Natura 2000 Sites (SIC/ZSC - ZPS) wildlife populations estimation and comparison between Abruzzo (IT) and Castilla y Leon (ES) regions

This study aims to demonstrate that the Natura 2000 Network is the appropriate tool adopted by the European Union for biodiversity conservation. Twenty-five years after its establishment, conservation policies and economic and social practices have not yet been integrated. A comparison of the Standard Data Forms of the regions of Abruzzo (Italy) and Castile and León (Spain) highlights differences in biodiversity management and monitoring. The results highlight critical issues ranging from the lack of management plans in Italy to limited knowledge of the number of individuals among the species described as present in the 174 sites compared. Due to the lack of reliable data, it is impossible to determine whether the various species are experiencing drastic population declines or territorial rarities. The study suggests future conservation strategies that take due account of climate change and agricultural sustainability. The comparison between the two European regions and the analysis of official data lay the foundation for a broader debate on the need to improve management practices in protected areas, thus contributing to more effective biodiversity conservation.