Case Study

Natural grazing in Ķemeri National Park, Latvia – rewilding of restored river floodplain pastures by de-domesticated cattle and horse herds

Contact name

Andis Liepa (Ķemeri National Park Fund), Agnese Balandiņa (Nature Conservation Agency)

Institution name

Ķemeri National Park Fund (NGO), Nature Conservation Agency (State Institution)

Region & country

EUROPARC Nordic-Baltic Section, Latvia

Summary

In 2006 and 2018, large scale wetland restoration projects were implemented in Ķemeri National Park. Those also included meandering of two meliorated rivers, setting the scene for wild pasture development. In 2006, first Konik Polski horses and Auroxen (de-domesticated Heck cattle) were brought to the restored floodplains. The numbers of these wild herds have now increased to over 400 individuals, developing their own herd structures, interacting with other wildlife (including large predators) and shaping environment and ecosystems around them. Over 20 years of experience has been gained on various aspects on natural grazing, including the comprehensive benefits and legal challenges of this rewilding aspect.

Auroxen (de-domesticated Heck cattle) in Ķemeri National Park.

Photo: Jānis Šlūke, Ķemeri National Park Fund

Auroxen (de-domesticated Heck cattle) in Ķemeri National Park.

Photo: Jānis Šlūke, Ķemeri National Park Fund

The herds of Konik horses and Auroxen attract visitors.

Photo: Ķemeri National Park Nature Centre

Natural grazing by herds of Konik horses and Auroxen in the Ķemeri National Park.

Photo: Ķemeri National Park Nature Centre

Background of the project

In 1997, Ķemeri National Park was established covering an area of 38 000 ha, including a large forest-swamp-water area with few human settlements and 85% of State landownership. The State Hunting Enterprise which was actively using the lands before, no longer existed. This situation gave hope for a different approach in wildlife management, including rewilding initiatives, in accordance with the aims of the new National Park – nature conservation, sustainable tourism and nature education.

The main needs included:

  • creating an environment suitable for wildlife and initiating nature restoration processes;
  • protection of ecologically important species and improvement of living conditions of specially protected species;
  • improving animal watching opportunities for visitors to the National Park;
  • increasing opportunities for nature education.

Solution and actions taken

With the help of various experts – ecologists, zoologists, botanists, management specialists, etc. the ideas were generated and collected to create the scientific background for increasing wilderness in the National Park. The ideas were put into the Management Plan, which laid the basis for attracting funds. Involvement of Park Staff and other stakeholders was crucial for implementation of the activities and granting sustainability of the achieved results.

Two LIFE and some National funding projects were implemented to restore wetland habitats and let them regenerate on their own. Konik horses and Auroxens were brought in to take care of the restored floodplains, shaping the natural environment further and giving a chance for rewilding. The results are maintained by attracting EU agricultural subsidies, constant exchange with NGO/State sector (National/EU level), and daily field work (looking after animals, monitoring wildlife species and processes, haymaking).

Other institutions or parties involved

Large Herbivore Foundation, WWF Latvia, Rewilding Europe, Nature Conservation Agency of Latvia, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of Latvia (now the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development), Ministry of Agriculture of Latvia, European Commission, Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia, SAEIMA (Latvian parliament).

Results

More than 500 ha of grassland habitats have been restored and regularly managed. Up to 220 Auroxen and 200 Konik horses have been introduced and propagated, which now live in the Park together with local herbivores and carnivores. Two wild grazing areas of approximately 700 ha total have been created, one of which serves as a tourist destination. Explanatory work on natural grazing has been carried out in organizations at various levels.

Challenges

It is necessary to make changes to the legislation that would separate wild cattle and horses from the category of farm animals.
The state administration should adopt basic principles for wild grazing, including non-interference by humans (stop hunting…).
Expand strictly protected nature areas (zones) and legally determine their management in accordance with the principles of wild grazing.
Ensure the continued presence and protection of large carnivores.

Lessons learned

Auroxen and Konik horses adapt to local conditions and are able to live alongside large carnivores. They restore and maintain not only open grasslands, but can also partially supplement forest herbivores. Restoration of river floodplains in combination with wild pastures attracts a large number of birds outside the nesting season and provides good opportunities for native species to reproduce – nature restoration processes are underway.

Other resources

  • Report: Conservation of wetlands in Ķemeri National Park, Latvia

    Report of the EU LIFE-Nature project Conservation of Wetlands in Ķemeri National Park.

    https://www.daba.gov.lv/lv/media/3122/download?attachment
  • Video: Nature management in Ķemeri National Park

    The video was produced in the framework of the EU LIFE-Nature project Conservation of Wetlands in Ķemeri National Park.

  • Layman's Report: Restoring the hydrological regime of the Ķemeri National Park (LIFE Hydroplan)

    The LIFE Hydroplan Layman's report has been prepared with financial support from the European Commission LIFE program and
    the Administration of Latvian Environmental Protection Fund within the framework of the project “Restoring the hydrological regime
    of the Ķemeri National Park” ( LIFE10 NAT / LV / 160 HYDROPLAN).

    https://hydroplan.daba.gov.lv/upload/File/BRO_19_Hydroplan_Layman-s_Report_web.pdf
  • Video: LIFE Hydroplan: A Second Chance for Skudrupīte

    The video is about river restoration works within the LIFE Hydroplan project in 2018, extending the area of floodplain grasslands and wild pastures.

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