The Management Committee of LIFE+ Desmania met today at the headquarters of the Biodiversity Foundation, in Madrid, to address issues related to the status and development of this project, which seeks to conserve and improve the environment of the Iberian desman, an endemic species of the Peninsula in danger of extinction.

At the meeting, which was attended by representatives of all the project partners, various points related to LIFE+ Desmania were discussed, such as the general situation of the project, the review and updating of the actions that make it up and the review of the economic and administrative aspects. It should be noted that during these months, among other activities, more than 5,000 kilometres of river have been sampled in Castilla y León and Extremadura, more than 700 samples have been collected, of which 200 have been genetically analysed. In addition, 200 technicians and environmental agents have been trained in the monitoring of the species. Desmania has a new website that aims to provide updated information on the progress of the project.

The Iberian desman (Galemys pirenaicus) is a semi-aquatic insectivorous mammal that is distributed throughout the northern half of the Iberian Peninsula. It is an endemic species currently in a situation of vulnerability, except in the Central System, where it is considered in danger of extinction. The main reasons for their population decline are due to the deterioration and fragmentation of their habitat, often as a result of human action.

In order to curb this trend, the LIFE+ Desmania project has emerged, an ambitious initiative that has been underway since 2012 and whose goals are also the recovery and conservation of this species. Coordinated by the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and the Environment, it is 50% co-financed by the European Commission through the LIFE+ funds.

In addition to the Ministry itself, the Regional Government of Castilla y León, the Regional Government of Extremadura, CESEFOR, the Natural Heritage Foundation and SOMACYL participate as partners in this project. Likewise, LIFE + Desmania also receives the support of the Miño-Sil, Tagus and Duero Hydrographic Confederations, town councils, research centres and fishermen’s associations.