Habitat improvement in the Oberbaselbiet region

Working closely with the landowners and managers and Pro Natura, the Ornithological Institute has developed various measures and secured the maintenance of the project area for a duration of 20 years. In addition to promoting habitats for various species of breeding birds, a wide range of measures are also being implemented to support amphibians, reptiles, insects and weasels. As some of these animal groups have similar habitat requirements, synergies can be exploited and measures optimised.

The conservation measures consist of three modules: forest edge, farmland and water bodies. The Frenkentäler forestry operation implements the forest edge module by thinning out the neighbouring forest edges and ensuring their maintenance. As part of the farmland module, the farmers are creating a high level of structural diversity in the area with new groups of bushes, structural heaps, standard fruit trees and fringes in addition to botanical enhancements through hay transfer. Finally, a network of 6 new ponds will be created in the small water bodies module.

Many species benefit from open forest edges and structurally rich meadows and pastures. Among the breeding birds, various Red List species have been identified as target species, such as the Grey-headed Woodpecker, Red-backed Shrike, Wryneck and Common Redstart. In addition, the water bodies and accompanying structures create valuable habitats for other endangered species such as the Midwife Toad, Sand Lizard and Weasel.

• Pro Natura Baselland
• Forstbetriebe Frenkentäler