In 2017, fires in the Protected Area of Doñana in Huelva (Spain) caused a significant loss and alterations in the forest cover in up to 80,000 hectares. With the aim of promoting the regrowth of burned areas, the LIFE Adaptamed project has installed nest boxes for bats in Doñana as a part of its actions for pine forest restoration..
The danger of deforestation
The International Day of Forests, celebrated on March 21, reminded us of the vital importance of protecting our forests, which support the food, energy supply and income of more than a billion people throughout the world, besides hosting 80% of the terrestrial biodiversity. Fires alter the forest cover causing profound changes in the habitat and behavior of species.
Deforestation, forest overexploitation and climate change impact are threatening the survival of biodiversity, together with our societies and our health. In this context, the LIFE Adaptamed project is working to restore, adapt and increase resilience to climate change of the protected areas of Doñana, Sierra Nevada and Cabo de Gata in the South of Spain.
Special thanks the Doñana Biological Station team for their kind contribution to this article.
Caption: Photo and plans of one of the 60 cork boxes acquired by the project, installed by the staff of the Doñana Natural Area in the pine forests (Pinus pinea). The rougher part of the cork faces inwards, making it easier for bats to hold on to it.
Photos: © Estación Biológica de Doñana