Greet's BioArea BE by Greta Sienap

Climat change

gscontact — 2019-01-14 20:37:05 UTC

IMPACT ON BIODIVERSITY: In Belgium, 25 to 75% of the species risk decreasing very strongly. There are many causes for this, such as the degradation of their habitats by fragmentation, development, soil pollution, water and air, etc. Climate changes further put pressure on biodiversity: the indigenous species have the choice between adapting or migrate and ... extinction. Meanwhile, new species appear that sometimes develop en masse and at the expense of the indigenous species.

Ecotope vulnerability Flanders

gscontact — 2019-01-14 20:53:36 UTC

Ecotopes that are very sensitive to a certain environmental pressure and, moreover, are of great biological value, are very vulnerable. Via the link with the Biological Valuation Map the vulnerability of ecotopes for the three environmental pressures is spatially situated. The method is therefore suitable for the environmental assessment of location alternatives.

Biodiversity test

gscontact — 2019-01-14 21:01:50 UTC

Spatial developments should pass the biodiversity test.

Endemic reintroduced

gscontact — 2019-01-14 21:58:58 UTC

Bromus bromoideus had been thought extinct until seeds of the plant were discovered in the Meise National Botanic Gardens of Belgium.
From the species seedlings have been planted at a secret spot.in Belgium.

Biodiversity in Belgium

gscontact — 2019-01-14 22:07:34 UTC

http://www.biodiv.be/implementation/docs/books/bib/

Research in 2003 estimates the number of species in Belgiumbetween 40,000 and 50,000. Approximately 80% of the species are found in Flanders (Dutch speaking part of Belgium).

Belgium

gscontact — 2019-01-14 22:37:49 UTC

Belgium has three main geographical regions; the coastal plain in the northwest and the central plateau both belong to the Anglo-Belgian Basin, and the Ardennes uplands in the southeast.
The Flemish Region occupies the northern part of Belgium and covers an area of 13,522 km2 (44.29% of Belgium).
No volcanoes or mountains.

Living national treasures

gscontact — 2019-01-15 09:14:53 UTC

Interesting checklist and Belgium has apparently some endemics... some are cave species. But: post from Isa: https://padlet.com/isa_vandevelde): "when more research will be done in e.g. caves possibility exists that the species could be found outside Belgium as well."

My special place in Belgium: Doode Bemde

gscontact — 2019-01-15 09:32:29 UTC

Situated in the central part of Belgium, 8 km south of Leuven (Flanders), in the valley of the middle course of the river Dijle. The valley contains a lot of wetland areas, which periodically flood due to the regime in the river. The entire valley of the Dijle is greatly influenced by groundwater seepage. Because the Doode Bemde nature reserve wetlands are predominantly fed by discharging groundwater they are mainly characterized by specific vegetation, which are plant species that occur exclusively in or are limited to the sphere of influence of the groundwater table.

Impervious surface

gscontact — 2019-01-15 10:04:15 UTC

15% of the total surface in Flanders is hardened. Impervious pavements deprive tree roots of aeration, eliminating the "urban forest".

Exotic species

gscontact — 2019-01-15 10:17:28 UTC

1 in 10 plants is exotic in Flanders. The proportion of exotic plant species has doubled since the 1970s: from about 5% to about 10%.

Urban environment needs special attention

gscontact — 2019-01-15 10:41:47 UTC

Extreme summers even accelerate the impact of exotic species, especially in cities.

Theme 1- Does your BioArea belong to a biodiversity hotspot area? are there areas under protection ?

gscontact — 2019-01-15 15:35:29 UTC

Protected areas

gscontact — 2019-01-15 15:55:59 UTC

Area terrestrial: 23%
Area marine: 37%

gscontact — 2019-01-15 16:06:04 UTC

I read this from a post https://padlet.com/isa_vandevelde/raiduitjkial :

But this is important for Belgium:
"Hotspots for biodiversity in the North Sea rediscovered"

Belgian biologists have rediscovered a hotspot for underwater life in the North Sea. In the vicinity of a few sandbanks along the Belgian coast, the fauna is flourishing just like it was a hundred years ago. Despite increased disruption due to fishing, the area is teeming with whelks, top shells and dead man’s fingers.

Watch

gscontact — 2019-01-15 16:25:02 UTC

springtime....

Just take a walk

gscontact — 2019-01-15 16:36:52 UTC

Hotspots in Belgium

gscontact — 2019-01-19 10:58:20 UTC

There are currently 36 recognized biodiversity hotspots. To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, an area must meet two strict criteria (cfr. Myer's criteria). And Belgium is not one of them but has sites that have a very rich and remarkable biodiversity.

I used the Red Lists for Flanders for this item and searched if there were any species of "the Doode Bemde" on the list. See some of my results below this item.

gscontact — 2019-02-04 11:34:46 UTC

Pedicularis palustris "Moeraskartelblad" in Dutch

gscontact — 2019-02-04 12:36:16 UTC

Endangered

Half parasite that parasites on the roots of grasses and cyper grasses. The species grows in hay meadows on wet, moderately nutrient-rich to nutrient-poor area. Dewatering and fertilization of the sites are the main reasons for the decline of the species. The cessation of hay management also leads to the disappearance of populations. But in Doode Bemde there is still a population.

Satyrium w-album "Iepenpage" in Dutch

gscontact — 2019-02-04 13:03:05 UTC

Vulnerable

The trend is one of decline, until elms are able to develop a natural immunity to the fungal disease, or until very substantial numbers of disease-resistant strains of elm are established. Of all surveyed locations in the province of Flemish-Brabant in 2011, in total 76% appeared affected to a greater or lesser extent due to the elm disease (caused by the fungi Ophiostoma ulmi and Ophiostoma novo-ulmi)

Porzana porzana "Porseleinhoen"

gscontact — 2019-02-04 14:03:13 UTC

Critically endangered

Endangered through the disappearance of suitable habitats and the drying out and dense growth of the remaining marshes. Porzana porzana prefer larger, open marsh areas with a small-scale mosaic of low and open marsh vegetation in combination with more rugged vegetation and shallow open water. The Flemish government introduced a protection program for this species (and the habitat).

Impatiens glandulifera "Reuzenbalsemien" in Dutch

gscontact — 2019-02-04 15:16:44 UTC

Ability to form dense stands and competitor for native riverbank plants. Prefers nutrient-rich soils along the riverside. With its intolerance to cold weather and rapid death, the species has also been accused of promoting soil erosion.
In Flanders there is a taskforce to combat this alien species.

Branta canadensis "Grote Canadese Gans" in Dutch

gscontact — 2019-02-04 16:09:05 UTC

Here's a picture (I took myself).
I read that "the Canada goose populations have grown at a tremendous rate from 1990 onwards and are still increasing in the Southern part of the country. Geese most often breed along small mesotrophic to eutrophic ponds near open habitats with short grass. They are also increasingly found near wooded ponds and on the islands of large rivers. They are especially common in man-made habitats (parks, golf courses, urban and agricultural areas) but are also known to colonise natural wetlands and coastal areas (e.g. Ramsar zones). Canada goose is primarily a grazer and mainly feeds on grasses and aquatic plants. It takes also advantage of food provided by people in urban areas."
Source: the Belgian Forum on Invasive Species

Invasive species control in Flanders: hunting and egg destruction

gscontact — 2019-02-04 16:35:04 UTC

Ardea alba - Great Egret "Grote zilverreiger"

gscontact — 2019-02-04 17:53:47 UTC

.A hundred years ago they were hunted a lot for their decorative feathers. Now they are returning in Flanders. (But they don't breed in Flanders.) I learned this fact during a course from Natuurpunt.

Castor fiber - Eurasian beaver "Bever"

gscontact — 2019-02-04 18:21:32 UTC

The Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) was nearly hunted to extinction in Europe, both for fur and for castoreum, a secretion from its scent gland believed to have medicinal properties. However, the beaver is now being re-introduced throughout Europe.

Habitat degradation

gscontact — 2019-02-04 18:47:41 UTC

"Nearly a third of Flanders' 64 native butterfly species have become extinct in the past 100 years. More sensitive to environmental changes than other organisms, butterflies are considered the 'canary in the coal mine' - an early warning of habitat deterioration and its impending impact on other organisms. Mmanure for Flanders' high-production agriculture introduces some of Europe's highest levels of nitrogen into the environment."

Habitat framentation and loss

gscontact — 2019-02-04 19:23:39 UTC

"Business-as-usual" scenario: ± 20% of Flanders and Brussels will be hardened by 2050 (red on the map below).
source: https://www.kuleuven.be/hydr/cci/CCI-HYDR_urb.htm

Habitat loss

gscontact — 2019-02-04 19:27:55 UTC

"The reasons for the bat’s decline are : loss of habitat, large-scale agriculture, fewer wintering sites."

Ecoducts to solve habitat fragmentation

gscontact — 2019-02-04 19:42:43 UTC

"Flanders is one of the most fragmented regions of Europe. Landscape fragmentation negatively
affects the ecological connectivity and biodiversity. The construction of green bridges (also
known as wildlife overpasses) is one of the responses of the Flemish government to address
this issue."

Climate change in Flanders

gscontact — 2019-02-04 19:54:24 UTC

https://klimaat.vmm.be/nl

Summer drought today

gscontact — 2019-02-04 19:57:08 UTC

"The dry spring and the dry summer of 2017 caused water shortages. Due to climate change, such dry periods are likely to occur more frequently in the future, with potentially large consequences for the water system: low water levels in waterways and canals, droughts and pools, low groundwater levels, falling water quality,"

Summer drought in the future

gscontact — 2019-02-04 20:05:30 UTC

Number of dry days per year will increase.

gscontact — 2019-02-05 11:17:38 UTC

I have mainly looked at the BioAreas of Belgians and of regions where I have been on hollidays. As far as the latter is concerned, the regions of the Mediterranean are indeed richer in biodiversity. Of course the climate is an important driving factor for biodiversity. But the Mediterranean areas also have their problems when it comes to threats. In Belgium, more specific in Flanders, the fragmentation of the habitats is a major problem.

Feel free to comment !

Theme 2: Why were wolves reintroduced in Yellowstone National Park?

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:40:44 UTC

The wolves were brought in because the increased elk population. Source: http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20140128-how-wolves-saved-a-famous-park.

But also: in the 1960s and 1970s, national awareness of environmental issues and consequences led to the passage of many laws. By 1978, all wolf subspecies were on the federal list of endangered species for the lower 48 states except Minnesota. National Park Service policy also calls for restoration of native species where possible. Source:
https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/wolf-restoration.htm

Museum of Natural History

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:41:27 UTC

I've already visited the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciencesin Brussels. For children famous for it's dino's.

Wetland area

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:44:18 UTC

LTER (= Long-Term Ecosystem Research NetworkBelgium) - site

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:44:39 UTC

Since 1990, human interference in the river channel has stopped resulting in a spontaneous meander evolution and roughening of the river channel. This has induced frequent (e.g. yearly) inundations, thus avoiding flood damage in the city of Leuven downstream and this without creating the usual storm basins.

The river Dyle in Leuven - a blessing and a curse

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:44:56 UTC

It is the story of more than 120 years of struggling to develop and implement a strategy to keep the flooding of the River Dyle in Leuven and its surroundings under control. See chapter 4 about the "Doode Bemde".

Species

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:45:10 UTC

Species list of what you can see (or hear):

Definition 'ecological niche'

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:46:07 UTC

The "role" or the "job" of an organism in the ecosystem it lives in.

1. Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber)

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:46:19 UTC

Unlike other mammals, beavers can digest cellulose. Beavers eat leaves, roots and bark from aspens, willows, maples and poplar trees. They also eat aquatic plants and.... in Doode Bemde: agricultural crop such as maize....

Habitat engineering by beaver

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:46:31 UTC

Beavers, are considered “ecosystem engineers” or “niche constructors”, as they create or modify habitat structure, which has a cumulative effect on ecosystem functions, habitats, resources, and

species. They are among the few species that can significantly change the hydrological characteristics and biotic properties of the landscape. In so doing, beavers increase habitat and

species heterogeneity, increasing biodiversity, at the landscape level.

Beaver in Doode Bemde

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:46:42 UTC

Beavers were once native to Flanders but the species have disappeared from Flanders for more than 150 years. The last wild beaver was shot in 1848 in the province. In April 2003, the species have been reintroduced in the valley of the Dijle. These exposures were illegal and very controversial, but the animals now feel apparently very good in the still quite natural Dijle valley. There were already castles and other traces.

2. The map butterfly (Araschnia levana)

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:46:58 UTC

Araschnia levana inhabits forests, parks and bushy to wooded wetlands. The adults usually occur only as nectar guests in open areas such as limestone grasslands. The caterpillar lives on partly to fully shaded nettles. Seasonal dimorphism. Both sexes of the spring brood are bright orange, marked with black spots. In contrast the summer generation adults are black with white spots and bands. Araschnia levana is common almost everywhere in Central Europe. One important cause may be the rapid spread of nettle due to eutrophication.

Definition

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:48:02 UTC

Predator-prey relations refer to the interactions between two species where one species is the hunted food source for the other.

1. Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) and Three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:48:13 UTC

Kingfisher eats fish (fand aquatic insects).

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:48:25 UTC

Three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:48:35 UTC

Variable diet: In its different forms or stages of life, the three-spined stickleback can be a bottom-feeder (most commonly chironomid larvae) or a planktonic feeder in lakes or in the ocean; it can also consume terrestrial prey fallen to the surface. It can cannibalize eggs and fry.

2. Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo) and dragonflies e.g. Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens)

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:48:45 UTC

Hobbies are often found near water. Enough food (birds, large insects) is also important.

Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens)

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:48:56 UTC

It is very sensitive to pollution so a good indicator of clean water. Mainly, adult dragonflies eat other flying insects, particularly midges and mosquitoes.

Immature damselflies, called larvae (or sometimes nymphs or naiads), are, aquatic predators. They eat almost anything living that is smaller than themselves.

The big jump of the Banded demoiselle in the area

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:49:05 UTC

Remarkable is the recovery of the Weidebeekjuffer in the Dijle Valley. The species was not noticed between 1985 and 1990. Since the second half of the 90s, however, the number is on the rise.

Definition

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:50:11 UTC

Parasitism describes a relationship between two species, a parasite and its host, in which the parasite benefits, while the host is harmed.

1. Greater Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus angustifolius) - Grote ratelaar

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:50:21 UTC

Yellow-rattle is an annual that thrives in grasslands, living a semi-parasitic life by feeding off the nutrients in the roots of nearby grasses. For this reason, it is seen as an indicator of poor grassland.

2. Judas's Ear (Auricularia auricula-judae)

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:50:34 UTC

It favours older branches, where it feeds as a saprophyte (on dead wood) or a weak parasite (on living wood), and it causes white rot.

Judas's Ear: more and more people see it

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:50:43 UTC

The fruiting body is distinguished by its noticeably ear-like shape and brown colouration. The increase can be attributed to several causes, but the increasing eutrophication of the last decades is seen as the main cause.

Definition

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:51:46 UTC

Niche partition or the art of sharing.
Species can differentiate their niches in many ways, such as by consuming different foods, or using different parts of the environment.

Great white egret (Ardea alba) - Grote zilverreiger

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:51:55 UTC

What they eat is fish, insects and frogs, caught by spearing with its long, sharp beak.
The species breeds in colonies in trees close to large lakes.

Great crested grebe

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:52:07 UTC

The bird feeds mainly on fish, but also small crustaceans, insects small frogs.
It is an excellent swimmer and diver, and pursues its fish prey underwater.
Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge, since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well.

niche partitioning

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:52:18 UTC

Great Crested Grebe and Great white egret both eat fish in the same area but they behave differently to catch them.
They eat some ather animals too.

Source Wikipedia:
The Great Egret feeds in shallow water or drier habitats, feeding mainly on fish, frogs, small mammals, and occasionally small reptiles and insects, spearing them with its long, sharp bill most of the time by standing still and allowing the prey to come within its striking distance of its bill, which it uses as a spear. It often waits motionless for prey, or slowly stalks its victim.
The Great Crested Grebe feeds mainly on fish, but also small crustaceans, insects small frogs and newts.

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:53:05 UTC

Alexandre Sousa (Pt)Evaluation of this Padlet

gscontact — 2019-03-13 20:53:25 UTC

Your BioArea is looking excellent!

There are a lot of important and good information shared with your friends - one of the best conclusions about Biotalent is to have found learning colleagues like you.

All good for the completion of the course