invasive species as a treat to local biodiversity: integrated approach on buddleja davidii and...

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| Content i Students 3 th Bachelor Green management PHL University College Supervision and coördination : Sarah Descamps and Alain De Vocht September 23 th 2012 INVASIVE SPECIES AS A THREAT TO LOCAL BIODIVERSITY: INTEGRATED APPROACH ON BUDDLEJA DAVIDII AND CYPRINUS CARPIO IN AN EDUCATIONAL TRIAL

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This project highlights the importance of quarry management plans which have to integrate the establishment of invasive species populations. The researchers focused their research on the invasive species Buddleja davidii, also called Butterfly bush, which show a very strong potential for dispersion and rapidly dominate new ecosystems which strongly hamper the settlement of native species in early successions. Methods to eliminate and to control the species were also studied. The project won the 1st Prize in National Quarry Life Award in 2012 in Benelux. Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/invasive-species-treat-local-biodiversity-integrated-approach-buddleja-davidii-and-cyprinus

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Page 1: Invasive species as a treat to local biodiversity: integrated approach on Buddleja davidii and Cyprinus Carpio in an educational trial, Benelux

     

           |  Content   i  

 

   

     

Students  3th  Bachelor  Green  management  PHL  University  College  Supervision  and  coördination  :  Sarah  Descamps  and  Alain  De  Vocht    

       

 

 September  23th  2012  

INVASIVE  SPECIES  AS  A  THREAT  TO  LOCAL  BIODIVERSITY:  

INTEGRATED  APPROACH  ON  BUDDLEJA  DAVIDII  AND  CYPRINUS  CARPIO  IN  AN  

EDUCATIONAL  TRIAL                      

 

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           |  Content   ii  

 

Content  Content  .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................  ii  Summary  .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................  iii  1   Introduction  .......................................................................................................................................................................................................  1  2   Project  goals  and  objectives  .......................................................................................................................................................................  1  3   Material  and  methods  ...................................................................................................................................................................................  2  3.1   Sampling  plots  and  soil  sampling  in  stands  of  Butterfly  bush  (B.  davidii)  .....................................................................  2  3.2   Soil  analysis  ...............................................................................................................................................................................................  2  3.3   Fish  monitoring  .......................................................................................................................................................................................  2  

4   Results  ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................  4  4.1   Soil  conditions  near  stands  of  B.  davidii  .......................................................................................................................................  4  4.2   Fish  community  .......................................................................................................................................................................................  6  

5   Discussion  ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................  7  5.1   Soil  conditions  and  Butterfly  bush  ..................................................................................................................................................  7  5.2   Control  measures  for  Butterfly  bush  ..............................................................................................................................................  7  5.3   Fish  community  .......................................................................................................................................................................................  8  

6   Conclusions  ........................................................................................................................................................................................................  8  7   References  .......................................................................................................................................................................................................  11  

   

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           |  Summary   iii  

 

Summary  This  project  was  carried  out  as  a  student  project  by  students  in  the  specialisation  ’Nature  and  Forest  management’  of  the  bachelor  Green  management  of  the  PHL  University  College.    The  presence  of  invasive  alien  species  (IAS)  is  a  major  problem  in  many  quarries.    IAS  have  an  important  negative  impact  on  the  local  biodiversity  and  are  a  threat  to   native   species   not   only   in   the   quarry   but   if   further   dispersed   also   for   the   surroundings.   This   project   will  investigate   the   invasive   species   Buddleja   davidii,   a   major   problem   in   quarries   such   as   Loën   and   source   for  contamination   of   adjacent   habitats   or   ecosystems,   as   gravel   banks   of   river   Meuse.     The   species   shows   a   very  strong   potential   for   dispersion   and   dominates  new   ecosystems   very   rapidly,   strongly   hampering   settlement   of  native   species   in   early   successions.     The   project   will   investigate   the   distribution   and   habitat   specificity   in   the  quarry  of  Loën.    Methods  to  eliminate  and  control  the  species  will  be  studied  and  a  selection  of  methods  will  be  presented.    The  results  are  applicable  in  other  quarries  of  HeidelbergCement.  

The   project   has   been   set   up   as   an   educational   project   for   3th   year   bachelor   students   in   Nature   and   Forest  conservation.  The  aim  of  the  educational  project  is  to  enhance  the  knowledge  of  vulnerability  of  novel  ecosystems  for   invasive   alien   species   and   to   increase   their   insight   in   the   important   potentials   for   habitat   restoration   for  endangered  species  in  quarries.    

Secondly   the   biodiversity   of   fishes   in   the   central   pond   in   the   quarry   of   Loën  will   be   studied.     The   presence   of  native  as  well  as  invasive  species  will  be  investigated.    Based  on  the  inventory,  adequate  measures  to  enhance  the  aquatic  fish  or  amphibian  biodiversity  and  the  control  of  invasive  alien  fish  species  can  be  formulated.  

Students  in  the  professional  bachelor  nature-­‐  en  forest  conservation  (PHL  University  College)  are  very  sceptic  and  often  negative  regarding  exploitation  of  quarries  and  their  impact  on  the  landscape  and  biodiversity.  This  project  aims  to  widen  their  views  and  to  open  their  minds  regarding  the  potentials  and  threats  in  novel  ecosystems  and  their  knowledge  in  management  of  invasive  alien  species.    In  the  project  students  will  be  introduced  in  the  ecology  of  the  quarry,  they  will  set  up  a  soil  sampling  scheme  and  mapping  of  B.  davidii.    Science  based  results  will  be  used  the   support   control   strategies.     Further  more   they  will   help  monitoring   the   fishes   in   the   shores   of   the   aquatic  pond.     Especially   the   presence   of   carp   (Cyprinus   carpio)   has   a   negative   effect   on   the   reproductive   success   of  amphibians  in  these  ecosystems.    

This  report  summarizes  of  a  more  elaborated  version  in  Dutch,  with  the  results  of  the  soil  analysis  in  the  quarry  of  Loën   in   respect   to   the   distribution   and   cover   of   the   Butterfly   bush   (B.   davidii).     After   a   concise   introduction,  elucidating  the  problem,  the  sampling  set  up  and  methods  applied  are  listed  in  the  section  ‘Material  and  methods’.    The  results  of  the  soil  analysis  (pH,  NO2-­‐,  NO3-­‐,  O-­‐PO43-­‐,  Fe,  Ca,  humidity)  and  cover  of  B.  davidii  is  presented  in  the  section   ‘Results’.     The   results,   invasive   character   of   the   species   and   management   options   are   discussed   and  conclusions  of  the  project  are  formulated.    

In   addition   the   results   of   the   fish  monitoring   in   the   central   pond   are   presented   as  well   as   possible   actions   to  enhance  the  ecological  quality  of  this  aquatic  ecosystem.      

The  students  and  supervisors  wish  to  thank  HeidelbergCement  and  CBR  for  the  support  and  engagement  in  this  educational  project.    The  project  gave  us  the  opportunity  to  adjust  our  initial  idea  of  excavation  and  its  impacts  on  biodiversity.     Both   the   opportunities   for   biodiversity   in   these   novel   ecosystems   as   well   as   the   threats   for  biodiversity  are  certainly  clarified  to  us  now  

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           |  Introduction   1  

 

1 Introduction  Invasive  alien  species  (IAS)  are  one  of  the  major  threats  to  biodiversity  worldwide.  The  Conference  of  the  Parties  (COP)  to  the  Convention  on  Biological  Diversity  (CBD)  has  recognized  that  there  is  an  urgent  need  to  minimize  the  spread  and  impact  of  IAS.  Article  8(h)  of  the  Convention  states:  Each  Contracting  Party  shall,  as  far  as  possible  and  as  appropriate,  prevent   the   introduction  of,  control  or  eradicate   those  alien  species  which   threaten  ecosystems,  habitats  or  species.    Especially  novel  ecosystems  and  pioneer  habitats  are  vulnerable  to  invasion  of  alien  species.    In  nature  development  many  initiatives  to  enhance  local  biodiversity  are  hampered  by  invasion  of  foreign  species  in   newly   created   habitats   or   biotopes.     Pumpkinseed   or   carps   invade   ponds   constructed   for   amphibians   and  narrow-­‐leaved  ragwort  or  butterfly  bush  invade  bare  soils  in  restoration  projects.      

Regarding  the  potential  for  nature  conservation  and  biodiversity  in  quarries,  these  aspects  have  to  be  taken  into  account.    Management  cannot  only  be  focussed  on  rare  or  red  list  species;  establishment  of  populations  of  invasive  species  will  have   to  be   integrated   in  quarry  management  plans  and  restoration  efforts.    HeidelbergCement  as  a  company   promotes   biodiversity   in   their   quarries   and   integrates   this   aspect   in   its   company   vision   and  mission  (HeidelbergCement,  2010).  

2 Project  goals  and  objectives  Three   main   goals   of   the   project   can   be   formulated   and   their   measurability,   relevance,   attainability   and   time-­‐dependence  have  been  checked.    

Students  in  the  professional  bachelor  nature-­‐  en  forest  conservation  (PHL  University  College)  are  very  sceptic  and  often  negative  regarding  exploitation  of  quarries  and  their  impact  on  the  landscape  and  biodiversity.  This  project  aims  to  widen  their  views  and  to  open  their  minds  regarding  the  potentials  and  threats  in  novel  ecosystems  and  their  knowledge  in  management  of  invasive  alien  species.  

Apart  of  this  central  goal  the  project  aims  to  clarify  the  invasive  success  of  Buddleja  davidii  in  the  quarry  of  Loën  in  order  to  evaluated  possible  management  actions.  

Quarries  such  as  in  Loën  are  important  for  rare  amphibians  such  as  Natterjack  toad  (Bufo  calamita),  Midwife  toad  (Alytes   obstreticans),   both   recorded   in   the   quarry   of   Loën.   Predation   by   fishes,   and   especially   Carp   or  Pumpkinseed,   is   an   important   pressure   on   the   conservation   of   these   populations.     Knowledge   on   the   fish  community  present   in   the  central  pond   is  crucial   in   this   respect.    The  project  aims   to  make  an   inventory  of   the  fishes  present  in  shallow  habitats  of  the  pond  that  are  important  for  amphibian  reproduction.    

The   first   goal   is   monitored   by   a   survey   before   and   after   the   project   and   these   results   are   presented   in   the  conclusions  only.    

The   second   goal   is   met   if   correct   information   on   soil   composition   has   been   made   available   and   discussed   in  respect  to  management  strategies.  

Results  of  the  fish  monitoring  will  clarify  the  potential  impact  of  fishes  on  the  amphibian  reproduction  and  aquatic  ecosystem.  

The  goals  will  have  to  be  attained  within  a  short  time  frame,  leaving  possibilities  for  further  adjustment.    

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3 Material  and  Methods  

3.1 Sampling  plots  and  soil  sampling  in  stands  of  Butterfly  bush  (B.  davidii)  Students   executed   the   soil   or   substrate   sampling   in   order   to   investigate   the   soil   or   substrate   characteristics   in  stands  of  B.  davidii  in  five  different  plots  of  2  by  2  meter  with  different  cover  of  Butterfly  bush  (B.  davidii)  (Figure  1).    Duplicate  plots  with  the  same  cover  of  Butterfly  bush  were  selected  and  sampled  (Table  1).    

Within  each  plot   six   soil   subsamples  were   taken  with   the  gouge  bit  or  Edelmann  earth  auger   (Figure  2).  These  samples  were  mixed  in  order  to  retrieve  a  representative  soil  sample  of  the  plot.    

Table  1.    Codes  of  sampled  plots  and  indication  of  the  cover  of  Buddleja  davidii  and  number  of  individuals.    

 

 

3.2 Soil  analysis  Soil  or  substrate  samples  were  weighted  the  day  of  sampling  and  dried  in  the  oven  (105  °  C)  in  order  to  determine  moisture  content  (Figure  3).    Soil  moisture  content  was  calculated  as  WH2O  =  (m1  –  m2/m2  –  m0)*100.    The  dried  soil  samples  were  grinded  and  sieved  (2  mm)  (Figure  4).    Soil  solutions  were  prepared  with  demineralized  water  and  filtered  sequentially  with  a  paper  filter  MN  615  and  microfiltration  with  PALL  Acrodisc  32  mm  (0.2  µm)  on  a  syringe.    The  filtered  solution  was  used  for  determination  of  pHH2O,  conductivity  and  nutrients.    A  solution  of  1  M  KCl  was  used  for  determination  of  pHKCl..    For  pH-­‐measurements,  the  slurry  was  shacked  for  60  min  ±  10  min  on  a  mechanical  stirring  machine.    Measurement  was  performed  in  between  1  and  3  hours  after  filtration.      

Measurements   were   performed   by   room   temperature   (±   20   °C)   using   20   g   dried   soil   and   100   ml   solution  (demineralized  water  or  KCl).   pH  and   conductivity  were  measured  using  Hanna  HI  2550   (Figure  5).    Total   and  carbonate   hardness   were   measured   colorimetrically   (Merck).     Ammonia   (NH4+),   nitrite   (NO2-­‐),   nitrate   (NO3-­‐),  orthophosphate  (O-­‐PO43-­‐)  and  iron  (Fe)  were  measured  with  a  spectrophotometer  Merck  SQ  NOVA  60  (Figure  6).    Total  NPK  (nitrogen,  phosphorus  and  Potassium)  were  measured  additionally.    

3.3 Fish  monitoring  The   fish   community   in   the   central   pond   or   lake   was   investigated   the   27th   of   April   2012.     Shallow   banks   and  connected   shallow   marshes   and   bays,   important   breeding   habitats   for   amphibians,   were   monitored   by  electrofishing   (DEKA   7000)   from   a   boat   (Figure   7,   Figure   8).     All   fishes   (and   amphibians)   were   identified,  measured  and   large   fish  was  weighed  (Figure  9,  Figure  10).  The  pond   it   self   is  very   turbid  and  milky  of  colour.    The  poor  visibility  hampers  the  growth  of  submerse  aquatic  vegetation.    In  the  shallow  bays  reed  is  present.        

Cover  Buddleja  davidii   Plot   Observed  plants  of  Buddleja  davidii  

0%   0A   0  plants  

0B   0  plants  

0  -­‐  25%   1A   2  small  plants  

1B   2  small  plants  

25  -­‐  50%   2A   6  small  plants  

2B   4  plants  

50  -­‐  75%   3A   5  plants:  3  tall,  2  small  

3B   6  plants  

75  -­‐  100%   4A   5  plants,  of  which  1  very  tall  branched  

4B   8  plants,  of  which  3  small    

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Figure  1.  Students  on  a  field  visit  for  soil  sampling.     Figure  2.  Soil  sampling  site  near  Butterfly  bush.    

   

Figure  3.  Drying  of  the  soil  samples.     Figure  4.  Grinding  and  sieving  of  the  soil  samples.    

   

Figure  5.  Measurement  of  pHKCl  in  a  solution  of  the  soil  sample.  

Figure  6.  Measurement  of  nutrients  using  the  spectrophotometer.  

   

Figure  7.  Start  of  the  fishing.   Figure  8.  Electrofishing  a  shallow  bay  of  the  pond.  

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           |  Results   4  

 

   

Figure  9.  Students  measuring  the  fishes.     Figure  10.  Weighing  individual  Carp.  

4 Results  4.1 Soil  conditions  near  stands  of  B.  davidii    The   results   of   the   soil   analysis   are   summarized   in  Table   2.     Soil  moisture   content   varies   between  5   and  17  %.    There  is  no  significant  difference  in  pHH2O  of  the  soil  solution  between  the  different  stands  or  covers  (Figure  11).    An  average  of  8.75  (±  sd  0.22)  is  noted.  pHH2O  has  Remarkably  a  higher  pHKCl  is  measured  if  the  cover  of  Butterfly  bush  is  higher.    The  average  pHKCl  is  6.88  (±  sd  0.46).    The  difference  between  pHH2O  and  pHKCl  is  relatively  high,  indicating  potentials  for  less  alkaline  conditions  over  time.    Dense  stands  of  Butterfly  bush  hamper  weathering  of  the   disturbed   soils   or   substrate.   In   denser   stands   of   Butterfly   bush,   proton   (H+)   are   bound   stronger   to   the  substrate   in   comparison   to   soils   were   no   Butterfly   bush   is   present.   There   is   no   clear   correlation   between   the  conductivity  of  the  soil  solution  and  the  presence  and  cover  of  Butterfly  bush.  The  average  conductivity  of  the  soil  solution   is   low,   61   µS/cm   (±   sd   20)   indicating   a   strong   bond   between   ions   and   the   substrate   and   a   very   low  bioavailability  of  nutrients  (Figure  12).    Also  the  carbonates  or  Ca2+  and  Mg2+-­‐ions  (total  hardness)  are  well  bound  and  have   a   relative   low  bioavailability.     A   slight   increase   in   alkalinity   can  be  noticed   in   respect   to   the   cover   of  Butterfly   bush   (Figure   13).     This   confirms   the   findings   of   higher   pHKCl   in   the   stands.     Whether   Butterfly   bush  buffers  the  soil  in  the  stands  or  it  prefers  better  buffered  soil  conditions.      

Table  2.  Results  of  the  soil  analysis  including  moisture  content,  pH  (H2O  and  KCl),  conductivity,  carbonate  alkalinity,  total  hardness,  ammonia  (NH4+-­‐N)  ,  nitrite  (NO2

—N),  nitrate  (NO3—-­‐N),  phosphate  (O-­‐PO4  

3-­‐-­‐P  )  and  iron  (Fe)  concentrations  in  the  soil  in  relation  to  the  cover  of  Butterfly  bush  (B.  davidii).  

Cover  Buddleja  davidii  

Sampling  plot  

moisture  content  

pHH2O   pHKCl   Cond.  (µS/cm)  

Carb.  Alk.  (d°)  

Total  hardness  (d°)  

 NH4+-­‐N  

(mg/l)  NO3

-­‐-­‐N  (mg/kg)  

NO2-­‐-­‐N  

(mg/kg)  O-­‐PO4  

3-­‐-­‐P  

(mg/kgl  Fe    

(mg/kg)  

0%  0A   5.63%   8.9   6.2   32.7   3   2.5   5.2   6.5   0.45   3.95   0.9  

0B   11.2%   8.4   6   94.8   3   3.5   3.65   19   0.35   3.8   1.2  

0  -­‐  25%  1A   16.81%   8.6   6.9   77.1   4   3   4.25   17.5   0,3   6.35   1.2  

1B   11.68%   9.2   6.7   40.1   3   2.25   2.05   9.5   0.35   4.7   0.85  

25  -­‐  50%  2A   13.36%   8.6   7.1   62   5   3.5   4.25   9.5   0.35   5.95   1.15  

2B   8.12%   8.8   7.2   65.8   4   2.75   2.7   6   0,3   17.2   0.7  

50  -­‐  75%  3A   18.3%   8.9   7.3   50.2   3   3   3.15   17   0.25   8.2   0.9  

3B   14.16%   8.8   6.9   42.3   3   2.75   2.1   17.5   0.25   15.5   0.95  

75  -­‐  100%  4A   17.24%   8.6   7.2   73.5   5   3.75   3.25   13.5   0.3   7.95   0.7  

4B   10.26%   8.7   7.3   74.8   4   3.5   3.2   17.5   0.3   4.3   0.95  

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Figure  11.  pH  in  the  different  soil  samples  in  relation  to  the  cover  of  B.  davidii.  

Figure  12.  Conductivity  in  the  different  soil  samples  in  relation  to  the  cover  of  B.  davidii.  

   

Figure  13.  Alkalinity  and  total  hardness  in  the  different  soil  samples  in  relation  to  the  cover  of  B.  davidii.  

Figure  14.  Nitrogen  (ammonia,  nitrate  and  nitrite)  in  the  different  soil  samples  in  relation  to  the  cover  of  B.  davidii.  

   

Figure  15.  Orthophosphate-­‐phosphorus  in  the  different  soil  samples  in  relation  to  the  cover  of  B.  davidii.  

Figure  16.  Iron  in  the  different  soil  samples  in  relation  to  the  cover  of  B.  davidii.  

 

Nitrogen  is  present  in  the  soil  solutions  as  ammonia  (0.68  ±  0.2  mgN/l),  nitrite  (0.06  ±  0.012  mgN/l)  and  nitrate  (2.67  ±  1.01  mgN/l).    No  significant  difference  in  ammonia  concentration  was  found.  Nevertheless  in  soils  with  a  denser  cover  of  Butterfly  bush  lower  ammonia  concentrations  are  found  (Linear  regression  R2  =  0.30)  (Figure  14).  This  can,  however,  be  caused  by  a  higher  pH  in  denser  stands  and  the  formation  of  gaseous  NH3.    Great  differences  in  nitrate  concentration  between  duplicates  were  encountered  in  the  reference  conditions  (0A  and  0B).    A  positive  trend  toward  higher  nitrate  levels  in  soils  under  dense  cover  of  Butterfly  bush  is  found  as  in  ammonia.    Possibly  a  better   nitrification   due   to   bacterial   activity   underneath   Butterfly   bush   is   responsible   for   lower   ammonia   and  higher  nitrate  levels.    Also  in  nitrite  concentration,  a  negative  correlation  in  respect  with  cover  of  Butterfly  bush  is  

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found.    A  part  of  two  high  values  of  phosphorus  in  the  soil  samples  no  clear  difference  in  phosphate  concentration  is  found  (Figure  15).  In  iron  concentrations  as  well,  no  clear  differences  can  be  observed  (Figure  16).    

4.2 Fish  community  In   total   603   fishes   were   caught.     Five   fish   species;   Roach,   Three-­‐spined   stickleback,   Carp,   Prussian   carp   and  Gudgeon  are  present  (Table  3).  Roach  was  most  abundant  but  Carp  and  Gudgeon  are  present  in  high  numbers  as  well.    Three  species  of  amphibians  were  found  as  well  (Table  3).      

Table  3.    Fishes  and  amphibians  caught  in  the  shallow  zones  of  the  central  pond  in  the  quarry  of  Loën.    

Name   Scientific  name   Number  

Roach   Rutilus  rutilus   359  Three-­‐spined  stickelback   Gasterosteus  aculeatus   14  Carp   Cyprinus  carpio  var.   113  Gudgeon   Gobio  gobio   116  Prussian  carp   Carassius  gibelio   1    Total         603        Alpine  newt   Ichthyosaura  alpestris   2  Edible  frog   Pelophylax  kl.  esculentus   3  Marsh  frog   Pelophylax  ridibundus   2  

     

   

Figure  17.  Length  frequency  distribution  of  the  gudgeon  in  the  pond  of  the  quarry  in  Loën..  

Figure  18.  Length  frequency  distribution  of  roach  in  the  pond  of  the  quarry  in  Loën.  

   

Figure  19.  Length  frequency  distribution  of  three-­‐spined  stickelback  in  the  pond  of  the  quarry  in  Loën.  

Figure  20.  Length  frequency  distribution  of  carp  in  the  pond  of  the  quarry  in  Loën.  

 

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Maximum  length  of  Gudgeon  was  11.6  cm.  Gudgeons  were  very  pale,  lacking  the  characteristic  spots  on  the  flanks.  Growth  is  slow,  with  a  length  of  4  –  4.5  cm  after  the  first  year.    Most  individuals  are  2  to  4  years  old  but  clear  year  classes  cannot  be  identified  in  the  length  frequency  distribution  (Figure  17).  Roach  varied  in  length  between  3.5  and   19,5   cm,   with   a  median   length   of   7   cm   (Figure   18).     Most   individuals   belong   to   the   first   year   class,   with  remarkably  uncoloured  iris  in  the  eye.    Older,  adult  fishes  were  present  in  much  lower  number.    Fourteen  Three-­‐spined  stickelbacks  were  caught  with  a  maximum  length  of  6.5  cm  (Figure  19).    No  year  classes  can  be  seen  in  the  length  frequency  distribution.      

A  part  of  these  native  fish  species,  Carp  and  Prussian  carp  are  present.    Most  carp  was  found  in  the  length  class  between  10  and  30  cm,  so  still  young,  subadult   individuals  (Figure  20).    Older,  adult  Carp  up  to  50  cm  in  length  and  2.440  g  were  caught.    The  catches  indicate  that  the  reproductive  success  of  Carp  is  high  in  the  pond.    Growth  (length-­‐weight  relation)  shows  a  normal  growth  and  sufficient  food  for  the  populations.      

5 Discussion  5.1 Soil  conditions  and  Butterfly  bush  Difference  between  soil  variables  are  small  and  do  not  explain   the  presence  or  differences   in  cover  of  Butterfly  bush  in  the  quarry  of  Loën.  Also  exposition  has  little  influence  on  the  presence  of  Butterfly  bush  in  the  quarry.    The  success  of   the  Butterfly  bush   in   the  quarry  of   Loën   can  possibly  be   explained  by   the   strong   root   system  of   the  species,   breaking   the   chalk   or  marl   layer.     An   early  maturation   of   the   bush   and   high   seed   production   help   the  plants  to  spread  rapidly  in  novel  ecosystems.  Our  results  confirm  the  fact  that  Butterfly  bush  can  influence  the  soil  nutrient  cycle.    This  is  reflected  in  much  higher  nitrogen  concentrations  in  de  leaves  of  the  species  in  comparison  to  native  shrubs  (Feng  et  al.  2007).    

The  measured  nitrogen  levels  in  the  chalk  quarry  of  Loën  are  very  low.    Both  Birch  and  Butterfly  bush  are  early  pioneers  of  these  habitats.    At  low  soil  nitrogen,  Butterfly  has  an  ability  to  maintain  a  greater  leaf  area  irrespective  of  form,  whereas  Birch  cannot.  This  explains  the  more  rapid  growth  of  Butterfly  bush.  Maintenance  of  leaf  area  is  proposed  as  means  whereby  some  pioneer  species  are  able  to  grow  faster  than  other  species  on  soils  and  spoils  with  low  nitrogen  level  (Humphries  &  Guarino,  1987).  

Butterfly  bush   is   found   in   the   surroundings  as  well   on   the  gravel  banks  of   the   river  Meuse  and  along   railways.    Both   these  growing  conditions  are  harsh  as  well.  The  substrate   is  composed  out  of   stones  and  pebbles,   the  soil  solution  being  alkaline.      

5.2 Control  measures  for  Butterfly  bush  Management  of  Butterfly  bush  is  already  integrated  in  the  management  plan  (Colart  2010).    In  th  priority  zones  selected,  the  biodiversity  will  be  enhanced  and  Butterfly  bush  will  be  managed.    Further  woodland  creation  with  Beech,  Oak,  Maple,  Hazelwood  and  Ash  will  compete  with  Butterfly  bush  and  lower  light  intensity  is  negative  for  this  exotic  species.    However,  in  the  open  biotopes  in  the  quarry,  Butterfly  bush  will  still  be  present  and  will  have  to  be   controlled  over   time.    The   control  measures  presented   in   this  document   can  be  helpful   in   controlling   the  species   in   the   quarry.   Biological   control   by   species   grazing   on   Butterfly   bush   has   not   yet   been   introduced   in  Europe.    Cleopus  japonicas  and  Mecysolobus  erro  have  been  introduced  experimentally  in  New  Zealand  but  results  are  not  yet  available.    Introducing  other  alien  species  as  control  agent  are  dangerous  if  the  introduced  species  is  not  a  single  host  plant  specialist.    

General  aspect   in   the  control  of  Butterfly  bush  are  a  elimination  or  control   from  the  outer  bound  of   the  quarry  towards   the   centre,   comprising   roadside   and   other   transport   routes   into   the   quarry   in   the   control   area,  mechanical   control   is   favoured   to   chemical   control,   which   can   be   adapted   if   necessary.   Minimise   further  

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disturbance  as  this  favours  the  species  (Ream,  2006).  Defoliation  of  Butterfly  bush  resulted  in  a  marked  decrease  in  reproductive  capacity,  consistent  with  the  priority  allocation  of  resources  to  compensational  leaf  area  growth  (Thomas  et  al.  2008).  

Possible  actions  in  controlling  Butterfly  bush  in  the  quarries  of  HeidelbergCement:  

• Removing  tall  shrubs  with  excavation  machines  in  the  quarry;  

• Cutting   and   rub   in   glyphosate  on   the   stubs   in   late   summer   (transport   into   the   root   system,  preventing  new  shoots  to  establish  again  after  cutting)  Control  for  germination  of  seedlings  is  needed;  

• Young  plants   (less   than  3  years  old)   can  be  cut  out   (including  major  part  of   root   system),  alternatively  plants  can  be  burned  or  steamed  but  in  the  quarry  many  places  are  inaccessible;  

• Cut  branches  before  flowering  or  seed  formation,  preventing  further  spread.    Difficult  on  the  steep  slopes;  

• Establishing  chalk  meadow  vegetation  (sowing).  Plant  cover  reduces  the  invasiveness;  

• Increasing  shad  in  bushed  or  forested  areas  will  reduce  growth  and  success  of  Butterfly  bush;  

• Intensive  grazing  by  ‘Mergelland’  sheep  or  goats,  but  Butterfly  bush  is  not  loved  by  grazing  herds;  

5.3 Fish  community  Only  a  limited  number  of  fish  species  was  found  inshore  of  the  central  pond  of  the  quarry.    Limnophilic  species  are  lacking  because  no  submerse  vegetation  is  present  in  the  turbid  water.    The  high  turbidity  might  well  be  increased  by  the  presence  of  a  high  number  of  bottom-­‐  dwelling  fish  such  as  Carp.    In  order  to  enhance  the  biodiversity  of  the  aquatic  ecosystem  some  measures  are  presented.      

• The  north  bank  can  be  more  shallow,  enhancing   the  bank  vegetation  and  hence   foraging  and  spawning  habitat  for  limnophilic  fish  species  and  amphibians.;  

• Control   of   invasive   plants   such   as   Black   locust   (Robinia   pseudoacacia),     Japanese   knotweed   (Phallopia  japonica),  Butterfly  bush    (B.  davidii)  on  the  banks;  

• Control  tree  growth  on  the  island  and  reconstruct  the  shores;  

• Remove  the  carp  population  in  order  to  enhance  the  visibility  and  submerse  vegetation  growth;  

• Introduction  of  pike  to  further  diminish  the  fish  population.  

6 Conclusions  Soil  variables  do  explain   the   invasive  success  of  Butterfly  bush   in  different  stands   in   the  quarry  of  Loën.    Some  trends  are   found,  but   the  sampling  effort   is   to  small  do  draw  scientifically  based  conclusions.  The  microclimate  and  alkaline,  hard  substrate   favours  Butterfly  bush  to   indigenous  bushes.  Further  research  on  Butterfly  bush   in  the  quarry  of  Loën  could   focus  on   the  root  system  of   the  plants.    Penetration  depth,   impact  of  ground  water  or  local  water  tables  might  be  important  in  the  survival  and  success  of  the  bush.    

An   extensive   seed   production,   short   juvenile   life   span   with   early   reproduction,   fast   vegetative   growth,   deep  rooting   system   and   high   tolerance   to   extreme   conditions  make   the   Butterfly   bush   a   successful   invasive   plant.    Recent  research  did  not  reveal  adaptation  of  frost  hardness  and  tolerance  to  colder  climate  conditions,  leaving  the  

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genetic   potentials   identical   in   native   and   invasive   populations   (Ebeling   et   al.   2008).     The   authors   indicate   a  potential  for  further  extension  out  of  its  native  range.  Only  extreme  cold  (-­‐  30  °C)  or  high  temperatures  limit  the  further  expansion  of  Butterfly  bush.  Butterfly  bush  there  by  managed  to  become  the  new  black  cherry  worldwide.  Management   actions   are   desperately   needed   but   will   have   be   performed   in   an   integrated   approach   and  coordinated   on   a   national   or   higher   level.   Informing   the   public   if   Butterfly   bush   is   managed   is   needed.     The  ornamental  plant  is  found  to  be  attractive  by  the  public  and  it  attracts  many  butterflies.    

The  central  pond  in  the  quarry  of  Loën  is  in  need  of  an  ecological  rehabilitation.    Steep  banks  and  especially  the  high   turbidity  restrict   submerse  aquatic  vegetation  and  a  high  ecological  value.   Invasive  exotic  plant  species  on  the  banks  will  have  to  be  removed.  The  milky  character  of   the  water  has  a  negative   impact   if  settled  on  eggs  of  both  native  fishes  and  amphibians.  Side  waters  of  the  central  pond  are  important  breeding  habitats  for  Natterjack  toad  and  will  have  to  maintain  their  open  character.    The  management  action  being  proposed  can  be  realized  in    a  short  time  frame  without  excessive  costs.    

Finally,  one  of  the  goals  of  the  project  was  to  widen  the  view  and  perception  of  student  regarding  biodiversity  in  quarries.  The  results  of  the  survey  before  and  after  the  project  are  presented  in  Figure  23  and  Figure  24.    The  left  column  shows  the  answers  prior  to  the  project  in  February  2012.    The  right  hand  column  shows  the  survey  results  after  completion  of  the  project  and  graduation  of  the  students  (September  2012).  Students  think  that  the  impact  of  quarries  on  the  landscape  is  a  severe  assault  on  the  landscape  (question  1)  but  their  opinion  regarding  the  impact  on  the  biodiversity  is  changed  and  less  negative  (question  2).    They  do  not  further  support  the  idea  that  quarries  have  a  negative   impact  on  species  richness   in   the  area  (question  3)  and  they  all  see   the  potential   for   fauna  and  flora  in  quarries  (question  4).    The  students  still  have  mixed  opinions  about  the  need  or  necessity  of  quarries  in  society  (question  5)  and  a  minority  of  the  students  think  that  quarries  should  be  forbidden  (question  6).    

We  can  conclude  clearly,  because  student  are  unanimous  in  their  answers  that  this  project  changed  their  view  and  opions  regarding  quarries  and  opportunities  for  nature  conservation  (Figure  21).    They  are  also  very  well  aware  of  the  potential  threats  imposed  by  invasive  alien  species  in  quarries  after  completion  of  the  project  (Figure  22).    

   

Figure  21.  Positive  change  in  opinions  regarding  quarries  and  opportunities  for  nature  conservation.  

Figure  22.  Positive  change  in  opinions  regarding  quarries  and  potential  threats  for  nature  conservation..  

 

 

   

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Figure  23.  Results  from  the  survey  held  among  the  students  prior  to  the  project.    

Figure  24.  Results  from  the  survey  held  among  the  students  prior  to  the  project..  

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  Invasive  species  as  a  threat  to  local  biodiversity       p

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           |  References   11  

 

7 References  Colart  D.  2010.  S.A.  Cimenteries  CBR  (Heidelberg  Cement  Group).  La  biodiversité  dans  nos  carrières.    

Ebeling,   S.K.,  Welk,   E.,   Auge,  H.   and  Bruelheide,  H.   2008.   Predicting   the   spread   of   an   invasive   plant:   combining  experiments  and  ecological  niche  model.  Ecography  31:  709-­‐719.  

Feng,  Y.L.,  Auge,  A.  &  Ebeling,   S.K.  2007.   Invasive  Buddleja  davidii   allocates  more  nitrogen   to   its  photosynthetic  machinery  than  five  native  woody  species.  Oecologia  153:  501-­‐510.  

Humphries,   R.N.   &   Guarino,   L.   1987.   Soil   nitrogen   and   the   growth   of   birch   and   buddleia   in   abandoned   chalk  quarries.  Reclamation  and  Revegetation  Research  Vol.  6,  no.  1,  pp.  55-­‐61.  

2HeidelbergCement  AG  (ed.).  2010.  Promotion  of  biodiversity  at  the  mineral  extraction  sites  of  HeidelbergCement.  

2nd  Edition.  Edited  by:  Dr.  Rademacher  M.,  Dr.  Tränkie  U.,  Dr.  Hübner  F.,  Offenwanger  H.  &  Kaufmann  S.  

Thomas,  M.  M.    Watt,  M.   S.     Jay,   J.     Peltzer,   D.    Mason,   E.   G     Turnbull,  M.   H.    Whitehead,   D.   2009.   Influence   of  defoliation  on  reproductive  capacity  and  growth  in  Buddleja  davidii.  Weed  Research  Vol.  49    Issue  1    pp.  67-­‐72  

Ream,  J.  2006.  Production  and  Invasion  of  Butterfly  Bush  (Buddleja  davidii)  in  Oregon.  Project  State  University  of  Oregon  pp.  65.