Presentation of Forest Service’s actions in the framework of the Life-project: “Conservation actions for Gypaetus barbatus and biodiversity in Crete”.

This paper presents the actions that were implemented by the Forest Service of Crete’s Region and the Forest Service Departments of Herakleion, Chania, Rethymnon, and Lasithi prefectures under the framework of the LIFE02NAT/GR/8492 project: «Conservation Actions for Gypaetus barbatus and the Biodiversity in Crete». It refers to the following activities and works: 1.Management Plans for agro-pastoral extensification at the two project sites of Agios Dikaios and Asteroussia mts. 2.Construction of a bird observatory at Asteroussia mts., 3.Construction of two small ponds for wildlife-use at the two project sites, 4.Construction of livestock water-troughs, 5.Fencing of sensitive areas (vulture feeding station, priority habitat of Phoenix theophrastii at Asteroussia mts. and site of pilot habitat restoration), 6.Construction and distribution of one thousand wasp traps to local beekeepers, 7.Construction of  the necessary infrastructure for the production of chukar partridges of local genetic origin to be released at the two project sites, 8. Pilot habitat restoration measures at Asteroussia area, 9.Control of access at certain track roads, 10.Operation of vulture feeding stations, 11.Restoration of foraging habitat quality by game management, 12.Patrolling  and warding at all project sites, 13.Organization of nature festivals at the two project sites, 14.Construction of interpretative nature trails at Asteroussia mts.