Resumen de Espècies protegides i amenaçades: fauna vertebrada continental
Dolors Vinyoles Cartanyà, Enric Aparicio, Adolf de Sostoa, Gustavo A. Llorente Cabrera, Eudald Pujol Buxó, Albert Montori Faura, José Domingo Rodríguez Teijeiro, Pedro J. Cordero, Santiago Palazón, Yolanda Melero, Joaquim Gosàlbez i Noguera
In the last forty years, continental vertebrates have suffered a sharp decline inCatalonia. Many autochthonous species are threatened due to habitat loss andfragmentation, environmental pollution, and interaction with invasive alien species. Ahybridization between autochthonous species and exotic or domestic species isoccurring. The number of exotic species has increased markedly, especially among fish,and the exotic species are beginning to exceed the autochthonous ones. Most of thespecies currently cataloged as exotic could become invaders if appropriate managementmeasures are not taken. Although the ecological quality of continental waters hasimproved in recent years thanks to the implementation of wastewater treatment plants,other substances that cannot be eliminated (emerging compounds) are accumulating inthe freshwaters and damaging aquatic fauna. Continental fish require an urgenttaxonomic review. Amphibian populations are affected by the appearance of diseasescaused by fungi and viruses, requiring the application of preventive health guidelines.Terrestrial vertebrates are affected by accidents in a road network not designed to becrossed by wildlife. Reptiles are also affected by a loss of open habitats, excessivereforestation and human persecution (snakes). Birds are most affected by land usemodifications, extensive agriculture and hunting activity (still regulated by the oldSpanish Hunting Law 1/1970, of April 4th). Birds and mammals require a moresustainable hunting model and an environmental management that respects species andhabitats. There is an urgent need for the approval of a catalog of endangered species toallow the preparation and execution of the respective conservation plans, which areindispensable for the survival of continental vertebrate species.
