavities for birds to make nests.

Result

The application of this product has given higher survival results for the species than the control groups, with lower growth.

The follow-up of the pilot test has been carried out by CREAF.

Partners

CREAF (Center for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications).