We’ve created a new lake and the results are fascinating

Summary

The video documents the restoration of a flooded quarry in Portugal into a thriving wetland. The project, managed by Rewilding Portugal, involves redirecting water to create habitats for local wildlife, including rare Mediterranean temporary ponds and a new lake. The team uses eDNA surveys to track species presence and aims to increase aquatic biodiversity. The video showcases the transformation, the wildlife that has moved in, and the use of innovative barriers to control water flow, creating a more sustainable ecosystem.

Takeaways

• 🌿 The project's aim is to restore a flooded quarry in Portugal to create habitats for local wildlife.
• 🏞️ The team has redirected water to form a new lake and flooded lands, creating habitats like rare Mediterranean temporary ponds.
• 🐢 They've observed wildlife like the European pond turtle and various amphibians taking advantage of the new habitats.
• 🌱 Aquatic plants, including the locally named 'Borboleta d’Água' or water butterfly, have been spotted thriving in the area.
• 🔬 eDNA surveys were conducted to identify species present, revealing at least 204 species, including some that are hard to detect visually.
• 💧 The strategy involves blocking water flow to create flooded areas, which support more wildlife, especially during dry seasons.
• 🚜 Earth movement and the construction of barriers have been key in redirecting water and expanding aquatic habitats.
• 🌱 The project is in its early stages, with plans to further transform the quarry into a thriving wetland.
• 💰 The project has a budget of around €36,000, which includes machinery, water passages, eDNA surveys, and staff.
• 🤝 The project is community-funded through Mossy Earth memberships, supporting rewilding efforts like this one.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of the project at the flooded quarry in Portugal?

The primary goal of the project is to use the water to create a variety of habitats which will help improve the conditions for local wildlife.

How has the team redirected water to form a new lake in the quarry?

The team has redirected water by building barriers that block the water's natural flow, causing it to accumulate and form a new lake.

What is the significance of creating temporary ponds in the quarry?

Creating temporary ponds provides a habitat that supports amphibians, such as frogs, to reproduce and thrive, away from predators like invasive fish.

What is the role of eDNA surveys in this project?

eDNA surveys are used to understand what species are present in the area by filtering the water and checking the DNA that gets stuck in the filters.

What are the two main objectives of the earth movement work in the quarry?

The two main objectives are to increase the size and variety of the flooded areas, and to hold water for longer during the drier seasons to support more wildlife year-round.

Who is Pedro and what is his contribution to the project?

Pedro is the creative brain behind the earth movements in the project. He runs Rewilding Portugal and came up with original ideas that brought fast results.

What is the significance of the European pond turtle found in the temporary lake?

The European pond turtle is a threatened species, and its presence in the temporary lake indicates that the project is providing a suitable habitat for at-risk wildlife.

What is the name of the aquatic plant referred to as 'Borboleta d’Água' and why is it significant?

The aquatic plant known as 'Borboleta d’Água' is significant because it creates an underwater habitat and its presence indicates a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

How does the project plan to increase the resilience of the barriers built to control water flow?

The project plans to increase the resilience of the barriers by allowing them to solidify over time and planting trees over them.

What is the total budget allocated for this project so far?

The total budget allocated for this project so far is around €36,000, which covers machinery, water passages, eDNA surveys, and staff.

How can viewers support the continuation of this project?

Viewers can support the project by subscribing to their YouTube channel for updates, and by joining as members on mossy.earth to fund rewilding projects.