Restoring floodplains and wetlands with animals

Restoring floodplains and wetlands with animals

DREVO Living Floodplains Fauna Recovery System

Concept

DREVO Living Floodplains Fauna Recovery System— a system of controlled reintroduction of domestic, semi-wild, and wild animals to restore the natural structure of floodplains, wet meadows, oxbow lakes, swamps, river branches, and swamp forests.

Animals are not used as a replacement for engineering and hydrological work, but as the next level of restoration after:

the river received space for seasonal flooding;

old sleeves and backwaters have been restored;

excess drainage channels are closed;

a safe flood overflow has been created;

the groundwater level has been restored to a stable level;

the flow of toxic pollutants has been stopped;

Natural and economic zones have been formed.

Restored floodplains can reduce flood risk, store water, and improve the ecological condition of the river landscape. However, the results depend primarily on the restoration of hydrology, not just on planting or grazing.

The main principle:

Water creates the floodplain, plants anchor it, and animals maintain its living mosaic.

1. The tasks of animals in the floodplain

Properly selected animals help:

to prevent continuous overgrowth of reeds and shrubs;

maintain wet and dry meadows;

create open shallow waters;

to form areas of vegetation of different heights;

spread seeds;

recycle plant residues;

return nutrients;

create trails and micro-depressions;

support insects, birds, amphibians and predators;

reduce the amount of dry flammable vegetation;

restore natural food chains.

Low-intensity grazing can maintain semi-open, wet landscapes and prevent them from becoming uniform thickets. However, the results depend on the animal species, season, and soil density and condition.

2. Correct recovery sequence

Stage 0 - Water Recovery

Before releasing animals, it is necessary:

bring back seasonal flooding;

restore the connection between the river and the floodplain;

open or form side sleeves;

close unnecessary drainage;

create oxbow lakes and shallow water basins;

create safe flood routes;

protect settlements and infrastructure;

determine the zones of permanent and temporary water.

Without this, animals will use the degraded area rather than restore the floodplain.

Stage 1 - Vegetation restoration

The following are being formed:

wet meadows;

sedge communities;

reed zones;

shrub islands;

floodplain forest;

open water;

temporary shallows;

areas of dead wood.

Stage 2 – Invertebrates, Amphibians and Birds

Conditions are being created for natural return:

aquatic insects;

shellfish;

amphibians;

fish;

insectivorous birds;

waterfowl and meadow birds.

Stage 3 - Managed Herbivores

The following are entered:

buffalo;

cattle;

horses;

pony;

sheep;

point goats;

in some cases, pigs.

Stage 4 – Ecosystem Engineers

Returned or supported:

beavers;

large wild herbivores;

burrowing animals;

water filter feeders.

Stage 5 – Predators and Self-Regulation

As the food web recovers, the following naturally return:

otters;

foxes;

corner;

birds of prey;

wolves and lynxes in large connected territories.

3. Spatial zoning of the floodplain

Zone A - natural core

Intended for:

natural flooding;

bird breeding;

amphibians;

rare plants;

old floodplain forests;

wild fauna.

Pets are not allowed here.

Zone B - shallow waters and spawning grounds

Includes:

seasonal bowls;

fishless reservoirs;

gravel areas;

islands;

reed shelters.

Access for large animals is limited seasonally.

Zone C - wet meadows

Main managed grazing area:

buffalo;

cattle;

horses;

pony;

sheep.

Zone D - shrub transition zone

The following are used locally:

goats;

cattle;

natural wild herbivores.

Zone E – floodplain forest

Priority is given to:

beavers;

bison in very large areas;

deer;

wild boars in controlled numbers;

forest birds;

small mammals.

Zone F - economic periphery

Placed:

mobile pens;

pasture infrastructure;

poultry;

haystack;

paludic culture;

veterinary stations;

animal loading points.

Zone G - Water Protection Corridors

Created along:

springs;

clean streams;

drinking water intakes;

particularly sensitive shores.

Direct access by livestock is excluded.

4. Water buffaloes

The main role

Water buffalo is one of the most useful managed animals for large wet floodplains.

He is capable of:

eat coarse marsh vegetation;

keep windows open among the reeds;

to form wet meadows;

create small mud bowls;

move seeds;

process coarse biomass;

reduce part of the seasonal fire load.

Traditional buffalo-based wetland systems can simultaneously provide economic production, nutrient cycling, biodiversity support, and fire risk reduction.

Where they are especially useful

large wet meadows;

periphery of reed beds;

seasonally flooded pastures;

restored lowland marshes;

paludicultural territories;

wide delta plains.

Where are they dangerous?

on sensitive peat;

at the springs;

in small clean bodies of water;

on soft nesting islands;

in places with rare marsh plants;

near drinking water intakes;

on narrow, eroded banks.

Mode

Buffaloes are used:

groups of limited numbers;

by rotation sectors;

with separate domestic watering places;

with GPS control;

without a constant concentration in one body of water.

5. Cattle

Resilient native breeds can support:

wet meadows;

transitions between meadow and bush;

floodplain sparse forests;

fire buffers;

hayfield-pasture mosaic.

Beneficial effect

reduction of tall grass;

creation of grass stands of different heights;

local opening of the ground;

maintaining a food supply for meadow birds;

development of dung fauna.

In European projects, restoration of wet meadows through controlled grazing and mowing has helped improve conditions for nesting and migratory birds.

Restrictions

Large cattle are bred:

during soil saturation with water;

during the nesting period of sensitive birds;

when a deep rut appears;

when the banks are destroyed;

with increasing turbidity;

in case of damage to tree undergrowth.

6. Horses and ponies

Horses and stable ponies are useful for creating an open floodplain landscape.

They:

maintain short grassy areas;

use drier floodplain elevations;

create transitions between meadows and sparse forests;

spread seeds;

support insects associated with manure.

They work best:

on stable turf;

on wide dry islands;

in large rotation sectors;

in combination with areas of complete rest.

They should not be permanently located on soft, marshy soils.

7. Sheep

Sheep are suitable for:

drier floodplain terraces;

wet meadows after the water level has dropped;

firebreaks;

paludiculture sites;

haymaking and pasture systems.

They help:

maintain low grass cover;

reduce dry grass;

prevent the overgrowth of individual meadows;

maintain open habitats.

But when there is an excess of sheep:

destroy flowering herbs;

create a uniform short lawn;

prevent the reproduction of birds;

expose the soil.

8. Goats

Goats are used only locally.

Main tasks:

limiting shrub growth;

opening up overgrown passages;

control of individual invasive plants;

formation of fire protection areas.

They cannot be released:

to reed nesting areas;

into the young floodplain forest;

on the soft banks;

into the natural core;

to places of natural regeneration of willow, alder, elm and oak.

9. Pigs

Domestic pigs can be used for a short time on the degraded economic periphery of the floodplain.

They are capable of:

open the dense turf;

create small seed plots;

recycle fallen fruits;

partially remove the rhizomes;

prepare areas for a wet meadow.

But in a natural floodplain, their risk often outweighs the benefit.

The following are not permitted to be used:

on peat;

near the riverbed;

in the swampy core;

on spawning grounds;

in amphibian areas;

in areas with rare plants;

during the flood season.

10. Poultry

Chickens and guinea fowl

Acceptable:

in floodplain gardens;

on the economic periphery;

after harvest;

in mobile sectors on stable ground.

They collect some insects and plant debris.

Ducks

Can be used:

on damp utility terraces;

in artificial working reservoirs;

in rice and paludiculture systems.

But they cannot be released into small natural bodies of water for amphibians.

Geese

Use only for short-term grass control in stubborn areas.

Poultry should be separated from natural waterfowl colonies due to the risk of disease, pollution and competition.

11. Beavers are the main wild engineers of the floodplain

Where beaver is a natural species, it receives high priority.

Beavers:

build dams;

retain water;

create ponds;

form lateral ducts;

raise the groundwater level;

create dead wood;

expand the area of ​​swamps;

form shelters for fish, amphibians and birds.

The IUCN classifies beavers as ecosystem engineers, creating habitats for many other species.

Return conditions

sufficient space for flooding;

the presence of willow, poplar and other fodder wood;

no threat to populated areas;

protection of roads and bridges;

the possibility of installing control devices in dams;

compensation for damage to landowners.

In conflict areas, analogues of beaver dams are used.

12. Large wild herbivores

Large floodplain systems may involve:

bison;

deer;

moose;

roe deer;

wild horses or their functional analogues;

wild boars in controlled numbers.

They:

support forest clearings;

spread seeds;

create trails;

regulate shrubs;

support dung insects;

form transitions between forest and meadow.

Natural grazing by large herbivores can help maintain mosaics of open and wooded habitats.

But such animals require:

large territories;

free routes;

natural food base;

population control;

protection of agricultural lands;

working ecological corridors.

13. Wild boars

Wild boar are a natural part of some floodplain ecosystems, but should not be artificially used as a restoration tool.

Moderate presence creates:

locally open ground;

mixing the litter;

small water bowls;

food base for predators.

Excess leads to:

destruction of vegetation;

damage to amphibians and land nests;

destruction of the coast;

water pollution;

conflicts with agriculture.

14. Amphibians

Frogs, toads, newts and salamanders are among the first indicators of successful recovery.

The following are created for them:

fishless seasonal bowls;

shallow waters;

wet transitions;

wintering areas;

tree shelters;

safe crossings under roads;

no-grazing zones during the breeding season.

Animals should not have access to all water bodies. Some basins are completely closed to livestock and fish.

15. Fish and aquatic organisms

Fish return after recovery:

free flow;

water quality;

spawning gravel;

side sleeves;

whirlpools;

tree shelters;

seasonal connection with the floodplain.

Also important:

mollusks;

crustaceans;

mayflies;

caddis flies;

freckles;

dragonflies;

water beetles.

They form the basis of the food web.

16. Birds

The birds do not require mass artificial release.

It is necessary to create:

open shallow waters;

wet shallows;

islands;

areas of low vegetation;

reed shelters;

old trees;

quiet zones;

safe migration stops.

Experience from European projects shows that restoration of water, islands, wet meadows and managed grazing can significantly improve the condition of marsh birds.

17. Otters

The otter is returned if:

clean water;

sustainable fish base;

tree shelters;

calm shores;

connections between water bodies;

safe crossings under roads.

The otter's return is a sign that the aquatic food web has begun to recover.

18. Predators

In large floodplain areas, the following naturally return:

foxes;

jackals within their range;

martens;

wild cats;

lynxes;

wolves;

birds of prey.

They:

regulate rodents;

limit the excessive number of herbivores;

remove weak animals;

change the behavior of ungulates;

support scavengers.

Large predators are not introduced until the following have been restored:

food base;

corridors;

safe area;

livestock protection system;

interaction with the population.

19. Mosaic grazing regime

The entire floodplain should not be used at the same time.

Rotation is proposed:

one sector is used;

one is being restored;

one is seasonally flooded;

one is closed for breeding;

one remains a permanent natural core.

Target result

After the animals have passed, the following must remain:

high vegetation;

low vegetation;

open windows;

shrub islands;

areas without impact;

intact banks;

covered soil.

A completely eaten away area is considered a mistake.

20. Seasonality

Spring

Main limitations:

nesting of birds;

reproduction of amphibians;

soft, rich soil;

high risk of coastal damage.

Grazing is minimal or excluded.

Summer

Controlled grazing is possible:

on dried out areas;

away from nesting areas;

while maintaining water in the natural core.

Autumn

The main cycle is allowed:

after the birds have bred;

after flowering and seed formation;

on stable soil;

for processing part of the biomass.

Winter

Limited grazing is possible on:

high dry islands;

stable meadows;

unflooded terraces.

In soft, waterlogged soil, animals hatch.

21. Bearing capacity

The number of animals cannot be determined solely by area.

The following are taken into account:

soil moisture;

mass of animals;

vegetation type;

peat depth;

nesting period;

open water area;

flood intensity;

rate of grass stand restoration;

nutrient content;

presence of natural herbivores.

The main indicator is not how much food was eaten, but whether the ecosystem was preserved after the impact.

22. Infrastructure

Used:

mobile fencing;

GPS collars;

virtual borders;

mobile pens;

elevated feeding stations;

closed drinking bowls;

temporary bridges;

floating transitions;

veterinary stations;

mobile loading platforms.

Permanent infrastructure should be kept to a minimum to avoid impeding flooding.

23. Watering holes

Pets should not drink directly:

from the spring;

from a spawning stream;

from the small amphibian bowl;

from the drinking water intake area.

Water is supplied:

in closed drinking bowls;

to fortified sites;

through solar pumps;

from filtered tanks.

Watering places are regularly moved.

24. Veterinary safety

Controlled by:

contact between domestic animals and wild animals;

diseases of ungulates;

parasites;

bird diseases;

water pollution;

movement between watersheds;

hybridization of domestic and wild forms.

Required:

quarantine;

registration;

disease analysis;

control of dead animals;

cleaning transport;

separate economic and natural zones.

25. Living Mountain Observatory

The system monitors:

water level;

animal movements;

the state of vegetation;

area of ​​exposed soil;

turbidity;

nitrogen and phosphorus;

the state of the banks;

number of birds;

reproduction of amphibians;

beaver activity;

distribution of large herbivores;

the emergence of predators;

epizootic risks.

Used:

GPS collars;

camera trap;

acoustic sensors;

cameras;

eDNA;

TREVO AeroSense Drone;

River Rover Scout;

satellite images;

Mountain Digital Twin.

26. TREE AI

Artificial intelligence helps to determine:

what type of animal is needed for a particular sector;

when grazing is allowed;

how long can animals stay;

where compaction begins;

where turbidity increases;

where complete rest is required;

where the bush displaces the wet meadow;

where a beaver dam creates a risk;

what species naturally return;

when to stop the intervention.

The final decision is made by a hydrologist, ecologist, veterinarian and the territory manager.

27. Success criteria

The system works correctly if:

seasonal flooding has been restored;

the floodplain holds more water;

open water and wet meadows are preserved;

reed shelters do not disappear;

the number of amphibians and aquatic insects increases;

the birds breed and do not just visit the area temporarily;

the quality of water does not deteriorate;

animals do not destroy peat and banks;

natural regeneration of floodplain forests appears;

the diversity of micro-areas increases;

Domestic animals do not displace wild fauna;

The volume of human control is gradually decreasing.

28. Signs of improper use of animals

The work is immediately revised if:

the whole area becomes short-grazed;

the area of ​​dirt increases;

deep tracks and ruts appear;

water turbidity increases;

the banks are being destroyed;

amphibians are disappearing;

birds stop nesting;

the tree undergrowth is reduced;

manure accumulates around watering holes;

the content of nitrogen and phosphorus increases;

animals are constantly fed;

the area is not restored between cycles.

29. Pilot model

For the first pilot, it is advisable to select a degraded floodplain with an area of ​​approximately 20-100 hectares.

Proposed structure

The first species of animals

For wet large floodplain:

a small group of water buffalo or hardy local cattle.

For drier floodplains:

pony or cattle.

Other species are added only after comparison with ungrazed control plots.

30. Long-term consistency

0–3 years

water recovery;

closing the drainage;

creation of old women;

vegetation restoration;

absence of large animals in vulnerable areas.

3–7 years

pilot grazing;

the return of amphibians and birds;

creation of areas of complete peace;

water quality control.

7–15 years

rotation of different herbivores;

beaver support;

restoration of floodplain forest;

expansion of ecological corridors.

15–30 years old

restoration of a sustainable food web;

natural return of otters and predators;

reduction of artificial control.

30–100 years

self-regulating floodplain;

natural floods;

a mosaic of forests, swamps, meadows and water;

minimal dependence on pets.

What not to do

The following is not allowed:

release animals until hydrology is restored;

use the entire floodplain as pasture;

release cattle into the natural core;

place watering places near springs;

graze on rich peat;

use buffalo in a small, sensitive swamp;

release poultry into natural colonies;

releasing boars as a recovery tool;

populate all bodies of water with fish;

destroy predators for the sake of grazing convenience;

constantly feed free-living animals;

evaluate a project only by the number of goals;

transform nature restoration into the expansion of livestock farming.

Mission

The restored floodplain should once again become a space where:

the river flows freely;

water is retained;

silt forms fertility;

meadows are periodically flooded;

the forest grows on high areas;

beavers create new aquatic forms;

buffalo or other managed herbivores maintain wet meadows;

birds use shallow waters;

Amphibians breed in seasonal cups;

fish enter the floodplain during the flood;

Predators regulate the food web.

Animals don't build a floodplain in place of a river. They help the restored river maintain a vibrant, diverse, and resilient floodplain.