EDP Foz Tua Large Mammals: river crossings - reference situation/early exploration phase. Compensatory Measures Monitoring Program (MC40B.1) [2012-2017]

Study Extent

The data were collected in three bridges over the Tua river (Abreiro, Brunheda and Foz-Tua/Edgar Cardoso), as well as in four sites suitable for natural crossing, up to 25 km from the mouth, in the municipalities of Alijó, Carrazeda de Ansiães, Murça, Vila Flor and Mirandela.

Sampling

Sampling was designed cover the three bridges over the Lower Tua river valley (Abreiro, Brunheda and Foz-Tua/Edgar Cardoso) and four potential natural crossing sites. In each bridge, three methods were used: (a) visual prospection of individuals and indirect signs (feaces, tracks) during the day, along a 250 m transect, (b) use of rock powder in, at least, six places along the bridges, to detect nocturnal crossings, and (c) camera-trapping (2 cameras in each bridge ending) at night, to complement/replace method (b), whenever it was not applicable (eg., due to persistent rain/showers). Each sampling survey lasted for 3-4 consecutive days, up to a maximum of 10 days per season (only 5 in winter, and in the Edgar Cardoso bridge). At the natural crossing sites, only visual observations (point counts) and camera-trapping (1-2 cameras) were used, and the number of sampling days depended on the access/safety conditions in each campaign. All signs/remains were identified “in loco” (eg, tracks) or taken to the laboratory to further identification (eg., faeces). For safety reasons, the cameras were set at night and collected in the next morning. Species identification was made by visual observation of the pictures taken.

Quality Control

All identifications were performed by qualified technicians

Method steps

1. To be completed

The taxonomic coverage of this dataset spans 1 phylum, 4 class, 5/6 orders, 11 families, 20 genera (10 of mammals) and 17 species (9 of mammals). Amphibia

1. Amphibia
   rank: class
2. Reptilia
   rank: class
3. Aves
   rank: class
4. Mammalia
   rank: class
5. Anura
   rank: order
6. Squamata
   rank: order
7. Testudines
   rank: order
8. Carnivora
   rank: order
9. Artiodactyla
   rank: order
10. Rodentia/insectivora
    rank: order
11. Bufonidae
    rank: family
12. Lacertidae
    rank: family
13. Colubidae
    rank: family
14. Phyllodactylidae
    rank: family
15. Geoemydidae
    rank: family
16. Canidae
    rank: family
17. Felidae
    rank: family
18. Mustelidae
    rank: family
19. Viverridae
    rank: family
20. Erinacidae
    rank: family
21. Suidae
    rank: family

The data were collected in three bridges over the Tua river (Abreiro, Brunheda and Foz-Tua/Edgar Cardoso), as well as in four sites suitable for natural crossing, up to 25 km from the mouth, in the municipalities of Alijó, Carrazeda de Ansiães, Murça, Vila Flor and Mirandela.