Species inventory of La Molata quarry, owned by San Marino, in Moratalla, Murcia (Spain)

Study Extent

The 'Sierra de Moratalla' is located in the north-western sector of the Region of Murcia (Spain) and is characterised by the abruptness of its orography, the abundance of springs and the richness of its vegetation, with the presence of pines, holm oaks and junipers. It is home to the most important peaks in Murcia, with the Pico de Revolcadores (2,027 metres) being the highest in the region. Part of the Sierra de Moratalla is included in the Wildlife Protection Area called 'Montes propiedad de la Comunidad Autónoma en los términos de Moratalla con la presencia de cabra montés' (Mountains owned by the Autonomous Community in the area of Moratalla with the presence of mountain goats), and is also considered an Area of Ecological Sensitivity. Designated SPA in 2001 for the species of peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), eagle owl (Bubo bubo) and red-billed chough (Phyrrocorax phyrrocorax). This extensive SPA covers 21,513 hectares and a large part of its surface area is within the Site of Community Importance (SCI) 'Sierra de la Muela'. The specific sampling area has been the San Marino quarry "La Molata", which is located in the municipality of Moratalla. The census was carried out on a single day, in the spring season (07-04-2021).

Sampling

The sampling protocols used for habitats, birds and fauna are described below: Habitats Different linear transects were carried out to cover the entire study area in each of the quarries and their immediate outer perimeter, with the aim of locating and estimating the vegetation present. The habitats present were also identified and the extent of each of them was estimated using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software. The transects were carried out on foot in parallel, maintaining distances of between 10 and 15 metres between them in order to cover the entire transect band. Birds Fixed-width transects were carried out following the methodology developed by Järvinen and Väisänen in 1975. For this purpose, walking transects were carried out, noting all birds detected (visual and/or auditory contacts) and differentiating those found in an inner band of 25 m on either side of the observer from those found further away. The surveys were carried out on foot at a constant speed of between 1.5 and 2 km/h and took place during the breeding season (month). Herpetofauna Observations of herpetofauna were made along the transects described above. All species detected during these transects were recorded. In addition, specific sampling was carried out for these species in the habitats identified as optimal for these faunal groups (e.g. seasonal ponds).

Quality Control

The works documenting the methods and procedures used in the study are as follows: Relevant literature: CARRASCAL, L.M. y PALOMINO, D. 2005. Preferencias de hábitat, densidad y diversidad de las comunidades de aves en Tenerife (Islas Canarias). Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 28: 101-119. JÄRVINEN, O. y VÄISÄNEN, R.A. 1977. Line transect method: a standard for field-work. Polish Ecol. Stud., 3: 7-17. TELLERÍA, J.L. 1986. Manual para el censo de los vertebrados terrestres. Raíces, Madrid, España. Braun-Blanquet, J. (1977). Fitosociología. Editorial Blume, Madrid. 820 pp. Materials and Software: The materials used for this work were. IGN software for field data collection and subsequent visualisation in QGIS (QGIS.org, 2022. QGIS Geographic Information System. QGIS Association. http://www.qgis.org), collection of species using space, and subsequent data dumping for the creation of an excel database. Topographic maps and orthophotos at a scale of 1:5,000, and binoculars.

Method steps

1. The generation of this database arises from the context of the BioReSTONE Project, developed by CTM, with the support of the Fundación Biodiversidad of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge of Spain. The initiative aims to help natural stone quarries to comply with their restoration obligations stipulated in Law 22/1973 on Mines of 21 July and RD 975/2009 based on a vision that is more in line with current social and environmental demands. To this end, it was determined necessary to carry out field sampling of the four quarries included in the project. Sampling focused on vegetation and habitats, ornithofauna and herpetofauna. Birds are excellent indicators of biodiversity status, not only because their population trends integrate many ecological factors, but also because they are present in all habitats, are very sensitive to environmental changes and are generally easy to sample. Herpetofauna was included because water accumulations are found in the area.

All species in the cheklist were identified to species level.

1. Animalia
   rank: kingdom
2. Chordata
   rank: phylum
3. Aves
   rank: class
4. Amphibia
   rank: class

Most of the species the cheklist were identified to species level, but some only to genus level.

1. Plantae
   rank: kingdom
2. Tracheophyta
   rank: phylum
3. Magnoliopsida
   rank: class
4. Pinopsida
   rank: class
5. Liliopsida
   rank: class

Area occupied by La Molata Quarry in Moratalla, Murcia (Spain).