Site-Specific Conservation Objectives for ROSCI0304 HÂRTIBACIU SUD-VEST

Site-specific conservation objectives for ROSCI0304 HÂRTIBACIU SUD-VEST

9110 Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests

The cover of this habitat is estimated to 77,29 ha, as the altitude of this site is low compared to typical altitudes for this habitat type. Its conservation status had been categorized as favorable. The site-specific conservation objective for this habitat type is to maintain its conservation status as defined by the following parameters and targets.

Parameters Measure Target value Additional information

Habitat surface area ha At least According to the studies for elaborating the management 77,29 plan, there were inventoried 77,29 hectares of this habitat. Essential ecological characteristics of this habitat are, among others: medium-strongly inclined slopes, mesobasic soils, water-balanced soils.

Characteristic tree percentage At least 70 According to the ecological requirements sheet of the species coverage cover /1000 related habitats, the tree layer is composed of: Fagus m2 sylvatica, or with little mixture of Acer pseudoplatanus, Quercus petraea, Carpinus betulus, Populus tremula, Ulmus glabra, Cerasus avium.

Characteristic species Number of At least 3 According to the ecological requirements sheet of the for herb layer related habitats the herbaceous layer consists mostly of: species /1,000 sq m Festuca drymeja, Galium odoratum, Carex pilosa, Dentaria bulbifera, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Lamium galeobdolon, Lathyrus vernus, Luzula luzuloides.

Invasive and Percentage Less than 20 National guidelines for monitoring of forest habitats allochtonous tree cover/1000 species, including not m2 corresponding ecotypes

3 Deadwood standing m /ha At least 20 Management plan prescribes leaving deadwood for and on the ground biodiversity. Due to the existence of dead and decayed Current wood, it ensures a great biodiversity to the habitat. value should be evaluated Current level is not known, it should be evaluated in a pilot in a pilot study within a year. Depending on funding availability a study in 1 large-scale evaluation of deadwood at the national level year and would be planned at national level in 3-5 years. target value defined accordingly

Retention trees number/ha At least 7 National guidelines for monitoring of forest habitats that includes attributes for favorable conservation status.

According to the management plan, at final cut, it should maintain an average of 7-10 old trees per hectare. In this respect, trees without economic value will be selected as a

priority. Keep as much as possible grouped in small clusters or scattered throughout the area of Protected Areas.

Current level is not known, it should be evaluated within the nearest possible date

9130 Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests

The cover of this habitat is 1072,79 hectares, out of which an area of 269,32 hectares was evaluated as having an unfavorable conservation status, because of competition by the native pioneer species Carpinus betulus. The site-specific conservation objective for this habitat is to improve its conservation status, as defined by the following parameters and target values:

Parameters Measure Target Additional information value

Habitat surface area ha At least According to the baseline studies of the management plan, the 1072,79 surface area of this habitat is 1072,79 hectares. Essential ecological characteristics: shaded slopes and valleys, eutrophic soils, water-balanced soil. The target value is the total surface of the habitat as evaluated by the management plan. Improvement will be reached gradually by structural parameters.

The 269,32 ha out of total is affected by competition with Carpinus betulus. Forest management measures should be taken to reduce hornbeam, and reestablish the structure and functions of the habitat.

Characteristic tree percent At least 70 According to the ecological requirements sheet of the related species coverage cover / 1000 habitats, the tree layer is composed of: Fagus sylvatica, m2 accompanied by Prunus avium, Quercus petraea, Acer platanoides, Tilia cordata, less rarely Sorbus torminalis.

Characteristic species Number of At least 3 According to the ecological requirements sheet of the related for herb layer habitats the herbaceous layer mainly consists of: Carex species /1,000 sq m pilosa, Galium schultesii, Dentaria bulbifera, Anemone ranunculoides, A. nemorosa, Galium odoratum, Millium effusum, Lamium galeobdolon, etc.

Invasive and Percentage Less than National guidelines for monitoring of forest habitats. According allochtonous tree cover/1000 20 to the management plan, 269,32 ha of habitat 9130 is affected species, including not m2 by competition from Carpinus betulus. Forest management corresponding ecotypes measures should be taken to reduce hornbeam to less than 20% in the area affected by Carpinus betulus and reestablish the structure and functions of the habitat.

3 Deadwood standing m /ha At least 20 Management plan prescribes leaving a minimum deadwood and on the ground quantity of 20 m3/ha for biodiversity. Current quantities of deadwood are not known, they should be evaluated at the earliest possible period.

Retention trees number/ha At least 7 National guidelines for monitoring of forest habitats that includes attributes for favorable conservation status. According to the management plan, at final cut all stands should maintain an average 7-10 old trees per hectare. These trees should be kept as much as possible grouped in small clusters or scattered.

Current level is not known, it should be evaluated at the earliest possible period.

91Y0 Dacian oak and hornbeam forests

The habitat is present on an area of 227,94 hectares, out of which an area of 46,93 hectares was inventoried as being in an unfavorable status. The site-specific conservation objective is to improve the conservation status of this habitat, defined by the following parameters and target values:

Parameters Measure Target value Additional information

Habitat surface ha At least According to the baseline studies of the management 227,94 plan, the surface area of this habitat within the site is 227,94 hectares. This habitat type provides food, shelter and nesting sites for a number of species, protected at European level, like birds and bats: Myotis bechsteini, Myotis emarginatus, Aquila pomarina, Picus canus, etc. Essential ecological characteristics: low-medium slopes, with generally shaded exposures, eutrophic soils, water-balanced soil.

Characteristic tree percentage At least 70 According to the ecological requirements data sheet of species coverage cover /1000 m2 the related habitats, the tree layer is composed of: Quercus robur mixed with Quercus petraea, with few individuals of Prunus avium, Fraxinus excelsior, Tilia cordata, Acer platanoides. An area of 46,93 ha has a homogenous species composition, according to the management plan, that should be diversified (“statutul de cons. nefav. se datorează dificultăţilor de a realiza un management în favoarea armonizării amestecului de specii”).

Characteristic herb Number of At least 3 According to the ecological requirements sheet of the species related habitats the herbaceous layer mainly consists species /1,000 of: Helleborus purpurascens, Ajuga reptans, sq m Brachypodium sylvaticum, Melampyrum bihariense, Melica uniflora, Viola reichenbachiana etc.

Invasive and Percentage Less than 20 National guidelines for monitoring of forest habitats. allochtonous tree cover/1000 m2 According to the ecological requirements sheet of the species, including not related habitats, the presence of the invasive Robinia corresponding ecotypes pseudacacia, and the allochtonous Quercus rubra is a future threat for this habitat.

3 Deadwood quantity m /ha At least 15 Management plan prescribes maintaining 15 m3 standing and on the deadwood quantity for this habitat type. ground Current level is not known, it should be evaluated at the nearest possible period.

Retention trees number/ha At least 7 National guidelines for monitoring of forest habitats that includes attributes for favorable conservation status.

According to management plan, at final cut, it should maintain an average of 7-10 old trees per hectar grouped in small clusters or scattered.

Current level is not known, it should be evaluated at the nearest possible period.

91V0 Dacian beech forests (Symphyto-Fagion)

The cover of this habitat is 169,13 hectares, of which 14,89 hectares have been inventoried as being in an unfavorable status. The site-specific conservation objective for this habitat is to improve its conservation status, as defined by the following parameters and target values: Parameters Measure Target value Additional information Habitat surface area ha At least 169,13 According to the baseline studies of the management plan, the size of the habitat is 169,13 hectares. Essential ecological characteristics: slopes with low slope, eutrophic, water-balanced soils. The target for this parameter is to maintain the current surface area of this habitat. Improvement will be reached through structural parameters.

14.89 ha is affected by competition with Carpinus betulus. Forest management measures should be taken to reduce hornbeam, in order to reestablish the structure and functions of the habitat.

Characteristic tree species percentage At least 70 According to the ecological requirements sheet of the coverage cover /1000 m2 related habitats, the tree layer is composed of: Fagus sylvatica or with little mixture of Acer pseudoplatanus, Ulmus glabra Characteristic species for According to the ecological requirements sheet of the herb layer Number of At least 3 related habitats the herbaceous layer mainly consists species / of: Symphytum cordatum, Dentaria glandulosa, Actaea 1000 m2 spicata, Anemone nemorosa, Athyrium filix femina, Lamium galeobdolon, Geranium robertianum, Hepatica nobilis, Mercurialis perennis, Sanicula europaea etc.

Invasive and allochtonous Percent Less than 20 National guidelines for monitoring of forest habitats. tree species, including not cover/1000 m2 14,89 ha is affected by competition from Carpinus corresponding ecotypes betulus. Forest management measures should be taken to reduce hornbeam and reestablish the structure and functions of the habitat

3 Standing and lying m /ha At least 20 Management plan prescribes 20 m3/ha deadwood for deadwood . this habitat type.

Current level is not known, it should be evaluated at the earliest possible opportunity. Retention trees number/ha At least 7 National guidelines for monitoring of forest habitats that includes attributes for favorable conservation status.

According to the management plan, at final cut, it should maintain an average of 7-10 old trees per hectare.

Current level is not known, it should be evaluated at the earliest possible opportunity.

9170 Galio-Carpinetum hornbeam oak forests

The cover of this habitat is 121,14 hectares, of which 31,77 hectares was evaluated as having an unfavorable status (mainly due to poor forest management). The site-specific conservation objective is to improve the conservation status of this habitat, as defined by the following parameters and target values:

Parameters Measure Target value Additional information Surface area of the habitat ha At least 121,14 According to the baseline studies of the management plan, the surface area of this habitat is 121,14 hectares. The target for this parameter is to maintain current cover of the habitat type. Improvement will be reached by structural parameters. The structure and function of area of 31,77 ha has to be improved.

Characteristic tree species Percent cover At least 70 According to the ecological requirements sheet of the coverage /1000 m2 related habitats, the tree layer is composed of: Fagus sylvatica or with little mixture of Acer pseudoplatanus, Ulmus glabra According to the ecological requirements sheet of the Characteristic species for Number of At least 3 related habitats the herbaceous layer mainly consists 2 of: Symphytum cordatum, Dentaria glandulosa, herb layer species /1000 m Actaea spicata, Anemone nemorosa, Athyrium filix femina, Lamium galeobdolon, Geranium robertianum, Hepatica nobilis, Mercurialis perennis, Sanicula europaea etc.

National guidelines for monitoring of forest habitats Invasive and allochtonous Percent Less than 20 tree species, including not cover/1000 m2 corresponding ecotypes Management plan prescribes leaving 20 m3 3 Standing and lying m /ha At least 20 deadwood per hectare for biodiversity. Current level deadwood is not known, it should be evaluated at the earliest possible date.

National guidelines for monitoring of forest habitats Retention trees number/ha At least 7 that includes attributes for favorable conservation status. According to the management plan, the number of retention trees should be 7-10 old trees per hectare grouped in small clusters or scattered throughout the area. Current level is not known, it should be evaluated at the earliest possible date.

91I0 Euro-Siberian steppic woods with Quercus spp The habitat is present on an area of 20,63 hectares. The site-specific conservation objective is to maintain the conservation status of the habitat, as defined by the following parameters and target values:

Parameters Measure Target Additional information value

Habitat surface area ha At least According to the baseline studies of the management 20,63 plan, the habitat surface area is 20,63 hectares. Essential ecological characteristics: low-medium slopes, with generally shaded exposures, eutrophic soils, water-balanced.

No data is available about opportunities and needs to increase the surface area of this habitat type, given its small extent. This should be analysed at the earliest possible date and target modified accordingly.

Characteristic tree percentage At least 70 According to the ecological requirements sheet of the species coverage cover /1000 related habitats, the tree layer is composed of: m2 Quercus robur mixed with Quercus petraea, with few individuals of Prunus avium, Fraxinus excelsior, Tilia cordata, Acer platanoides.

Characteristic species Number of At least 3 According to the ecological requirements sheet of the for herb layer habitat the herbaceous layer mainly consists of: species / 1000 m2 Helleborus purpurascens, Ajuga reptans, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Melampyrum bihariense, Melica uniflora, Viola reichenbachiana.

Invasive and Percent cover Less than National guidelines for monitoring of forest habitats. allochtonous tree / 1000 m2 20 0,63 ha is affected by competition from Carpinus species, including not betulus. Cover of hornbeam should be reduced to corresponding ecotypes reduce to target value in order to reestablish the structure and functions of the habitat over this area.

3 Deadwood standing and m /ha At least 15 Management plan prescribes leaving a deadwood on the ground quantity equivalent to 15 m3 for biodiversity for this habitat type. Current level is not known, it should be evaluated at the earliest possible date.

Retention trees number/ha At least 7 National guidelines for monitoring of forest habitats that includes attributes for favorable conservation status.

According to the management plan, at final cut, an average 7-10 old trees per hectare should be maintained, grouped or scattered.

Current level is not known, it should be evaluated at the earliest possible date.

91E0 Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae)

The extent of the habitat in the site is 215,72 hectares, of which an area of 33,69 hectares has been evaluated as being in an unfavorable state. The site-specific conservation objective for this habitat is to improve its conservation status, as defined by the following parameters and target values:

Parameters Measure Target value Additional information

Habitat surface ha At least 215,72 According to the baseline studies of the management plan, the extent of this habitat is 215,72 hectares. Essential ecological characteristics: low terraces and river banks, eutrophic, wet soils. About 33,69 hectares are affected by illegal cuts.

Characteristic tree species percent At least 70 According to the ecological requirements sheet of coverage cover / the related habitats, the tree layer is composed of: 1000 m2 Alnus glutinosa, with reduced mixture of Populus alba, Salix fragilis, Salix alba

Characteristic species for Number of At least 3 Aegopodium podagraria, Brachypodium herb layer species / sylvaticum, Circaea lutetiana, Galium aparine, 1000 m2 Impatiens noli-tangere, Petasites albus, Ranunculus repens, Sambucus ebulus, Tussilago farfara

Invasive and allochtonous Percent Less than 20 National guidelines for monitoring of forest tree species, including not cover / habitats. Is semnalated the presence of an invasive corresponding ecotypes 1000 m2 species, Robinia pseudoacacia.

Retention trees Number of At least 1 There are no values specified for this habitat type 2 trees / ha tree/1000 m in in particular, distinctly from other forest habitat stands above 60 types in the management plan or in the national years and guidelines. Those stands that are included in the 2 3/1000 m in national forest cadaster (fondul forestier), stands under 60 non-intervention is practiced. Many stands are years outside of the national forest cadaster. More ambitious targets could be set for this habitat type, i.e. reference unit could be 1000 m2 instead of 1 ha. Current level is not known, it should be evaluated at the earliest possible date.

Deadwood on the ground Number of At least 1 in old There are no values specified for this habitat type trees / stands in particular, distinctly from other forest habitat 1000m2 types in the management plan or in the national at least 3 in other guidelines. Those stands that are included in the stands national forest cadaster (fondul forestier), non-intervention is practiced. Many stands are outside of the national forest cadaster. More ambitious targets could be set for this habitat type, i.e. reference unit could be 1000 m2 instead of 1 ha. Current level is not known, it should be evaluated at the earliest possible date.

92A0 Salix alba and Populus alba galleries The cover of this habitat is estimated to 129,27 ha. Its conservation status is favorable. The site-specific conservation objective for this habitat type is to maintain its conservation status as defined by the following parameters and targets.

Parameters Measure Target Additional information value

Habitat surface area ha At least According to the studies for elaborating the 129,27 management plan, there were inventoried 129,27 hectares of this habitat. Essential ecological characteristics: the banks of the watercourses, alluvial wet soils.

Characteristic tree species Percent cover / At least 70 According to the ecological requirements sheet of the coverage 1000 m2 related habitats, the tree layer is composed of: Salix alba mixed with Salix fragilis, Populus alba, and rare Alnus glutinosa.

Characteristic species for The herbaceous layer consists of: Agrostis Number of At least 3 herb layer species / 1000 stolonifera, Tripartite bidens, Calystegia sepium, m2 Equisetum arvense, Glechoma hederacea, Lysimachia nummularia, Lysimachia vulgaris, Lycopus europaeus, Solanum dulcamara etc.

Invasive and allochtonous Percent cover / Less than National guidelines for monitoring of forest habitats. tree species, including not 1000 m2 20 The presence of invasive species, like Robinia corresponding ecotypes pseudoacacia, Acer negundo is documented.

Retention trees Number of trees At least 1 There are no values specified for this habitat type in / ha tree/1000 particular, distinctly from other forest habitat types in m2 in the management plan or in the national guidelines. stands Those stands that are included in the national forest above 60 cadaster (fondul forestier), non-intervention is years and practiced. Many stands are outside of the national 3/1000 m2 forest cadaster. More ambitious targets could be set in stands for this habitat type, i.e. reference unit could be 1000 under 60 m2 instead of 1 ha, and basically all trees are retained. years Current level is not known, it should be evaluated at the earliest possible date.

Deadwood on the ground Number of trees At least 1 There are no values specified for this habitat type in / 1000 m2 in old particular, distinctly from other forest habitat types in stands the management plan or in the national guidelines. Those stands that are included in the national forest at least 3 in cadaster (fondul forestier), non-intervention is other practiced. Many stands are outside of the national stands forest cadaster. More ambitious targets could be set for this habitat type, i.e. reference unit could be 1000 m2 instead of 1 ha. Current level is not known, it should be evaluated at the earliest possible date.

1308 Barbastella barbastellus The population size of this species is estimated to between 80-150 individuals in the management plan, and its conservation status was evaluated as satisfactory. This corresponds to unfavorable-inadequate in current terminology (the management plan uses the terms favorable, satisfactory and unfavorable conservation status). The site-specific conservation objective for this species is set to improve its conservation status, as defined by the following parameters and target values:

Parameters Measure Target Additional information value Size of distribution in the number of 1 km2 At least 15 Current known distribution covers 15 quadrats in the site quadrats with the km2 southern part of the site. presence of the species Mature deciduous trees Number of trees At least 7 The management plan prescribes an average of 7-10 with hollows with hollows / ha old trees with hollows/ha. Mature deciduous forests, with a high density of hollows are important for the species as hollows are used as shelters throughout the year. According to baseline study summer shelters are hollows or cracks under the bark of trees: Vara se adăpostesc în scorburi sau fisurile de sub scoarţa arborilor bătrâni, mai rar în clădiri. Coloniile de naştere sunt formate de obicei din 10-15 femele. Hibernează în adăposturi subterane, peşteri, galerii de mină, pivniţe sau scorburi de copaci. Current level is well below this amount according to expert opinion but detailed evaluation was not done yet. It should be evaluated within the earliest possible period. It is likely that artificial nest boxes will need to be implemented. Length of linear m / km2 At least 500 According to the ecology of the species, it needs linear vegetation connecting structures in vegetation, rows of trees, hedges, which forests to feeding areas offers connection for the flight to the feeding and sheltering areas.

The management plan states the need to maintain linear vegetation structures.

Current level is not known, it should be evaluated based on aerial photographs that illustrate well such features within 1 year. 3 Deadwood standing and m / ha At least 15 Management plan prescribes a deadwood quantity of 15 on the ground m3/ha for this species. High diversity and abundance of moths (Lepidoptera) in the forest connected to deadwood is extremely important for this species.

Current level is not known, it should be evaluated within the earliest possible period.

1324 - Myotis myotis and 1307- Myotis blythii According to the management plan in the site these two species usually form mixed colonies and it is pracically impossible to separate them in these colonies and to estimate them separately Breeding colonies made sometimes of thousands of specimens are found in church towers, wide attics or in caves. Hibernation habitats are undeground shelters, caves, mines, cellars, fissures in rocks. The distribution of the two species covers the northern part of the site on a population size of the species is estimated to between 200-350 individuals according to the management plan, and its conservation status was evaluated as satisfactory, that corresponds to unfavorable-inadequate in current terminology (the management plan uses the terms favorable, satisfactory and unfavorable conservation status). The site-specific conservation objective for this species is set to improve its conservation status, as defined by the following parameters and target values:

Parameters Measure Target value Additional information Size of distribution in the site number of At least 28 Current known distribution covers 28 quadrats in 1 km2 km2 the northern part of the site. quadrats with the presence of the species Mature deciduous or mixed forests, ha At least 1600 According to the ecology of the species and with semi-open substrate around based on the results of the baseline study on bats foraging habitats (from the total of for the management plan, the species needs high cca 1600 ha possible foraging percentage of mature deciduous or mixed forests, habitat present in the site) with semi-open substrate, functioning as foraging habitats in 98% of the time allocated for hunting. Length of linear vegetation m / km2 At least 500 m The species needs linear vegetation structures connecting forests to feeding areas trees, hedges, which offers connection for the / km2 flight to the feeding and sheltering areas.

Current level is estimated to much below this value, approximately 300 m/km2 3 Quantity of deadwood standing and m / ha At least 15 Management plan prescribes measures as on the ground leaving deadwood for biodiversity. Keeping deadwood in the forest - this favors the diversity of insects. High diversity and abundence of lepidopterans in the forest is extremely important for this species. Current level is not known, it should be evaluated within the nearest possible period.

1304 Rhinolophus ferrumequinum According to the baseline study on bats for the management plan, this species was not identified in ROSCI0304, only in neighboring ROSCI0132 Oltul Mijlociu - Cibin - Hârtibaciu, in the surroundings of Tocile village in a 4 km2 area, that is at a 5 km distance to the west of ROSCI0304. No modification was proposed to the status of the species within ROSCI0304 in the management plan, therefore the site-specific conservation objective is to maintain or improve the conservation status of the species, depending on the results of ongoing investigations to clarify the situation of the species within the site, as defined by the following parameters and target values:

Parameters Measure Target value Additional information Roosting and breeding habitats Number of Baseline study does not specify location of shelters / To be defined colonies. Based on the distribution of the species colonies within 1 year that is concentrated in the area near Tocile, Sadu and Cisnădie towns, summer colonies are located in these settlements. Hibernation sites of this species are mainly underground shelters. Foraging habitat surface area – Ha At least 1500 The site is a mosaic of grasslands and forests, the pastures and meadows close to estimated size of grasslands in the vicinity of forests forests is at least 1500 ha. Surface area of wood pastures or Size within At least 500 Pastures contributes significantly to increasing the old orchards in the surroundings 4 km of quantity of food sources available for the species, roosting/breeding habitats roosting / by the presence of beetles in the family breeding habitats Scarabaeidae. Mature deciduous forests and wood pastures play a very important role in the survival of the species. Length of linear vegetation m / km2 At least 500 m The species needs linear structures in vegetation, connecting forests to feeding rows of trees, hedges, which offers connection for areas / km2 the flight to the feeding and sheltering areas.

3 Deadwood standing and on the m / ha At least 15 Deadwood contributes significantly to insect ground diversity in forests including that of moths important as food for this species. Management plan prescribes 15 m3/ha deadwood for this species. Current deadwood level is not known, it should be evaluated within the earliest possible period. According to expert opinion current values are less than 15 m3/ha.

1304 Rhinolophus hipposideros The species was identified in 13 quadrats of 1 km2 in the very southern part of this site, in the surroundings of Turnu Roșu town. Its population is estimated to less than 100 individuals, and its conservation status was evaluated as unfavorable, that corresponds to unfavorable-bad in current terminology (the management plan uses the terms favorable, satisfactory and unfavorable conservation status). The site-specific conservation objective for this species is to improve its conservation status, defined by the following parameters and target values:

Parameters Measure Target value Additional information Foraging habitat surface area – Ha At least 1500 The site is a mosaic of grasslands and forests, the meadow forests estimated size of grasslands in the vicinity of forests is at least 1500 ha. Size of distribution in the site number of 1 At least 11 km2 Current known distribution covers 13 quadrats in km2 the southern part of the site. quadrats with the presence of the species Surface area of wood pastures or Ha within 4 At least 500 Pastures contributes significantly to increasing the old orchards in the surroundings km of quantity of food sources available for the species, roosting/breeding habitats roosting/bre by the presence of beetles in the family eding Scarabaeidae. Mature deciduous forests and wood habitats pastures play a very important role in the survival of the species. Length of linear vegetation m / km2 At least 500 m According to the ecology of the species, it needs connecting forests to feeding linear structures in vegetation, rows of trees, areas / km2 hedges, which offers connection for the flight to the feeding and sheltering areas. 3 Quantity of deadwood standing m / ha At least 15 Pastures contributes significantly to increasing the and on the ground quantity of food sources available for the species, by the presence of beetles in the family Scarabaeidae. Mature deciduous forests and wood pastures play a very important role in the survival of the species. Current deadwood level is not known, it should be evaluated within the earliest possible period. According to expert opinion current values are less than 15 m3/ha.

1352 Canis lupus The species is present in the site, the number of individuals in the population being estimated between 20-30 individuals in the site (4-5 packs), being in a favorable conservation status, according to the management plan. The site-specific conservation objective is to maintain the conservation status of this species, as defined by the following parameters and target values:

Parameters Measure Target value Additional information

Population size individuals At least 27 According to the integrated management plan, the population of the species is estimated between 25 and 30 individuals. The objective is to maintain the average number of individuals in a satisfactory conservation status.

Prey population density individuals 3 deer/km2 or According to the ecological requirements / km2 sheet of the related species, and based on 4-5 boar/km2 or data from the final report on mammals realized for the elaboration on the 7-10 roedeer/km2 management plan.

Proportion out of total forest % At least 40% or According to the ecological requirements cover and size of forests over sheet of the related species, and based on 80 years old (important ha 5.000 ha data from the final report on mammals feeding habitats) realized for the elaboration on the management plan.

1354 Ursus arctos The population size of Ursus arctos was not estimated in the baseline study for the management plan because of its seasonal migrations, individual movements, lack of territoriality, individual differences in home range size that could be very high, instead indices of activity were calculated. The quality of the site for the species was evaluated from several aspects: from the point of view of populations size “probably good”, from the point of view of diversity and abundance of food sources “medium”, and the general quality of the site for bear as “good”. Future tendencies were not evaluated. from the point of view of disturbances “probably acceptable on the long term”. The conservation status of the species was evaluated as satisfactory, that corresponds to unfavorable-inadequate in current terminology (the management plan uses the terms favorable, satisfactory and unfavorable conservation status). The site-specific conservation objective is to improve its conservation status, as defined by the following parameters and target values:

Parameters Measure Target Additional information value

Activity index based on index1 8,83 The baseline study for the management plan, because of the freshly destroyed anthills value (% technical difficulties associated with estimating population destroyed size, proposes an activity index based on destroyed anthills, a Percentage of freshly anthills) major food source for bears over the vegetation period. The destroyed anthills / 100 m in index is based on the percentage of freshly destroyed anthills areas with anthills, index2 23,85 on 100 m transects. A second index is based on the especially pastures in value (% percentage of transects where activity was detected from the mosaic landscapes positive total amount of transects. transects) Percentage of positive transects in a landscape unit

Proportion and size of % At least Based on final report on mammals for the management plan. forests over 80 years old 40% (important feeding habitats) 5.000 ha

Diversity and abundance of Fruit At least A food diversity index was developed by the baseline study for natural food for bear abundance 1.000 the management plan that takes into account all wild fruits index represent food for bears. Current value of the index is 450. It should be improved gradually to at least 600. The scale of the index varies from 0-120 (weak), 120-160 (medium), 600-1440 (good), 1440-2200 (very good). The quality of the site was evaluated as medium from the point of view of food sources.

Proportion of areas with % At least According to the ecological requirements sheet of the related young trees and tall herb 23 species, and based on data from the final report on mammals grassland for shelter and realized for the elaboration on the management plan. breeding within forest stands (fond forestier)

Extent of wood pastures ha At least According to baseline study these are crucial habitats for with solitary Pyrus, 1000 bears. Their extent should be increased gradually from Quercus, Malus, Fagus, approximately 800 ha to 1000 ha. Prunus species

1355 Lutra lutra According to the management plan and the baseline study on mammals, Lutra lutra was identified along three water courses: Poenița (importance 2, one permanent and one occasional presence out of four seasons), Ghijasa (importance 1, one permanent presence out of four seasons), Fofeldea (importance 0, no presence out of four seasons). Neighbouring site ROSCI0132 Oltul Mijlociu - Cibin - Hârtibaciu contains more suitable habitats for otter, namely Cibin, Hârtibaciu and Olt rivers. The conservation status of the species was evaluated as satisfactory in the management plan, that corresponds to unfavorable-inadequate in current terminology (the management plan uses the terms favorable, satisfactory and unfavorable conservation status). The site-specific conservation objective is to improve the conservation status of this species, defined by the following parameters and target values:

Parameters Measure Target Additional information value

Presence of the Presence of 2 out of According to the baseline study on mammals, otter was species in the otter in the four found to be permanent only in one season out of four in distribution area two suitable seasons the two streams classified as important for the species. streams out of for the The target is set to improve habitat conditions to enable four seasons two permanent presence of the species on these two streams streams for at least two seasons (for winter, small streams may freeze in completely, thus becoming unsuitable for otter. Baseline study proposes indices of presence for which reference values are given for spring and autumn season for three types of presence: for spring: permanent presence (index value between 27-38%), occasional presence (18-31%), absence (57-31%), for autumn: permanent presence (index value between 37-50%), occasional presence (17-18%), absence (33-45%)

Distribution area within ha At least According to the baseline study on mammals for the the site 50 management plan the species was found along two streams.

Length of natural km At least Attribute for favorable conservation status of fish species riparian vegetation 10 that inhabit streams (main food for otter). with average width (m) of at least 3 m on both sides for each 500 m sections

Degree of Number of 0 No baseline data are available. An evaluation of fragmentation fragmentation fragmentation elements should be done within 1 year. elements

1337 Castor fiber According to the management plan, beaver was not identified in this site. It was identified in neighbouring site ROSCI0132 Oltul Mijlociu - Cibin - Hârtibaciu along Hârtibaciu, Cibin and Olt rivers that are more suitable habitats for the species. Although the species was not identified on the site in the baseline study, given that it is on the expansion in the Olt river basin in Romania, it is likely that it will appear also in ROSCI0304. The site-specific conservation objective for this species is set to maintain or improve its conservation status, depending on the results of ongoing investigations to define its conservation status within 2 years, as defined by the following parameters and targets:

Parameters Measure Target Additional information value

Surface area of potential habitats ha At least 50 It is estimated that current hydrographic network of the site provides at least 50 ha favorable habitat for the species.

Length of natural riparian km At least 10 According to the species ecology and the Guide for vegetation with average width (m) monitoring the conservation status of species and of at least 3 m on both sides habitats in Romania, based on Article 17 of the Habitats Directive, the species requires vegetation with shrubs over 40% of the length of the habitat, in order to maintain food requirements and habitat connectivity.

1166 Triturus cristatus The species was not found during the baseline survey for the management plan. According to the final report on this species, the probability of occurrence in the site is high, its conservation status was not evaluated. The species has similar habitat requirements to Bombina variegata regarding terrestrial habitat, while the breeding habitats are more permanent water bodies. These habitats, according to the evaluation of B. variegata, are in a favorable conservation status within the site. The site-specific conservation objective for Triturus cristatus is set to maintain or improve its conservation status, depending on the results of ongoing investigations to clarify its conservation status, as defined by the following parameters and target values:

Parameters Measure Target value Additional information

Breeding habitat density Breeding At least 2 / According to the baseline study of the Breeding habitats are habitats / km2 km2 management plan, shallow water bodies are permanent or semipermanent important as breeding habitats with a depth of at small water bodies of at least least 50 cm, these should be maintained or 10 m2 surface area and created at maximum 500 m distance from each maximum depth larger then other (the distance represents average dispersal 50 cm, with max. 40% shade distance of the species). Such habitats are rarer surrounded by terrain with than shallow ponds suitable for Bombina natural vegetation variegata, therefore the target is set lower than for that species.

Cover of natural terrestrial % land cover At least 75% According to the ecology of the species, and habitats (meadows, shrubs based on the final report for the management and forests) around aquatic plan, target is set to maintain a 0.5-1 km wide (breeding) habitats in a 0.5 strip around the breeding habitat. Triturus km radius circle cristatus is less dependent on linear dispersal corridors than Bombina variegata, it needs natural vegetation in the surroundings of the breeding habitat.

4008 Triturus vulgaris ampelensis The species was not found during the baseline survey for the management plan. Its conservation status is unknown. The species has similar habitat requirements to Bombina variegata regarding terrestrial habitat, while the breeding habitats are more permanent water bodies. These habitats, according to the evaluation of B. variegata, are in a favorable conservation status within the site. The site-specific conservation objective for Triturus vulgaris ampelensis is set to maintain or improve its conservation status, depending on the results of ongoing investigations to clarify its conservation status within 2 years, as defined by the following parameters and targets.

Parameters Measure Target value Additional information

Cover of natural terrestrial % land cover At least 75% According to the ecology of the species, and habitats (meadows, shrubs based on the final report for the management and forests) around aquatic plan, target is set to maintain a 0.5-1 km wide (breeding) habitats in a 0.5 strip around the breeding habitat. Triturus km radius circle vulgaris ampelensis is less dependent on linear dispersal corridors than Bombina variegata, it needs natural vegetation in the surroundings of the breeding habitat.

1193 Bombina variegata According to the management plan of the site, its conservation status is favorable. Its population size is estimated to above 10.000 individuals. The site-specific conservation objective for Bombina variegata is set to maintain its conservation status, as defined by the following parameters and targets:

Parameters Measure Target value Additional information

Population size Individuals At least 10.000 According to the management plan, the population of the species is estimated at more than 10000 individuals.

Population density Individuals / On meadows 6.23 According to species data sheet in the baseline study ha for the management plan On pastures 3.4

In forests 10.7

In linear wetland habitats 10

Breeding habitat Breeding At least 4/km2 According to the baseline study of the management density habitats/km2 plan, shallow water bodies are important as breeding One unit is at least 10 habitats with a depth of less than 50 cm, these m2 shallow water should be maintained or created at maximum 500 m body (around 40 cm distance from each other (the distance represents maximum depth) with average dispersal distance of the species). max. 40% shade surrounded by terrain with natural vegetation, along linear dispersal corridors (unpaved field roads, forestry roads)

Cover of natural % land cover At least 75% According to the ecology of the species, and based terrestrial habitats on the final report for the management plan, target is (meadows, shrubs and set to maintain a 0.5-1 km wide strip around the forests) around breeding habitat. It is considered that a 500 m long aquatic (breeding) and 100 m wide strip around linear structures habitats in a 0.5 km (unpaved field and forestry roads) is sufficient. long and 100 m wide strip parallel with Dispersal corridors, field and forestry roads should linear dispersal be mapped within the earliest possible period. structures (unpaved field and forestry roads)

1188 Bombina bombina This species was not identified during the baseline surveys, only hybrid individuals individuals between B. variegata and B. variegata. The central part of Transylvania is a natural hybridization area between the two species, it is considered a natural phenomenon that does not represent threat for any of the species. According to the final report on amphibians for the management plan, the site is marginal for the distribution of B. bombina, but the occurrence of the species is possible. The final report proposes that the importance of the site for the conservation of the species is maintained as C. The conservation status of the species was not evaluated. The conservation status of the related Bombina variegata is favorable, including habitat conditions. The site-specific conservation objective for Bombina bombina is therefore set to maintain or improve the conservation status of the species, depending on the results of ongoing investigations to clarify its conservation status,, as defined by the following parameters and target values:

Parameters Measure Target value Additional information

Breeding habitat Breeding At least 4 / km2 The baseline study of the management plan, shallow density habitats / water bodies important as breeding habitats with a One unit is at least 10 km2 depth of less than 50 cm, should be maintained or m2 shallow water created at maximum 500 m distance from each other body (around 40 cm (the distace represents average dispersal distance of maximum depth) with the species. max. 40% shade surrounded by terrain Current density of suitable breelevel is not known, it with natural should be evaluated within 5 years. vegetation, along linear dispersal corridors (unpaved field roads, forestry roads)

Cover of natural % of land At least 75% According to the ecology of the species, and based terrestrial habitats cover on the studies realized for elaborating the (meadows, shrubs and management plan. Target set in the management forests) around plan provides 0.5-1 km wide strip around the aquatic (breeding) breeding habitat. It is considered that a 500 m long habitats in a 0.5 km and 100 m wide strip around linear structures long and 100 m wide (unpaved field and forestry roads) is sufficient. strip parallel with linear dispersal Dispersal corridors field and forestry roads should be structures (unpaved mapped field and forestry roads)

1220 Emys orbicularis According to the final report on herpetofauna for the management plan, Emys orbicularis was not identified in this site. Its occurrence of the species is possible, but the probability of this is low. The species was identified in the vicinity of the site along the Olt river (two locations), these locations are in ROSCI0132 Oltul Mijlociu-Cibin-Hârtibaciu, where the estimated number of viable populations is 5. The conservation status of Emys orbicularis in ROSCI0304 was not evaluated and no new proposal was made on the classification of the site’s importance for this species. The presence and conservation status of this species in ROSCI0304 should be further investigated within 2 years.

1188 Lucanus cervus According to the management plan of the site, its conservation status is favorable. Its population size is not known, but it is considered to be widespread. The site-specific conservation objective for Lucanus cervus is set to maintain its favorable conservation status, as defined by the following parameters and targets:

Parameters Measure Target value Additional information

Surface and % At least 35% According to the data sheet of the species in the percentage cover of management plan, and based on conclusions of old forests from total ha At least 145 the final report on invertebrates for the Quercus forests in management plan. the site (415 ha)

Standing deadwood Number of trees / ha At least 5 According to the ecological requirements sheet of the related species, and based on data from the final report on coleoptere insects realized for the elaboration on the management plan.

Current level is not known, it should be evaluated at the earliest possible opportuninty.

3 Deadwood on the m /ha At least 20 According to the ecological requirements sheet of ground the related species, and based on data from the final report on invertebrates for the management plan. The final report proposes 1 m3 deadwood on the ground. The value for forest habitats is taken as a reference, that is 20 m3/ha

Current level is not known, it should be evaluated at the earliest possible opportuninty

Veteran deciduous Total number of To be defined Veteran deciduous trees especially oak Quercus trees within and veteran trees within 1 year sp. and Pyrus pyraster are crucial habitat for outside forest stands Lucanus cervus. Their number is not currently over the whole site known. A complete mapping of such trees should be done in the near future. Databases such as the Remarkable trees of Romania can be used, completed with data collection on the field. The term veteran tree refers to particularly old trees both within and outside forest stands (i.e. both in forests and on grasslands). They are typical features of wood pastures. While old trees refer to the oldest generation of trees in a forest stand, veteran trees are particularly old individuals that play key role in the ecosystem and particularly deadwood related beetle species.