Integrated ESIA Greece Annex 6.5.4 - East

Transcription

Integrated ESIA Greece
Annex 6.5.4 - East - European Souslik Baseline
Study
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Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
Annex 6.5.4 – East - European Souslik Baseline Study
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION
3 1.1 General Information on Spermophilus Populations in Europe and
Greece
3 1.2 Legislation Issues
9 1.3 Field Survey Scope of Work
10 2 METHODOLOGY
11 2.1 Sampling Methodology
11 2.2 Study Sites
14 2.3 Limitations, Uncertainties and Bias
25 3 RESULTS
27 3.1 Spermophilus citellus Colonies
27 3.2 Other Important Features
29 4 CONCLUSIONS
30 4.1 Key Habitats within the Study Area
30 LIST OF TABLES
Table 1-1 Table 2-1 Table 2-2 Table 3-1 Table 4-1 Occurrence of S.citellus in Greece According to Literature
Sampling effort for Spermophillus citellus (October 2012)
Sampling locations/observation points for Spermophillus citellus and/or
Spermophilus habitat along the route
Potential Spermophilus citellus Presence in the Study Area
Spermophilus citellus potential colonies reports
8 13 14 28 30 LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1 Figure 1-2 Figure 2-1 Worldwide Distribution of the European Ground Squirrel
European Ground Squirrel distribution in Greece
Example of Alignment of Sampling Points (KP 22-23)
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1
INTRODUCTION
1.1
General Information on Spermophilus Populations in Europe and Greece
The European ground squirrel, Spermophilus citellus (Linnaeus, 1766), is a species of the
squirrel family Sciuridae, order Rodentia, and it is distinguished in 4 subspecies, S. c. citellus, S.
c. gradojevici, S. c. istricus and S. c. martinoi (reviewed in Helgen et al. 2009). The species is
endemic to central and south-eastern Europe and is considered to be dependent on short-grass
open vegetation (Coroiu et al. 2008), where it follows an omnivorous diet including seeds, green
plant parts, flowers, insects and roots (Mc Donnald & Barrett, 1993). The European ground
squirrel, or else souslik, grows to a length of between 19-22 cm and its weight varies between
240 and 340 g. The two sexes mate from March to April (Benhaiemm, 2006) and the females
give birth to 5-8 cubs (Mc Donnald & Barrett, 1993).
The European ground squirrel is an obligate hibernator, thus its annual cycle is characterized by
an inactive and active season, when the animals immerge in and emerge from hibernation,
respectively. Hibernation season lasts from late summer until late spring, while its duration differs
depending on the age and sex: adult females enter first into hibernation, followed by the males
and finally by the juveniles. The active season, on the other hand, starts in early spring and,
similarly to the hibernation season, is sex and age-dependent: the adult males immerge first,
followed by the adult females, and lastly the juveniles of both sexes (Youlatos et al. 2007; Mateju,
2008).
During the active season, the ground squirrel exhibits only diurnal activity (Hutt et al. 1999; Everts
et al. 2004) and spends almost half of its time aboveground (Everts et al., 2004, Youlatos et al.,
2007). The activity patterns of the species are influenced by the photoperiod (Everts et al., 2004;
Koshev & Kosheva, 2008), other climatic factors, such as the temperature, (Youlatos et al. 2007;
Koshev & Kosheva, 2008) and the rainfall (Everts et al. 2204), the sex (Boutsis, 2002; Debit,
2003; Everts et al., 2004) and reproductive state (Everts et al., 2004), while the main behaviours
the species exhibits are vigilance and feeding (Everts et al. 2004; Youlatos et al. 2007). Other
behaviours include mating, preparation of the hibernation by both sexes, while the females also
gestate and give birth to juveniles and lactate (Debit, 2003).
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The species forms loosely structured populations, known as colonies (Koshev, 2008), which
correspond to aggregations of individuals (groups) within the space, which are spatially
separated from other similar groups inhabiting the same region (Stefanov & Markova, 2009).
However, within the colonies social interactions among the animals are rather restricted and each
animal constructs and uses its own burrow (Benhaeim, 2006). A single burrow system consists of
1 - 5 (Boutsis, 2002; Ozkurt et al. 2005), or even more surface openings (Mateju, 2008), interconnected via tunnels (reviewed in Boutsis, 2002). Burrows are used for multiple purposes: they
provide shelter during the hibernation, while during the active season they are used as resting,
sleeping places, as shelters from predators, and as places for food storage and reproduction
(reviewed in Gedeon et al. 2010).
The species is endemic to central and south-eastern Europe with its range distinctly divided into
two areas by the Carpathian Mountains. The north-western area includes Czech Republic,
Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, northern Serbia and Montenegro, and western Romania, while the
south-eastern areas extends from southern Serbia, FYROM and Greece through Bulgaria and
southern Romania to Eastern Thrace, Moldova and Ukraine (reviewed in Coroiu et al. 2008)
(Figure 1-1). Although widely distributed in Europe, its populations are fragmented and its present
range is just a part of a quite larger range the species had in the past. During the middle of the
20th century, European ground squirrel was abundant in Czechoslovakia (Mateju et al. 2010),
Bulgaria (Stefanov and Markova, 2009), Austria (Turrini et al. 2008) and Hungary (Váczi et al.
2008). Also, in most of these countries the species was considered as a pest, and, for example in
Bulgaria, management measures were taken to limit its numbers (reviewed in Stefanov and
Markova, 2009). In the next decades, its natural habitats were significantly deteriorated, the
abundance of the species decreased and its distribution became fragmented, while in some
countries, such as in Croatia, the species got extinct (reviewed in Coroiu et al. 2008).
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Figure 1-1
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Worldwide Distribution of the European Ground Squirrel
Source: IUCN (2008)
The species is dependent on short-grass open habitats (Coroiu et al. 2008), and the main
reasons of its decline are associated with the change of the agricultural practices and the
urbanization. More specifically, the major reasons of its population reduction and its subsequent
fragmentation are considered to be the alteration of the meadows and pastures into fields, the
absence of management of vegetation cover to a short height and the urbanization (Turrini et al.
2008; Koshev, 2008; Mateju et al. 2008, Uhlíková et al. 2008). On the other hand and quite
ironically, at present the species inhabits mainly anthropogenic environments, such as airfields,
sport areas, alfalfa cultivations, pastures and far less natural habitats, such as steppe areas
(Hoffmann et al. 2008; Mateju et al. 2008).
The species’ population status and habitat in each country is as follows:
Bulgaria: Although during the period 50s-70s of the past century the European ground squirrel
was considered a pest for the agriculture (Stefanov and Markova, 2009), today the species
distribution and density have decreased significantly (Koshev, 2008). For these reasons, the
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species is referred to Bulgarian Biological Diversity Act, Appendix II and it is included in the Red
Data Book of Bulgaria, as vulnerable (Stefanov and Markova, 2009).
Austria: Considered as a pest during the first half of the 20th century, the species has
experienced a dramatic decrease, and has been listed as endangered since 1984 (Turrini et al.
2008).
Turkey: Its distribution is restricted to the steppe areas of Turkish Thrace. Available data for the
species are very limited; however it seems that its population is in decline (Ozkurt et al. 2005).
Czech Republic and Slovakia: Described as a severe pest in the former Czechoslovakia in the
early 1950s, nowadays the species is one of the most threatened mammals in the country, and is
listed as a critically endangered species, under the protection of the Act no. 114/1992 Coll. on
Nature Conservation and Landscape Protection (Mateju et al. 2008).
Hungary: Since the middle of the 20th century, the species has suffered a severe reduction in its
population size and has disappeared from certain localities in the past few years (Vaczi et al.
2008).
Germany: The species became extinct in 1968 (Mateju et al. 2010). In 2006, a reintroduction
project was initiated (Coroiu et al. 2008).
Poland: The species became extinct in 1983. Within 2000-2004, a reintroduction program was
implemented successfully and in 2008 the population size was estimated at 150-200 individuals
(Mateju et al., 2010).
Croatia: The species became extinct (Coroiu et al., 2008).
Romania: The population size has been estimated at approximately 15.000 individuals (Coroiu et
al., 2008).
Data concerning its populations’ status in the rest of its range, FYR of Macedonia, Moldova,
Romania, Serbia, and Ukraine, are not available.
The Greek populations of the European ground squirrel are considered to be also in decline and
severely fragmented (Youlatos, 2008), however systematic surveys concerning the occurrence
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and the ecology of the species are lacking. Data about the present and historical occurrence of
the species are scarce, while data related to the biology and ecology of the species are available
only from two populations in Thermi region, within the Thessaloniki Prefecture.
According to Youlatos (2008), the European ground squirrel occurs only in the northern part of
Greece and includes 3 clearly defined and probably isolated sub-populations, located in western
Macedonia, in central Macedonia and in Thrace. In western Macedonia, the species inhabits
regions of Kozani and Giannitsa and in central Macedonia regions of the Axios valley, Gallikos,
Hortiati, Thermi, Pilaia and region of Serres. In Thrace, there are populations in region of
Alexandroupoli, in Evros delta and in isolated areas of north/north-eastern Evros Prefecture
(Figure 1-2) (reviewed in Youlatos, 2008).
Figure 1-2
European Ground Squirrel distribution in Greece
Source: Youlatos (2008)
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These populations are considered as genetically and morphologically differentiated: in western
and central Macedonia populations comprise the subspecies Spermophilus citellus gradojevici,
whereas those in Thrace are formed by the subspecies Spermophilus citellus martinoi (reviewed
in Youlatos, 2008; Helgen et al. 2009).
More data about the distribution of S. citellus are provided in the fact sheets of the NATURA 2000
sites recording, according to which the species occurrence is broader and includes also regions
of the Prefecture of Florina, Kastoria, Imathia and Pieria (Table 1-1). However, these data,
including most of Youlatos’ references also, come mainly from literature sources, which date
several years back and lack recent verification in the field, with the exception of the Natura site of
Axios, Loudias and Aliakmonas where the presence of the species was verified recently
(Youlatos, pers. comm.) On the other hand, field studies have shown that the extinction risk of a
colony is very high within only a few decades (Mateju et al. 2008), thus it is very possible the
species have become extinct in some of the reported locations. For example, although the
presence of the S. cittelus in Dadia forest is reported in the Natura fact sheets, the species
became extinct in 1992 during the dam construction in Lyra region and no colony has ever been
observed since then (Catsadorakis and Bousbouras, 2010; Bousbouras, pers. comm.). Table 1-1
contains a list of the sites where the presence of the species has been referred to, and where
there is no current evidence of extinction.
Table 1-1
Occurrence of S.citellus in Greece According to Literature
Sites
Prefecture
Reference
Alexandroupoli
Evros (Thrace)
Ondrias 1965
Didimoticho
Evros (Thrace)
Niethammer 1974
Delta of Evros
Evros (Thrace)
Fraguedaki-Tsoli & Ondrias 1985 / Sfikas, 2004
(Natura fact sheets)
Koufovouno
Evros (Thrace)
Vohralik & Sofianidou 1992
Thourio
Evros (Thrace)
Fillakio
Evros (Thrace)
Haidou, Koula
Xanthi (Thrace)
Sfikas, 2004 (Natura fact sheets)
Kirnos
Xanthi (Thrace)
Olvio
Xanthi (Thrace)
Kerkini lake, Mt Krousia and
Beles
Serres (Macedonia)
Valley of Timiou Prodromou
Serres (Macedonia)
Metalliko
Kilkis (Macedonia)
Kalochori
Thessaloniki (Macedonia)
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Sites
Prefecture
Reference
Sindos
Malgara
Chuworth-Masters 1932; Hadjinikolaou 1935
Lagathas
Peus 1954
Kolchico
Peus 1958
Kimina
Ondrias 1966
Koronia
Niethammer 1974
Lagathikia
Ruzic 1978
Axios, Loudia and Aliakmonas
deltas
Volvi and Koronia lakes
Plati
Imathia (Macedonia)
Peus 1958
Nisseli
Imathia (Macedonia)
Fraguedaki-Tsoli 1977
Stena Aliakmona
Imathia (Macedonia)
Seli
Imathia (Macedonia)
Kryštufek 2009
Mt Vermio
Imathia (Macedonia)
Tria Pigathia
Kozani (Macedonia)
Hatzisarantos et al. 1962
Kozani
Kozani (Macedonia)
Ondrias 1966
Pontokomi
Kozani (Macedonia)
Fraguedaki-Tsoli 1977
Mt Vourinos and valley of
Mesiano Nero
Kozani (Macedonia)
Giannitsa
Pella (Macedonia)
Hatzisarantos et al. 1962
Amindaio
Florina (Macedonia)
Krystufek 2009
Himaditida and Zazari lakes
Florina (Macedonia)
Vegoritida and Petron lakes
Florina (Macedonia)
Mt Vitsi
Florina (Macedonia)
Kastoria lake
Kastoria (Macedonia)
Kolindros
Pieria (Macedonia)
Ondrias 1965
Mt Pieria
Pieria (Macedonia)
Compiled by Migli (2013)
1.2
Legislation Issues
Due to the decline of the species’ range, especially in the southern, northern and north-western
areas of its distribution, and the fact that its overall population decrease is suspected to have
been more than 30% over the last years, the species is assessed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
That means that is considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. Moreover, the
species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention, which includes strictly protected fauna
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species. Furthermore, S. citellus is listed in Annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats and Species
Directive, which include species requiring designation of Special Areas of Conservation, and
species in need of strict protection, respectively. In accordance with the European legislation, the
species is protected in Greece by the Presidential Declaration of 1981. Lastly, due to the decline
of its population and the fragmentation of its habitat, the species is described as “Vulnerable” in
the Red Data Book of Greece (Youlatos, 2008).
1.3
Field Survey Scope of Work
The overall objective of the investigations on the European Souslik was to provide relevant
information on the species presence/distribution along the pipeline route to feed the ESIA report
(i.e. specific baseline data and, where needed, information of interest for the impact assessment
and preventive/mitigation measures). Specifically the following objectives can be mentioned:

Gather desktop information of interest for the species such as distribution, with special
focus on the study area and its vicinity;

Confirm the desktop investigations and identify/locate specific areas or sections of the pipe
where colonies of the species are present or are highly likely to be present

Provide insights on the current status of the species along the route as well as identify
potential environmental features of interest in the project area (including those related to
the project definition/design where appropriate).
Field survey was thus focused on recording the presence of Spermophilus citellus colonies within
500 m buffer zone around the proposed pipeline route (250 m each side of the route). Also,
where appropriate, sampling took place outside the 500 m buffer zone in order to minimize
potential edge effect caused by the existent DESFA pipeline as souslik’s colony mean size has
been found to range between 1,5- 10 ha (Stefanov & Markova, 2009).
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METHODOLOGY
2.1
Sampling Methodology
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The fact that there is very limited recent information1 on the current distribution and habitat
preference of Spermophilus colonies in northern Greece made it a necessity that the 500 m
Project area was searched as thoroughly as possible. To achieve this, the following procedure
was employed:
The northern section of the 500 m zone was divided into 361 reference points (marked as R0,
R1, R2....R361 from east to west) all lying in 1 km distance from the ones standing immediately
east and west to them. In a similar way, the southern section of the 500m zone was divided into
361 points (marked as L0, L1, L2...L361 from east to west). All points will lie at a perpendicular
distance of 175 m north or south respectively to the route. As a result, the core of the Project
area was divided into 360 sampling blocks2 in the form of “RxRx+1 - LxLx+1, x=1, 2 ....360”.
Searching for Spermophilus colonies was conducted in two different field surveys due to critical
time limits.. The first field survey was carried out between the 1st and the 4th of October 2012,
when one pair of scientists covered the distance of the TAP Project area from the Greek-Turkish
border to central Thrace (Filakas on KP 88). The second field survey took place between the 25th
and the 27th of April 2013, during which, a scientist searched the areas from Nea Mesimvria to
Examili (Thessaloniki area, KP 329-359) and from Cryssoypoli to Pimni (Nestos plain, Kp 150175), both areas that according to literature used to host Sousliks 20 years ago.
During the first survey, the sampling procedure was planned to take place at least once within
each sampling block all along the route from Greek-Turkish border to Filakas (Kp 0 to 88). The
area between two consecutive R – (or L-) points and the route is 17.5 ha which is a bit larger than
the usual size reported in bibliography for a single Spermophilus colony in Bulgaria (1.5 – 10
ha3). As a result, clear-cut evidence of presence of Spermophilus colonies anywhere within two
consecutive R or L points or in between R/L points is enough evidence that the particular location
hosts at least one colony in the same site.
1
All reports from Macedonia region derive from fieldwork on or before 1992 (see table 1.1) whereas the year of observation/collection
of specimens recently discussed in Kryštufek & al 2009 is unknown.
2
(1) plus the initial one R0R1 – L0L1
3
Stefanov and Markova (2009)
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The second survey comprised exactly the same sampling procedure as the first one, only
confined in thirty blocks of Gallikos plain (from Kp 329 to Kp 359) and another 14 blocks of
Nestos plain (from KP149 to KP 163) along the route.
The following habitat types have been considered as unlikely to host Spermophilus colonies and
therefore, blocks located within these habitats have been excluded from the sampling protocol:

Forested areas such as Quercus and Pinus forest;

Sites with riparian vegetation;

Heavily irrigated fields such as corn and cotton.

Cereal fields under growing state.
Heavily irrigated fields have been a concern because they could not be known beforehand as the
type of cultivation in northern Greece may change annually. As a result, it was only during
fieldwork that particular locations were defined as “unlikely” or “likely” to host Spermophilus
colonies.
When in the field, the following parameters have been considered as adequate evidence to
indicate presence of a Spermophilus colony:

Several holes on the ground with diameter > 6 cm, freshly dug which will lead into a tunnel
underground and at least two large holes (diameter > 10 cm) in the same location, freshly
dug and leading to a wide tunnel underground

Observation of the animal alive
A group of holes with diameters smaller than 6 cm and no observation of two large holes will be
considered as evidence of the presence of other rodent species, such as Microtus and Rattus.
Symmetrical piles of fine-grained soil on the ground were considered as evidence of Talpa or
Microtus presence. Nannospalax piles (similar but larger of those of Talpa) have not been
observed within the Project area.
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Example of Alignment of Sampling Points (KP 22-23)
Source: October 2012 field survey
The sampling effort of both surveys carried out is described in Table 2-1 and Table 2-3.
Table 2-1
Sampling effort for Spermophillus citellus (October 2012)
Number
%
total number of sampling blocks within the Project area
87
100
number of sampling blocks searched at both the east and west section along the PPS
5
5.8
number of sampling blocks searched at either (or both) the east or the west section
along the PPS
54
62.1
number of sampling blocks pre-determined as definitely unsuitable habitat
25
28.7
number of sampling blocks not searched during fieldwork
3
3.4
Source: EXERGIA field survey (October 2012)
Table 2-2
Sampling effort for Spermophillus citellus (April 2013)
Number
%
total number of sampling blocks within the Project area
44
100
number of sampling blocks searched at both the east and west section along the PPS
2
4.5
number of sampling blocks searched at either (or both) the east or the west section
along the PPS
20
45.5
number of sampling blocks pre-determined as definitely unsuitable habitat
22
50
number of sampling blocks not searched during fieldwork
0
0
Source: NCC field survey (April 2013)
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To sum up the information, 97.7% of the sampling blocks (128 out of 131 blocks) that were
selected as Spermophilus citellus habitat according to literature were searched, while 35.9 %
have been considered as unsuitable habitat for the species and were therefore not searched.
2.2
Study Sites
The majority of the 359 km pipeline route comprises cultivated land. Wheat, clover and cotton
fields are quite widespread throughout the study area, followed by fallow fields and meadows.
Other types of cultivation in the area included corn, melon and tobacco fields, and Acacia
plantations. During the first sampling, most of the crops were already harvested, and the existing
vegetation in the fields was mainly low and sparse, making more feasible the observation of the
ground. However, sampling took place only on fields without irrigation, thus cotton, corn and
tobacco fields that are usually heavily irrigated during the growing season were excluded from
sampling, unless dry farming techniques were applied, as it happened in the fields between Kipoi
(KP 0) and Ardanio (KP 14); in that region sampling took place also in mixed cultivations of cotton
and melon, which were under dry farming. Habitats predetermined as extremely unsuitable were
recorded between KP 43 and KP 64 (between Palagia and Sykorrachi respectively) and KP 28 to
KP 32 (between Pefka and Aetochorio respectively), including the forested areas of South Forest
Complex of Evros Prefecture.
The second sampling was conducted during the growing season when irrigation was not a
problem but the vegetation in the cultivated fields was high and thick thus, such fields were
excluded from searching (mainly between Assiros and Examili, KP 329-KP 335). Moreover,
another two blocks from KP 153 to KP 155 were excluded from survey as they enclosed the river
of Nestos and its riparian forest, a habitat avoided by Spermophilus.
Table 2-3
Nr.
1
GPS
point
DM_60
Sampling locations/observation points for Spermophillus citellus and/or
Spermophilus habitat along the route
Area
Between
Kipoi and
Gemisti
Habitat
type
Cropped
wheat field
Chainage Distance Other remarks
(KP)
to
pipeline
centreline
(m)
17
17
Surroundings of shrubs and mixed cotton-melon
cultivations. Intense erosion. No animal species
of interest were detected. Information by local
people supports the presence of Spermophilus in
the region.
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Nr.
GPS
point
2
MD_43
3
MD_42
4
DM_65
5
MD_46
6
DM_64
7
MD_44
8
DM_66
9
MD_47
10
MD_49
11
DM_67
12
MD_48
13
DM_69
14
MD_50
15
DM_70
Area
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(KP)
to
pipeline
centreline
(m)
Between
Mixed
649
649
Surroundings mainly of cropped wheat fields, and
Kipoi and
melon a few mixed cotton-melon cultivations. Intense
Gemisti
cotton
erosion. No animal species of interest were
cultivation
detected. Information by local people supports
the presence of Spermophilus in the region.
Sampling point located outside the corridor of 500
m.
Between
Cropped
8
8
Surroundings mainly of cropped wheat fields and
Kipoi and
wheat field
a few cotton and melon cultivations. Intense
Gemisti
and melon
cultivation
detected. Information by local people supports
the presence of Spermophilus in the region.
Between
Cropped
85
85
Surroundings of cropped wheat and fallow fields,
Kipoi and
wheat field
and Acacia cultivations. A few rather small holes
Gemisti
were detected. Potential presence of rodent
species (Microtus spp, Rattus spp etc).
Between
Melon and
16
16
Surroundings mainly of cropped wheat fields.
Kipoi and
cotton fields
Intense erosion. No animal species of interest
Gemisti
were detected.
Between
Fallow field
7
7
Kipoi and
a few cotton and Acacia cultivations. Intense
Gemisti
detected.
Between
Mixed
154
154
Surroundings mainly of cropped wheat fields.
Kipoi and
melonIntense erosion. No animal species of interest
Gemisti
cotton
were detected.
cultivation
Near Kipoi
Cropped
295
295
Surroundings of fallow fields. No animal species
wheat field
of interest were detected. Sampling point located
outside the corridor of 500 m.
Near Kipoi
Clover and
238
238
fallow fields
a few cotton cultivations. Three big and several
small holes were detected, potential presence of
Spermophilus citellus.
NE of Peplos
Cropped
290
290
wheat and
a few cotton cultivations. No animal species of
fallow fields
interest were detected. Sampling point located
Near Peplos
Cropped
39
39
wheat field
a few Acacia cultivations. Intense erosion. No
animal species of interest were detected.
Near Peplos
Mixed
184
184
melona few cotton cultivations. Small holes were
cotton field
detected, potential presence of rodent species
and fallow
(Microtus spp, Rattus spp etc).
fields
Near Peplos
Cropped
62
62
Surroundings of cropped wheat fields and fallow.
wheat field
No animal species of interest were detected.
Near Peplos
Cropped
138
138
wheat field
a few cotton cultivations and shrubs. Small holes
were detected, potential presence of rodent
species (Microtus spp, Rattus spp etc).
NW of Peplos
Cropped
118
118
Surroundings of cropped wheat fields, fallow and
wheat field
cotton fields. No animal species of interest were
detected. Information by a local shepherd
confirms field results.
Page 16 of 32
Area
Code
Project Title:
Document Title:
Nr.
GPS
point
16
MD_51
17
DM_72
18
MD_52
19
MD_53
20
MD_54
21
MD_55
22
MD_56
23
MD_57
24
MD_58
25
MD_59
26
MD_36
27
DM_52
28
MD_37
29
DM_53
30
DM_54
31
MD_38
Area
Habitat
type
Comp.
Code
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.Type
Ser.
No.
Rev.: 00 / at09
(KP)
to
pipeline
centreline
(m)
NW of Peplos
Cropped
254
254
Surroundings of cropped wheat fields. No animal
wheat field
species of interest were detected. Information by
local shepherd confirms field results. Sampling
point located outside the corridor of 500 m.
Between
Cropped
361
361
Vrysoula and wheat field
species of interest were detected. Sampling point
Peplos
located outside the corridor of 500 m.
Near
Cropped
342
342
Vrysoula
wheat field
a few fallow fields. No animal species of interest
and Acacia
were detected. Sampling point located outside
cultivations
the corridor of 500 m.
Near
Cropped
287
287
Surroundings mainly of cropped wheat fields. No
Vrysoula
wheat field
Sampling point located outside the corridor of 500
m.
Between
Cropped
146
146
Ardanio and wheat field
a few fallow fields and Acacia cultivations.
Vrysoula
Intense erosion. No animal species of interest
were detected.
Between
Cropped
12
12
a few fallow fields and Acacia cultivations. No
Vrysoula
Between
Cropped
45
45
a few cotton cultivations and shrubs. Intense
Vrysoula
and cotton
field
detected.
NE of
Cropped
0
0
Surroundings mainly of wheat fields, and a few
Ardanio
clover field
cotton cultivations and shrubs. No animal species
and cotton
of interest were detected.
field
NW of
Fully
128
128
Ardanio
developed
a few cotton cultivations and shrubs. Small holes,
clover field
potential presence of rodent species (Microtus
spp, Rattus spp etc).
Between
Cropped
339
339
Kavisos and clover field
a few cotton cultivations and shrubs. Small holes,
Ardanio
spp, Rattus spp etc). Sampling point located
East of
Cropped
145
145
Surroundings of cropped wheat fields, meadows
Kavisos
wheat and
and sparse groups of Quercus. Several holes in
fallow field
the ground, but due to the ground erosion it is
impossible to clarify their origin.
Near Kavisos
Cropped
11
11
wheat field
species of interest were detected.
Near Kavisos
Cropped
7
7
wheat field
and sparse gourps of Quercus. No animal
Near Kavisos Fallow field
1
1
Surroundings of cropped wheat fields and Acacia
cultivations. Three large holes and several
smaller, all of them closed, were detected.
Potential presence of Spermophilus.
West of
Fallow field
148
148
Kavisos
West of
Fallow field
221
221
Kavisos
and sparse gourps of Quercus. One >10 cm
diameter hole was detected, plus a small one.
Meles meles presence was detected.
Page 17 of 32
Area
Code
Project Title:
Document Title:
Nr.
GPS
point
Area
32
MD_39
West of
Kavisos
33
DM_56
West of
Kavisos
34
MD_40
Between
Pylaia and
Kavisos
35
DM_57
Between
Pylaia and
Kavisos
36
MD_41
South of
Pylaia
37
DM_58
South of
Pylaia
38
KP_279
39
KP_278
South of
Pylaia
SW of Pylaia
40
KP_277
SW of Pylaia
41
DM_51
Between
Pefka kai
Pylaia
42
DM_50
East of Pefka
43
DM_49
East of Pefka
44
DM_43
Near Pefka
45
KP_273
Near
Aetochorio
46
MD_35
47
MD_34
Near
Aetochorio
East of
Agnantia
48
KP_272
Near
Agnantia
Habitat
type
Comp.
Code
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.Type
Ser.
No.
Rev.: 00 / at09
(KP)
to
pipeline
centreline
(m)
Fallow field
623
623
Surroundings of cropped wheat fields and sparse
groups of Quercus. No animal species of interest
the zone of 500 m.
Fallow field
551
551
Surroundings of fallow fields and sparse groups
of Quercus. No animal species of interest were
detected. Sampling point located outside the
zone of 500 m.
Fallow field
594
594
Surroundings of cropped wheat and fallow fields.
Sampling point located outside the zone of 500
m.
Fallow field
428
428
sparse groups of Quercus. No animal species of
outside the zone of 500 m.
Fallow field
660
660
sparse groups of Quercus. Meles meles
presence was detected. Sampling point located
Fallow field
589
589
Surroundings of cropped wheat fields and Acacia
cultivations. No animal species of interest were
zone of 500 m.
Field
144
144
Surroundings of Quercus forest. No animal
Field
309
309
located outside the zone of 500 m.
Field
197
197
Meadow
346
346
Surroundings of fallow fields, meadows and
Quercus forest. No animal species of interest
the zone of 500 m.
Fallow field
46
46
Surroundings of fallow fields. A small, shallow
(closed) hole was detected. No animal species of
interest were detected.
Fallow and
78
78
Surroundings of cropped wheat and fallow fields.
cropped
A small, shallow (closed) hole was detected.
wheat field
Fallow field
29
29
Surroundings of fallow fields and sparse trees. A
with sparse
few small holes were detected, potential
trees
presence of rodent species (Microtus spp, Rattus
spp etc).
Fallow field
192
192
Surroundings of cropped wheat fields and
were detected.
Cropped
42
42
Surroundings of wheat and Quercus forest. No
wheat field
Fallow and
364
364
cropped
wheat field
the zone of 500 m..
Fallow field
428
428
Surroundings of cropped wheat and Quercus
forest. No animal species of interest were
zone of 500 m.
Page 18 of 32
Area
Code
Project Title:
Document Title:
Nr.
GPS
point
Area
49
KP_271
Near
Agnantia
50
KP_270
Near
Agnantia
51
MD_33
Near
Agnantia
52
MD_32
Near
Agnantia
53
KP_269
West of
Agnantia
54
MD_31
West of
Agnantia
55
KP_266
56
MD_30
57
KP_264
Between
Amfitriti and
Agnantia
Between
Amfitriti and
Agnantia
Between
Amfitriti and
Agnantia
58
MD_29
Disc.
Code
Doc.Type
Ser.
No.
Rev.: 00 / at09
(KP)
to
pipeline
centreline
(m)
Cropped
82
82
Surroundings of cropped wheat fields, cotton
wheat field
fields and Quercus forest. No animal species of
Fallow field
217
217
Surroundings of cropped wheat fields, cotton
fields and Quercus forest. No animal species of
Clover field
148
148
Surroundings of cropped wheat, cotton fields and
Quercus forest. Four 6-8 cm diameter holes were
detected, potential presence of rodent species
(Microtus spp, Rattus spp etc).
Cropped
385
385
Surroundings of cropped wheat cultivations. Two
wheat field
6-8 cm diameter holes were detected, potential
presence rodent species (Microtus spp, Rattus
spp etc). Sampling point located outside the zone
of 500 m.
Cropped
658
658
wheat field
the zone of 500 m.
Cropped
663
663
wheat field
the zone of 500 m.
Cropped
232
232
Surroundings of wheat fields and Quercus forest.
wheat field
Testudo hermanni was detected in the area.
206
206
Cropped
wheat field
561
561
Between
Amfitriti and
Agnantia
Acacia spp
plantations
701
701
59
KP_263 Near Amfitriti
Cropped
wheat field
470
470
60
MD_28
Cropped
wheat field
647
647
61
KP_262 Near Amfitriti
Dry land
187
187
62
MD_27A Near Amfitriti
Cropped
wheat field
111
111
63
KP_261
Harvested
wheat field
4
4
West of
Amfitriti
System
Code
Habitat
type
Cropped
wheat field
Near Amfitriti
Comp.
Code
were detected.
Surroundings of cropped wheat fields and maquis
plantations. No animal species of interest were
zone of 500 m.
zone of 500 m.
zone of 500 m.
zone of 500 m.
detected. Information provided by a local hunter
detected. Information provided by a local hunter
Surroundings of cropped wheat fields, fallow,
meadows and maquis plantations, next to the old
pipeline. No animal species of interest were
detected.
Page 19 of 32
Area
Code
Project Title:
Document Title:
Nr.
GPS
point
Area
64
KP_258
West of
Amfitriti
65
MD_27
West of
Amfitriti
66
KP_260
East of
Palagia
67
MD_26
East of
Palagia
68
KP_255
SW of
Sykorrachi
69
KP_256
Between
Chamilo and
Sykorrachi
70
KP_254
Between
Chamilo and
Sykorrachi
71
KP_251
East of
Chamilo
72
MD_25A
East of
Chamilo
73
KP_245 Near Chamilo
74
MD_23 Near Chamilo
75
MD_24 Near Chamilo
76
KP_246 Near Chamilo
Habitat
type
Comp.
Code
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.Type
Ser.
No.
Rev.: 00 / at09
(KP)
to
pipeline
centreline
(m)
Abandoned
397
397
field
meadows and maquis plantations. No animal
Meadow
55
55
meadows and maquis plantations. No animal
Maquis and
465
465
No animal species of interest was detected.
abandoned
field
m.
Cropped
364
364
Surroundings of cropped wheat fields, olive trees
wheat field
and maquis plantations (Quercus coccifera and
Paliurus spp). No animal species of interest were
zone of 500 m.
Fallow and
728
728
Surroundings mainly of cropped wheat
cropped
cultivations and some cotton fields. Several holes
wheat fields
in the ground, but due to the ground erosion it is
impossible to clarify their origin. Information by a
local hunter does not support the presence of
Spermophilus. Sampling point located outside the
zone of 500 m.
Harvested
426
426
field
some meadows and cotton fields. No animal
Cropped
653
653
wheat and
fallow field
species of interest were detected. Information
provided by a local shepherd confirms field
results. Sampling point located outside the zone
of 500 m.
Tilled field
629
629
some meadows and cotton fields. Rana spp was
detected in the area. Sampling point located
Cropped
550
550
clover field
species of interest were detected. Information
provided by a local farmer confirms field results.
m.
Fallow field
144
144
Cropped
296
296
wheat field
Fallow field
341
341
with Acacia
spp
Cropped
288
288
wheat field
Page 20 of 32
Area
Code
Project Title:
Document Title:
Nr.
GPS
point
Area
77
MD_25 Near Chamilo
78
KP_249 Near Chamilo
79
KP_248 Near Chamilo
80
MD_22
Near Velkio
81
MD_21
Near Velkio
82
KP_244
Near Velkio
83
KP_243
SW of
Arsakeio
84
MD_20
SW of
Arsakeio
85
MD_19
Between
Aetolofos and
Velkio
86
KP_242
87
MD_18
Between
Aetolofos and
Velkio
Between
Aetolofos and
Velkio
88
MD_17
East of
Aetolofos
89
MD_16
East of
Aetolofos
90
KP_238
Between
Lofario and
Aetolofos
Comp.
Code
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.Type
Ser.
No.
Rev.: 00 / at09
Habitat
type
(KP)
to
pipeline
centreline
(m)
Fallow and
303
303
cropped
some meadows and cotton fields. Several holes
wheat field
in the ground, but due to the ground erosion it is
impossible to clarify their origin. Sampling point
Cropped
222
222
wheat field
Cropped
255
255
wheat
some meadows and cotton fields. Holes of rodent
species (Microtus spp, Rattus spp etc). Sampling
point located outside the zone of 500 m.
Cropped
770
770
Surroundings of meadows, cropped wheat,
clover field
tobacco and cotton fields. Several holes in the
ground, but due to the ground erosion it is
impossible to clarify their origin. Sampling point
Cropped
173
173
wheat field
tobacco and cotton fields. Several holes in the
ground, but due to the ground erosion it is
impossible to clarify their origin.
Fallow field
19
19
tobacco and cotton fields. No animal species of
Field
361
361
tobacco and cotton fields. No animal species of
Harvested
418
418
field
Meadow
338
338
tobacco and cotton fields. Rana spp was
detected in the area. Sampling point located
Fallow field
228
228
with weeds
Cropped
wheat and
fallow field
937
937
Meadows
with
Paliurus spp
on a hillside
Meadows
with
Paliurus spp
on a hillside
228
228
131
131
1
1
Meadows
with
Paliurus spp
Surroundings of cropped wheat, cotton and
clover fields. No animal species of interest were
zone of 500 m.
Surroundings of cropped wheat fields. Several
fresh, shallow (as if recently closed) holes of
diameter >7 cm, and several ones of diameter
>10 cm were detected. Potential presence of the
species concerned.
Nearby on a hillside. Information by two local
people (shepherd and farmer) indicates
Spermophilus presence in the area.
Page 21 of 32
Area
Code
Project Title:
Document Title:
Nr.
GPS
point
Area
91
MD_15
Between
Lofario and
Aetolofos
92
KP_237
East of
Lofario
93
KP_236
East of
Lofario
94
MD_14
East of
Lofario
95
MD_13C
East of
Lofario
96
MD_13A
East of
Lofario
97
KP_233
East of
Lofario
98
KP_235
Near Lofario
99
MD_13B Near Lofario
100 KP_232
Near Lofario
101
MD_13
Near Lofario
102
MD_12
Near Lofario
103
MD_11
Near Lofario
Habitat
type
Comp.
Code
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.Type
Ser.
No.
Rev.: 00 / at09
(KP)
to
pipeline
centreline
(m)
Meadows
157
157
Surroundings of cropped wheat cultivations and
with
meadows. Signs of inactive burrows (two to three
Paliurus spp
10cm diameter holes) were detected. Information
plantations
by two local people (shepherd and farmer)
indicates Spermophilus presence in the area.
Potential presence of the species concerned.
Cropped
60
60
Surroundings of cotton, corn, cropped wheat
wheat field
cultivations and meadows. No animal species of
interest were detected. Information by a local
farmer indicates the rare presence of holes in the
ground.
Field (dry at
620
620
this time of
Information by a local farmer indicates the rare
the year)
presence of holes in the ground. Sampling point
next to the
river
Meadows
48
48
and cropped
cultivations and meadows. Rana spp were
wheat fields
detected in the area. Information by a local
ground.
Meadows
476
476
and cropped
cultivations and meadows. No animal species of
wheat fields
interest were detected. Information by a local
ground. Sampling point located outside the zone
of 500 m.
Cropped
325
325
Surroundings of cotton, fallow fields and cropped
clover field
wheat cultivations. Two holes of 6-8cm diameter
were detected. Presence of Talpa spp and/or
Microtus spp was detected. Sampling point
Stands with
762
762
Populus spp
m.
Fields 930
930
Meadows
m.
Fallow field
780
780
wheat cultivations. No animal species of interest
the zone of 500 m.
Field
84
84
the zone of 500 m.
Cropped
63
63
wheat and
clover fields
were detected. Information by a local farmer
confirmed the field results.
Meadow
3
3
and fallow
wheat cultivations. Presence of Talpa and/or
field
Microtus spp and Rana spp were detected.
Clover and
974
974
Surroundings of cotton, corn, clover and cropped
cropped
wheat fields
were detected. Information by a shepherd
confirmed the field results. Sampling point
Page 22 of 32
Area
Code
Project Title:
Document Title:
Nr.
GPS
point
Area
Habitat
type
104 KP_230
Near Lofario
Field of
fresh clover
105
MD_10
Between
Pamforo and
Lofario
Cropped
wheat and
fallow fields
106
MD_09
Between
Pamforo and
Lofario
Cropped
wheat and
fallow fields
107
MD_08
Between
Pamforo and
Lofario
Clover and
fallow field
108 KP_226
Between
Pamforo and
Lofario
Between
Pamforo and
Lofario
Clover field
109
MD_07
Clover field
110
MD_6A
East of
Pamforo
Clover field
111 KP_224
East of
Pamforo
112 KP_222
West of
Pamforo
Cultivated
land already
harvested
Cropped
wheat field
113
MD_05
West of
Pamforo
114
MD_4A
West of
Pamforo
Comp.
Code
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.Type
Ser.
No.
Rev.: 00 / at09
(KP)
to
pipeline
centreline
(m)
925
925
wheat cultivations. Information by a shepherd
327
327
were detected. Information by a shepherd
706
706
Surroundings of cotton and clover cultivations. A
few 5-6 cm diameter and one of about 10
diameter holes were detected. Potential presence
of rodent species (Microtus spp, Rattus spp etc).
m.
562
562
Surroundings of cotton and clover cultivations. No
m.
486
486
A hole of 6-10 cm of diameter was detected.
m.
530
530
Surroundings of cotton and clover cultivations. No
m.
441
441
Surroundings of cotton, corn and clover
zone of 500 m.
187
187
No animal species of interest were detected
776
776
Cropped
clover and
cropped
wheat fields
954
954
Alfalfa field
398
398
Surroundings mainly of cotton cultivations, and
some cropped wheat and clover fields. A few
holes with a diameter <6mm were detected,
spp, Rattus spp etc). Based on the information
provided by a local shepherd, Spermophilus
citellus used to occur in the area 15 years ago.
m.
some wheat and clover fields. No animal species
of interest were detected. Based on the
information provided by a local shepherd,
Spermophilus citellus used to occur in the area
15 years ago. Sampling point located outside the
zone of 500 m.
Surroundings of cotton fields, meadows and
clover fields. No animal species of interest were
zone of 500 m.
Page 23 of 32
Area
Code
Project Title:
Document Title:
Nr.
GPS
point
Area
Habitat
type
115
MD_06
Between
Amaranta
and Pamforo
Cropped
alfalfa field
116
MD_04
Meadow
and alfalfa
field
Meadow
118 KP_218
Between
Amaranta
and Pamforo
Between
Amaranta
and Pamforo
Amaranta
119 KP_217
Amaranta
120
MD_3A
Amaranta
121
MD_03
Amaranta
Cropped
clover field
122
MD_02
East of
Filakas
Cropped
wheat field
123 KP_216
East of
Filakas
124
MD_01
East of
Filakas
Field with
cotton and
Graminae
Clover field
125
234
SE of Nea
Mesimvria
Wheat fields
126
235
127
236
128
237
SE of Nea
Mesimvria
East of Nea
Mesimvria
East of Nea
Mesimvria
Cropped
clover field
Cropped
wheat field
Meadow
and pasture
129
WP5
Fallow field
130
WP6
131
WP7
132
WP8
North of
Pentalofos
NE of
Pentalofos
NE of
Pentalofos
North of
Neohorouda
117 KP_219
Field with
cotton and
Graminae
Field with
cotton and
Graminae
Cropped
corn
Fallow field
Fallow field
on a hillside
Pasture with
stands of
maquis
Comp.
Code
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.Type
Ser.
No.
Rev.: 00 / at09
(KP)
to
pipeline
centreline
(m)
1251
1251
some cropped wheat and clover fields. No animal
species of interest was detected. Based on the
information provided by a local shepherd,
15 years ago. Sampling point located outside the
zone of 500 m.
91
91
Surroundings of cropped cotton fields, meadows
and clover fields. Presence of Rana spp in an
artificial pond for livestock was detected.
376
376
m.
406
406
m.
67
67
Close to the existing compressor station
Komotini. No animal species of interest were
detected.
292
292
Surroundings mainly of cropped cotton
zone of 500 m.
93
93
Surroundings mainly of cropped cotton
detected. Information by a local shepherd
confirmed field results.
227
227
Surroundings of cropped cotton cultivations and
some wheat fields. No animal species of interest
were detected.
71
71
Close to the existing compressor station
Komotini. No animal species of interest were
detected.
526
526
m.
358-359
183
Absence of suitable habitat for sampling . Based
on the information provided by a local farmer,
10-15 years ago and was diminished due to the
extencive use of pesticides.
356-357
72
Surroundings of wheat fields. No animal species
355-356
109
354-355
25
Besides Gallikos river. Two large holes, probably
of badger were detected. No other animal
353-354
88
352-353
67
351-352
35
350-351
113
Page 24 of 32
Area
Code
Project Title:
Document Title:
Nr.
GPS
point
Area
133
WP9
134
WP10
135
WP11
136
WP12
137
WP13
West of
Melissohori
138
WP14
139
A26
140
B26
141
C26
South of
Monolofo
North of
Melissohori
North of
Melissohori
North of
Drymos
142
D26
NW of
Drymos
143
E26
144
F26
North of
Drymos
North of
Drymos
145
G26
146
H26
147
I26
148
J26
149
K26
150
L26
151
M26
152
N26
153
O26
West of
Assiros
154
P26
155
Q26
West of
Assiros
East of
Krithia
156
R6
West of
Melissohori
West of
Melissohori
West of
Melissohori
West of
Melissohori
NE of
Drymos
West of
Paleohora
West of
Paleohora
South of
Paleohora
West of
Paleohora
West of
Paleohora
SW of
Assiros
West of
Assiros
East of
Krithia
Comp.
Code
System
Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.Type
Ser.
No.
Rev.: 00 / at09
Habitat
type
(KP)
to
pipeline
centreline
(m)
Fallow field 349-350
118
with weeds
of interest was detected.
203
Meadow
347-348
76
94
used as
pasture
157
used as
pasture
Wheat fields 344-345
172
Absence of suitable habitat for sampling
90
35
Fallow fields 342-343
13
Surroundings mainly of wheat fields. Two holes
with a diameter >6mm were detected but seemed
inactive, potential presence of Spermophilus
citellus and Talpa spp. as well
Large
341-342
154
Surroundings mainly of wheat fields. A system of
meadow
burrows with small and big holes and remnants of
eaten walnuts
13
Fallow field
with
graminae
Wheat fields
339-340
96
339-340
279
Wheat fields
338-339
8
Wheat fields
and arable
land
Wheat fields
337-338
134
336-337
30
Wheat fields
336-337
129
Chick-peas
field
Cereals‘
fields
Wheat fields
and arable
land
Wheat fields
and arable
land
Cereals‘
fields
Cereals‘
fields and
arable land
Cereals‘
fields
335-336
9
335-336
50
334-335
5
333-334
62
333-334
64
332-333
55
331-332
23
Page 25 of 32
Area
Code
Project Title:
Document Title:
Nr.
GPS
point
Area
157
S26
158
T26
159
306
160
307
161
308
162
309
163
310
164
311
165
312
166
313
167
315
168
316
169
319
West of
Pimni
170
320
East of Pimni
Habitat
type
SE of Examili
Cereals‘
fields and
arable land
East of
Cereals‘
Examili
fields and
arable land
North of
Mainly corn
Chryssoupoli and cereals‘
fields
SW of Neos
Cereals‘
Xerias
fields
SW of Neos Clover field
Xerias
SE of Neos Fallow field
Xerias
NE of Neos Fallow field
Xerias
SE of
Clover field
Damaskinia
SE of
Fallow field
Damaskinia
East of
Fallow field
Damaskinia
South of
Fallow field
Thalassia
East of
Fallow field
Thalassia
Fallow field
with
graminae
Fallow field
Comp.
Code
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Code
Disc.
Code
Doc.Type
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No.
Rev.: 00 / at09
(KP)
to
pipeline
centreline
(m)
330-331
50
329-330
18
162-163
7
161-162
32
160-161
92
159-160
25
158-159
18
157-158
105
156-157
52
155-156
56
152-153
90
151-152
248
150-151
215
Surroundings of cereals’ fields. No animal
Surroundings of clover, wheat and corn fields.
Surroundings of olive trees, clover, wheat and
corn fields. No animal species of interest were
detected.
Surroundings of wheat fields and maquis. No
149-150
72
Surroundings of fallow fields and reeds. No
Source: EXERGIA October 2012 field survey & NCC April-May 2013 field survey
2.3
Limitations, Uncertainties and Bias

The first sampling period coincided with the hibernation season of the species: in
Macedonia female sousliks immerge in hibernation already by early July, followed by males
a few weeks later, and finally by juveniles; by mid-September the entire population is
inactive (Boutsis, 2002; Youlatos et al., 2007). Thus, the probability of observing active
animals or fresh signs of them was extremely low. In addition, the true identity of the holes
could not be verified as they are altered by wind, trampling and/or vegetation while the
animals remain inactive.

The locations of Spermophilus colonies presented in this report (see Section 3) should be
considered as the minimal range of the species within the Project area. Moreover it is
possible that additional colonies (or an expansion of an already recorded colony) may be
found within an already searched block for which no colony is otherwise stated. That may
Page 26 of 32
Area
Code
Project Title:
Document Title:
Comp.
Code
System
Code
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Code
Doc.Type
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be especially true for those blocks that sampling took place outside the 500 m zone: out of
81 searched blocks, 22 blocks were searched in sites outside the 500 m zone. In addition
and due to time limitations, the second field survey was focused only in areas where
Spermophilus citellus presence had been recorded in the past. Current status of
Spermophilus citellus along the unsearched blocks cannot be reliably speculated.

4
The persistence of colonies from one year to the next cannot be predicted: in the Czech
Republic, some colonies seem to have vanished from one year to the next (Mateju et al.,
2008), while a number of colonies found along the TAP West pipeline in 2011 were not
confirmed the following year4. These findings suggest that turnover events also occur in the
Greek populations, and colonies are possible to abandon one site, vanish or re-establish
themselves somewhere else even within a year.
ESIA Greece West Annex 6.5.4 – European Souslik Baseline Study
Page 27 of 32
Area
Code
Project Title:
Document Title:
3
RESULTS
3.1
Spermophilus citellus Colonies
Comp.
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Code
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Code
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No.
Rev.: 00 / at09
Six different locations (Table 3-1) presented evidence on the presence of Spermophillus citellus
along the pipeline route between the Greek-Turkish border (KP 0) and Nea Messimvria (KP 359).
No active animals were observed within any of the searched blocks during the fsurvey and
freshly dug holes were only identified in one of the locations, while the other 4 only presented
shallow (partially closed) holes. However, the information provided by local people supports the
presence of the species in these areas (Table 3-1).
The first potential colony identified is located near the village of Kipoi, between KP 3 and KP 4.
Three big holes and several small ones, all of them shallow, were found in a clover field. Based
on the information provided by the local people, it seems that the species occurs in a broader
area between Gemisti and Kipoi village, eg between KP 0 and KP 4, and it shows a preference
for mixed cotton-melon fields, probably feeding on the melons. Sampling effort failed to reveal
other potential colonies; however, in many of the searched locations erosion was very intense,
and it was almost impossible to distinguish true holes from hole-like structures produced by
erosion.
The second potential colony is located near the village of Kavisos, between KP 16 and KP 17.
Shallow (partially closed) holes that could be attributed to former activity of the species were
detected in a fallow field. Erosion was still a limiting factor for the reliable detection of
Spermophilus citellus burrows in neighbouring sites; unfortunately, there is no available
information by local people that could give more insight.
The third and fourth sites identified as potential colonies of Spermophilus lay very close one to
theother, and it could be assumed that they are both parts of the same colony. The third site is
located near Aetolofos, between KP 73 and KP 74, and the fourth one between Lofario and
Aetolofos, between KP 75 and KP 76. Signs of inactive burrows (big, but shallow-closed holes)
were detected in both sites, and the souslik presence in the area was also suggested by two local
people. In both cases, souslik-like holes were found in meadows with Paliurus spp, and based on
the information provided by local people meadows seem to be the preferable habitat of the
species in the area, as they are not subjected to farming processes, such as tilling.
Page 28 of 32
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Finally, two sets of burrows were detected north of Drymos village, between KP 341 and KP 343
in a meadow field and a fallow respectively. Four big holes and several small ones were
recorded, lying quite close to each other, thus it could be assumed that they are both parts of the
same colony. Although some of the smaller openings seemed abandoned, two big freshly dug
holes and remnants of eaten walnuts provide strong evidence of animal activity in the area.
Table 3-1
No. GPS POINT
Potential Spermophilus citellus Presence in the Study Area
Geographical
area
Approx. KP
chainage
Habitat
General comments
1
MD_47
(block
R4/L4R3/L3)
Near Kipoi
3.4
Clover field
Three big and several small holes, all closed,
were detected, potential presence of
Spermophilus citellus. Based on local people
information, species presence may be
broader, and expand between KP0 to KP4.
2
DM_53
(block
R17/L17R16/L16)
Near Kavisos
17.3
Fallow field
Three large holes and several smaller, all of
them closed, were detected. Potential
presence of Spermophilus citellus. The
colony may expand in neighbouring sites, but
due to intense erosion no reliable
observations werepossible.
3
MD_16
(block
R74/L74R73/L73)
Near Aetolofos
73.8
Meadows with
Paliurus spp
Several fresh, shallow (as if recently closed)
holes of diameter >7 cm, and several ones of
diameter >10 cm were detected. Potential
presence of the Spermophilus citellus.
4
MD_15
(block
R76/L76R75/L75)
Between Lofario
and Aetolofos
75
Meadows with
Paliurus spp
Signs of inactive burrows (two to three 10cm
diameter holes) were detected. Information
by two local people (shepherd and farmer)
indicates Spermophilus presence in the area.
Potential presence of the species concerned.
Holes detected in KP 73.8 are considered to
be part of one colony, extended between KP
73 to KP 76.
5
D26 (block
R341/L341R341/L341)
North of Drymos
341.6
Large meadow
Two holes with a diameter >6mm were
detected but one seemed inactive. Potential
presence of Spermophilus citellus and Talpa
spp.as well
6
C26 (block
R342/L342R343/L343)
North of Drymos
342.3
Fallow field
A system of burrows with small and big holes
was detected with remnants of eaten walnuts
at the opening of one burrow. Potential
presence of the Spermophilus citellus.
Note: The identified colonies are considered to sustain populations of Spermophilus citellus, though it
cannot be confirmed due to the limitations of the field work in terms of the season of the year when it was
conducted, coinciding with the hibernating period of the species (items 1 to 4).
Source: EXERGIA October 2012 field survey & NCC April-May 2013 field survey
Page 29 of 32
Area
Code
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Document Title:
3.2
Comp.
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Other Important Features
Evidence of the presence of other rodent species was recorded in 15 observation points. Small
holes (diameter < 6-7cm) were detected in 11 observation points. Due to the old age of the
majority of the holes, and also to the difficulty to use the shape and size of the holes as
taxonomic criterion for species identification, no further assumptions were made. The observed
holes could be attributed to Microtus spp, Rattus spp, Apodemus spp etc. Characteristic piles of
fine-grained soil of Talpa spp and/or Microtus spp were observed in two locations. Badger (Meles
meles) was recorded in two sites.
Page 30 of 32
Area
Code
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4
CONCLUSIONS
4.1
Key Habitats within the Study Area
Comp.
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Potential colonies of the ground squirrel seem to be present in three areas around the pipeline
route between the Greek-Turkish border and Nea Messimbria. The first two, in Evros-Rodopi
region, are separated geographically from each other by the South Forest Complex of Evros
Prefecture while the third one is located close to the populations identified east of Axios River on
the study conducted between Nea Messimbria and the Greek-Albanian border (see ESIA Greece
West Annex 6.5.4 – European Souslik Baseline Study):

The easternmost area comprises one potential colony near Kipoi and another one near
Kavisos in Evros Prefecture. Field results and information provided by local people do no
support the connectivity of these colonies. However, the colony near Kipoi (KP 3 – KP 4)
may extend even more to the east, towards the Greek-Turkish border; the population would
lie then between KP 0 to KP 4. The other potential colony identified, near Kavisos, lies
between KP 16 - KP 17, and may also expand further within or even outside the reported
area.

The western population ranges between the villages Aetolofos and Lofario in Komotini
Prefecture, and lies between KP 73 to KP 76. Given the small size of the area, it is
presumed that this area hosts only one colony.

The population of Thessaloniki prefecture spreads north of Drymos village and lies between
KP 341 to KP 343. It is probably formed by a single colony, as the neighbouring land
comprises large cereal and corn fields.
Table 4-1
Spermophilus citellus potential colonies reports
Pipeline KP
chainage
3
Potential Spermophilus citelluscolonies reports
within the study area (October 2012 and May 2013)
1
Distance to the pipeline
17
1
1m
74
1
131 m
238 m
75
1
75 m
341
1
154
342
1
13
Note: The identified colonies between KP 3 and 75 are considered to sustain populations of Spermophilus
citellus, though it cannot be confirmed due to the limitations of the field work in terms of the season of the
year when it was conducted, coinciding with the hibernating period of the species.
Source: EXERGIA field survey (October 2012) and NNC field survey (May 2013)
Page 31 of 32
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Regarding the results, the main locations marked as important for the species conservation
corresponds to the distribution range of the three populations recorded in the field:

The eastern population, from KP 0 (Greek-Turkish border) to KP 4 (Kipoi), and from KP 16
to KP 17 (near Kavisos);

Rodopi population, from KP 73 to KP 76, that is from west of Aetolofos village to east of
Lofario village.

The western population, from KP 343 to KP 341, that is north of Drymos village.
According to the literature data, the species has been reported in Thrace in regions of Evros and
Xanthi. By comparing the results of the field survey with the available literature data, it could be
noted that field survey results are likely to verify the presence of the ground squirrel in some of
the locations where the species presence had been referred. The potential colonies found
between Kipoi and Gemisti, as well as in Kavisos, lie within the broader eastern region of Thrace,
where souslik presence is mentioned by Youlatos (2008). In addition the potential presence of
European ground squirrel between Aetolofos and Lofario (Komotini region) if finally certified,
might constitute the first record of the species within the Komotini region, while the other sites
mentioned in literature are located far beyond the study area. In addition, the present study gives
some evidence on the
occurrence of Spermophilus cittelus in agricultural land under mild
agricultural practices, as well as in fallow fields and meadows, and is therefore in accordance
with results from the survey conducted for the West Section (see ESIA Greece West Annex 6.5.4
– European Souslik Baseline Study).
Monitoring studies concerning the occurrence of the European ground squirrel colonies are
available in Europe from the populations of Czech Republic, Slovakia and Bulgaria. For example,
in Czech Republic, in 2008 the occurrence of the ground squirrel was verified only in 35 sites out
of 45 sites for which the presence of the animal had been recorded or reported in 2002-2008
(Mateju et al. 2008). Moreover, in Slovakia the extinction rate seems to be even greater.
Comparing the occurrence of the species between 1996 and 2008 with its occurrence listed in
older literature, Ambros (2008) found that the species had become extinct in the majority of the
referenced localities (87%), and estimated that in the 120 localities where the species was
registered, due to changes in farming practices, its populations will become also extinct within 3-4
years. Furthermore, a study conducted the period 2005-2008 in Bulgaria with the purpose to
verify the presence of the animal in 90 historical localities of S. citellus colonies, revealed that
30% out of 90 investigated colonies had disappeared, 28% were vulnerable and only 42% were
Page 32 of 32
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stable (Koshev, 2008). On the other hand, although there is evidence that ground squirrel can
migrate and colonize other habitats (Mateju et al. 2010), and establish new colonies (Koshev,
2008), the fragmentation of its habitat and the subsequent isolation of the colonies due to the lack
of suitable corridors seem to be inhibitory factors for the migration of the species to other areas
and the maintenance of the population in high and viable densities (Millesi et al. 2004; Turrini et
al. 2008). Thus, the turnover of the species within a few decades, or even in a few years as it
occurred in the Czech Republic ground squirrel’s populations (Mateju et al. 2008), proved to be
high. Furthermore, monitoring data coming from the countercheck of the colonies detected in the
framework of TAP West study provides strong evidence that the turnover rate is also high in
Greece: several colonies found in 2011 survey were not verified again one year later.
This report shows that there are at least three potential population units along the current TAP
East alignment in Thessaloniki, Evros and Komotini regions. Neither the turnover of the Greek
colonies of S. citellus nor their sensitivity to immediate disturbance during infrastructure works is
known, but it has been claimed that the last known colony of the ground squirrel in the National
Park of Dadia became extinct in 1992, while formerly the species was widespread in the park
(Catsadorakis & Bousbouras, 2010).
Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG – Greece (Branch Office)
21st Floor, Athens Tower, 2-4 Messogion Ave., 11527
Athens Greece
Athens,
Phone.: + 30 210 7454613
Fax: + 30 210 7454300
[email protected]
www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com
Date 06/2013
Copyright Reserved: This document may not be copied, shown to or plac
ced at the disposal of third parties without prior consent of TAP AG.
The latest version of the document is registered in the TAP Project's Data
abase.

Integrated ESIA Greece Annex 6.5.4 - East

Transcription

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