
Network and Wildlife Corridor
Project coordination
Tyrolean Environmental Ombudsman in cooperation with WWF Tyrol
The project “Biotope Network & Wildlife Corridor Via Claudia Augusta” was led by the Tyrolean Environmental Ombudsman from 2010 to 2012. Under the leadership of project manager Mag. Viktoria Ennemoser, numerous locations were analyzed with the involvement of various experts, either because they act as barriers or because they lack stepping stone biotopes. Approximately 100 ranked proposals for connecting habitats and designing stepping stones were developed based on indicator species. These indicator species or groups include amphibians, the beaver (Castor fiber), the bullhead (Cottus gobio), the field cricket (Gryllus campestris), the dusky large blue butterfly (Phengaris nausithous), the greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), and the red deer (Cervus elaphus).
From the proposals, almost 50 measures were selected that are a priority from a natural history perspective and then ranked according to criteria relating to their importance and feasibility. The implementation of three of the measures has already been planned in detail and is now being initiated:
Amphibian tunnel in the Upper Inn Valley between Serfaus and Pfunds
The Marchtalbach stream culvert below Reschenstraße (B180) on the border between the municipalities of Serfaus and Pfunds is to be adapted as an amphibian tunnel to enable safe passage under the busy Reschenstraße. This measure is intended to connect the hillside forest west of the road to the Inn floodplains, thus enabling exchange between the spawning grounds on both sides of the road. More infomation >>
Spawning grounds in the Gurgltal valley
One of the few remaining populations of the yellow-bellied toad is located in the area around the Strader Heilquelle mineral spring in the municipality of Tarrenz. The creation and restoration of spawning grounds is now intended to promote the population of this endangered species. More information>>
Spawning grounds in the Gurgltal valley
One of the few remaining populations of the yellow-bellied toad is located in the area around the Strader Heilquelle mineral spring in the municipality of Tarrenz. The creation and restoration of spawning grounds is now intended to promote the population of this endangered species.
Project partner: Naturpark Kaunergrat; Landschaftspflegeverein Gurgltal; Naturschutzgebiet Ehrwalder Becken; Naturpark Tiroler Lech
Links to other interesting habitat connectivity initiatives:
The Pan-European Ecological Network
Ökologisches Kontinuum (ALPPARC, CIPRA, ISCAR und WWF)
Econnect – Restoring the web of life
Ursina – der Bär im rätischen Dreieck (WWF Schweiz)