The Bionexus Foundation has carried out a research project on the **aquatic fauna of mountain ponds** in the Serra de Boumort. This project investigated the relationship between aquatic fauna, water permanence, and livestock pressure in mountain ponds. It also evaluated the potential of artificial mountain ponds to maintain aquatic biodiversity. This research is the result of  [**doctoral thesis**](https://repositori.uvic-ucc.cat/handle/10854/180997) conducted by Dr. Lena Fehlinger, presented in 2026 in collaboration with the University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia.

The results of this project indicate that **permanent ponds** (which have water year-round) exhibit **higher species richness** and macroinvertebrate abundance. In contrast, **temporary ponds** (which only have water during specific times of the year) feature **more specialized species** adapted to water seasonality. However, size and altitude are also factors that can influence the biodiversity of these ponds.

Analyzing the impact of livestock, it was observed that **ponds without livestock presence had greater species richness and abundance** of macroinvertebrates and amphibians, as well as higher macrophyte coverage. To conduct the study, livestock was excluded from certain ponds using fencing that prevented cattle from accessing the ponds. Thus, the results demonstrate that fencing is an effective method for reducing the impact of livestock on mountain ponds.

Regarding the creation of artificial ponds to maintain biodiversity, new ponds were constructed and compared with natural ponds in the area. The findings indicated that artificial ponds hosted species found both in nearby natural ponds and from other locations, as the present species were primarily active dispersers capable of traveling long distances. This suggests that **well-designed artificial ponds serve as complementary habitats** and are therefore a suitable strategy for conserving aquatic biodiversity in mountain ponds.

Finally, the project included a literature review of scientific studies on mountain ponds across Europe. The search results show that while some regions are heavily studied (such as the Alps), mountain ranges like the Carpathians remain largely unexamined. At the organism level, **most studies focus on macrofauna and flora**. The main themes investigated are the effects of **climate change and livestock farming on these ponds**. Finally, many publications link mountain ponds to ecosystem services and their use as nature-based solutions.


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Study on the mountanin ponds of the Serra de Boumort

The Bionexus Foundation has carried out a research project to study the functioning of **inland aquatic ecosystems** (specifically freshwater ponds) from a different perspective than the one usually applied. Unlike most ecological studies that use taxonomic diversity, this project aimed to study ponds from the perspective of organism **size structure**. The goal was to identify the main factors determining the body length of zooplankton (focusing on crustaceans) across a **latitudinal gradient** (ponds in Europe, Turkey, and Uruguay). It also analyzed whether environmental factors affected taxonomic diversity and the size structure of zooplankton communities in the same way at a local scale (Catalonia). Finally, it examined which environmental factors had a greater effect on size structure: local-scale factors or latitudinal and climatic factors (Europe and South America). The project was carried out by Dr. Katterin Rincón Palau and Dr. Serena Sgarzi, and is the result of Dr. Rincón's [**doctoral thesis**](https://www.tdx.cat/handle/10803/697150), presented in 2026 in collaboration with the University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia.

![Foto_Tesi_Kata2.jpg](https://fundaciobionexus.org/strapi/uploads/Foto_Tesi_Kata2_f0867c2533.jpg)

The project results indicated that **temperature and fish presence** are the main factors determining the body size of zooplankton crustaceans. Thus, larger individuals predominate in colder ponds, whereas the presence of fish favors the dominance of smaller individuals.

To assess whether environmental factors affected size structure and zooplankton taxonomic diversity in the same way in a Mediterranean context, 30 ponds in NE Catalonia were studied. It was observed that zooplankton **size structure** is more sensitive to variations in **pond trophic status and fish predation**, whereas **taxonomic structure** is more influenced by p**ond morphometry**. Eutrophic ponds—with high chlorophyll-a concentrations, dissolved oxygen supersaturation, fish presence, and low macrophyte abundance—are dominated by small-sized zooplankton with low size diversity. In contrast, ponds with high macrophyte abundance and shallower depth exhibit higher zooplankton biomass and size diversity.

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To evaluate how climatic and latitudinal factors influence the zooplankton size spectrum, 141 ponds across Europe (Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, and Catalonia) and Uruguay were analyzed, encompassing different bioclimatic regions and pond trophic states. The results showed that local environmental factors, especially **trophic status and pond morphometry**, are more decisive in shaping the **size spectrum** than climatic variables. Consequently, more eutrophic ponds with high chlorophyll-a concentrations are dominated by small zooplankton, whereas less eutrophic ponds are dominated by larger zooplankton.

The project's findings highlight that **zooplankton size structure serves as a sensitive and consistent indicator** of the processes regulating the ecological functioning of freshwater ponds. Therefore, it is important to integrate this body-size approach into ecological studies of pond ecosystems, as it provides a better understanding of the structural and functional patterns of aquatic communities. Additionally, integrating local factors with climatic and latitudinal variables is essential to analyze how these factors condition size structure across different spatial scales.

![Foto_Tesi_Kata1.jpg](https://fundaciobionexus.org/strapi/uploads/Foto_Tesi_Kata1_a5147525a6.jpg)

Complet study [**here**](https://www.tdx.cat/handle/10803/697150)



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Organism size structure as ecological indicators

The main objective of this project is to **evaluate the biodiversity and conservation status of Mediterranean ponds** in the medium and long term. Through a multidisciplinary approach, it targets various organism groups (such as phytoplankton, zooplankton, macrophytes, and macroinvertebrates) applying a methodology that allows for a rigorous and standardized assessment of the ponds' ecological status. This will make it possible to **understand the evolution** of Mediterranean aquatic ecosystems, **identify potential environmental impacts**, and promote effective **conservation strategies** to ensure the preservation of biodiversity in these unique habitats.

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Biodiversity monitoring in Mediterranean ponds

During the spring of 2025, **an agreement was signed with the Consorci de l'Alta Garrotxa** to carry out **conservation actions on two ponds** located in the municipality of Oix (Alta Garrotxa): Bassa de Camporiol and Bassa de Palomeres. The interventions aim to make extensive livestock farming compatible with biodiversity preservation, as well as to reduce the impact of invasive species on aquatic ecosystems.

The main action at the Camporiol pond, in collaboration with the Consorci de l’Alta Garrotxa and the owners of the Camporiol estate (municipality of Montagut i Oix), consisted of restoring a semi-permanent pond that had exotic fish causing a severe ecological impact. The intervention involved **draining the pond and removing the exotic fish**.

![palomeres.jpg](https://fundaciobionexus.org/strapi/uploads/palomeres_48709474c7.jpg)


The capture action was carried out using **electrofishing**, a technique that uses a controlled electrical current to temporarily stun fish, facilitating their collection with dip nets. To optimize results, the pond was previously drained using a motor pump. This allowed the team to access every corner of the pond while reducing hiding spots for the fish, thereby increasing the intervention's success rate. This technique was performed by specialized personnel from the Center for the Study of Mediterranean Rivers (CERM).

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As a result of the action, **two koi carp** (Cyprinus carpio) and approximately **one thousand goldfish** (Carassius auratus) **were removed**—both non-native and invasive species. Their presence poses a risk to natural aquatic ecosystems, as they cause habitat alterations, compete with native fauna, degrade water quality, and particularly prey on invertebrate and amphibian larvae, among other negative impacts on biodiversity.

![2.jpg](https://fundaciobionexus.org/strapi/uploads/2_5162deb980.jpg)


Before and after the intervention, the Bionexus Foundation conducted detailed **monitoring of the pond** (studying aquatic macroinvertebrates, zooplankton, and physicochemical water variables) to evaluate both the effects of exotic fish and the efficiency of the restoration action.D

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Alta Garrotxa Ponds Conservation

We are pleased to announce the first Call for Grants for aquatic ecosystem conservation and restoration projects.

This initiative aims to support innovative projects that contribute to the conservation and improvement of our inland aquatic ecosystems and/or their associated species. The call has a total budget of €90,000, with a maximum of €45,000 per project. Applications are open to all natural persons, public or private entities, research centers, universities, associations, and foundations that meet the requirements.

The deadline for submitting proposals is September 30. **CALL CLOSED**


You can find the call for applications and the application form at the following links:
-  [Call for Applications](https://drive.google.com/file/d/11rlW7hKIpib7B7i8QY2wOYC1FnbyTifa/view?usp=sharing)
- [Application Form](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EXLHH2SG7RBSRdNMm-SCdmEtYmjD0LNt/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=114671538839107482556&rtpof=true&sd=true)

**RESOLUTION:**
- [Resolution](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uzcMZuMYjTQIB4FdrxsjGiXpHdDfQ5mu/view?usp=sharing)


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Call for Grants 2025

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**RibbID** is a web application based on a machine learning model that enables the identification of anurans (frogs and toads) found in Catalonia through recordings of their calls.

It can be accessed at the following link: https://huggingface.co/spaces/Calotriton/RibbID

Or by scanning this QR code:

![QR.png](https://fundaciobionexus.org/strapi/uploads/QR_f1e928e8cd.png)


Its use is very simple.
1.  Select the call recording on your device if you have it saved, or record it directly with your phone if you are near the individuals.
2.  Adjust the Detection strictness depending on the audio quality. Choosing a lower value (to the left) makes the model more sensitive, identifying more species but with a higher risk of false positives. Conversely, moving it to the right makes the model more conservative but more reliable regarding the detected species.
3. Click Submit and wait. It may take a little time, especially for longer recordings.
4. Once processing is complete, it will display the names of the species present along with their probability. Species with values closer to 1 are the ones you are most likely hearing.

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RibbID: Catalan anuran identification through calls

Summaries of the two projects awarded the 2025 Bionexus Foundation Grant.

#### **FUNCTIONAL RESTORATION OF THE RIUDARENES WETLANDS FOR THE CONSERVATION OF THE EUROPEAN POND TURTLE (*Emys orbicularis*): GENETICS, HYDROLOGY, TERRESTRIAL CYCLE, AND INVASIVE SPECIES**

Fundació Emys is one of the winners of the Bionexus Foundation's first call for project grants with a research project focusing on the European pond turtle and the restoration of its habitats. The project aims to study the European pond turtle population in the Selva plain and improve its habitat.

The European pond turtle (*Emys orbicularis*) lives in ponds and streams, though it requires a surrounding terrestrial habitat for dispersal, nesting, and foraging. In Catalonia, it is endangered, having vanished from more than 50% of its range in just 30 years. In this context, the Selva plain hosts the most important population in the entire Catalan territory and one of the few that remains stable without requiring reintroductions. However, it is currently in a critical state: the population is aging, some ponds are overcrowded, and there is a lack of suitable habitats to complete its life cycle, many of which are occupied by exotic species.

Fundació Emys has extensive knowledge of the European pond turtle population in the Selva plain, built through 40 years of continuous monitoring. This expertise has enabled them to assess its situation and plan actions to improve its critical status. With funding from Bionexus, Fundació Emys aims to enhance knowledge of the species in the Selva Plain and restore its habitats to improve its conservation status.

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**Project Actions**

The project consists of several actions combining applied research and habitat restoration.

To assess the connectivity of the European pond turtle population in the Selva plain, genetic data collected during the 2025 sampling campaign will be analyzed alongside data spanning more than 38 years of study. This will help clarify the current genetic status and determine whether dispersal between ponds correlates with improved genetic health. Additionally, it will identify the most frequently used movement corridors, isolated populations, and environmental factors conditioning the species' movements.

Driven by climate change and land-use alterations, turtle overcrowding in certain ponds and premature drying in others have been observed. To mitigate these impacts, a pilot test creating and naturalizing impermeable ponds will be conducted. Two ponds lined with waterproof membranes will be constructed and naturalized to ensure new functional water points year-round.

Regarding habitat improvement actions, open areas will be restored around five existing ponds inhabited by the European pond turtle to promote nesting. To achieve this, woody vegetation will be partially cleared while maintaining patches for shelter. Furthermore, invasive species such as the mosquitofish and the American red crayfish will be eradicated from an isolated water point using a combination of prior draining and manual capture.

Finally, to verify the effectiveness of the project's interventions, long-term annual monitoring will continue, complemented by radio-tracking 10 individuals to study their dispersal, use of new ponds, and colonization of restored spaces.

![Fundacio_Emys2.jpg](https://fundaciobionexus.org/strapi/uploads/Fundacio_Emys2_e8e7e76d34.jpg)


**_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________**

#### **RESTORATION OF THE PONDS OF LES CLOSES ESTATE: HYDRAULIC ACTIONS, VEGETATION MANAGEMENT, AND ECOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENT**
 
With a project dedicated to pond restoration in the Albera region, Fundació Alive has won the 2025 Bionexus Foundation grant for aquatic ecosystem conservation and restoration. The project aims to restore the natural moisture conditions of two ponds to promote the ecological functioning of hay meadows and temporary ponds.

The Les Closes estate, located in Sant Climent Sescebes, lies outside the PEIN and Natura 2000 network, although its eastern boundary borders the protected area "Basses de l'Albera". This site possesses notable ecological value, featuring habitats of community interest—especially highly threatened wet hay meadows and mixed coniferous forests. The vulnerable species Juncus heterophyllus has also been identified alongside seasonally flooded areas of high value for amphibians and other wildlife. Despite these values, the estate is threatened by a historical drainage network that accelerates water evacuation, promotes premature drying of the ponds, weakens wet meadows, and facilitates colonization by woody vegetation and invasive species such as giant reed (*Arundo donax*).

To reverse the hydrological degradation process, increase biodiversity, and ensure the long-term conservation of the estate's hay meadows and wetlands, Fundació Alive plans to implement several actions focusing on pond hydrology and vegetation management.

**Project Actions**

In terms of hydrological restoration, partial blockages will be installed in the drainage channels of Estany Gran and the former Estany Pedragoler to recover and stabilize seasonal flooding. Increasing water retention time will enhance 23,727 m² of wet hay meadow habitat and restore an additional 7,836 m², benefiting hygrophilous flora and supporting breeding for amphibians such as the natterjack toad, Western spadefoot, and marbled newt.

Regarding vegetation management, an adaptive annual mowing schedule will be established, and giant reed will be cleared using manual and mechanical methods, including rhizome extraction and regular maintenance to prevent sprouting.

Finally, microhabitats will be created by stacking dry stone and deadwood to foster native wildlife, including reptiles, small mammals, hedgehogs, wood-boring invertebrates, and various amphibian species.

![Closes_fundacio.JPG](https://fundaciobionexus.org/strapi/uploads/Closes_fundacio_74395df0ce.JPG)





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2025 Grant Winners

Saturday, April 4, the newspaper [**El Punt Avui**](https://www.elpuntavui.cat/societat/article/11-mediambient/2631479-al-rescat-de-les-zones-humides.html) featured an extensive report on the **Bionexus Foundation**. The report highlights the foundation's main goal: conducting applied research in the field, with a particular focus on restoring inland wetlands. It also emphasizes the importance of wetlands in Catalonia for biodiversity and carbon sequestration, making the recovery of these ecosystems essentia, a task a private foundation like Bionexus can carry out with greater agility than public administration.

Finally, the report explain the two winning projects of the research grant awarded in autumn 2025 by the Bionexus Foundation, which focus on the restoration of the Sant Climent Sescebes pond and the habitat restoration European pond turtle in Riudarenes.

To view the report: [**Al rescat de les zones humides**](https://www.elpuntavui.cat/societat/article/11-mediambient/2631479-al-rescat-de-les-zones-humides.htm)

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Bionexus Fudantion in El Punt Avui

L'Apunt, the magazine of the University of Vic (UVic), has published a [**news article about the collaboration agreement**](https://apunt.uvic.cat/la-uvic-ucc-i-la-fundacio-bionexus-impulsen-una-alianca-per-reforcar-la-recerca-en-ecosistemes) signed between the **Bionexus Foundation** and **UVic** in 2025. The article explains that the purpose of the agreement is to develop joint initiatives in the areas of research and knowledge transfer. Under this agreement, Bionexus provides research talent to carry out doctoral theses and joint projects with UVic, while UVic provides its laboratory facilities to conduct this research. The agreement is valid for four years and can be extended by mutual agreement.

The agreement with UVic is part of the Bionexus research program. One year after signing the agreement, the first results have already been achieved: the presentation of two doctoral theses on aquatic ecology in [**ponds of Boumort**](https://fundaciobionexus.org/en/project/Boumort) and on [**zooplankton size structure**](https://fundaciobionexus.org/en/project/estructura_plancton).

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The Bionexus Foundation in the UVic Magazine

**Two Bionexus members attended the Iberian Association of Limnology congress in Bilbao at the end of June**

The Bionexus Foundation was present at the **XXIII Iberian Congress of Limnology (AIL)** held in June in the city of Bilbao (Basque Country). Bionexus gave two talks on projects currently being carried out by the foundation. Dr. Serena Sgarzi presented the **pond restoration manual**, which sparked great interest among the audience. On the other hand, Dr. Lena Fehlinger presented part of the results of her doctoral thesis on **how to reduce the impact of livestock on mountain ponds**, which is part of the foundation's research program. Bionexus also organized a special session on "The conservation and restoration of small water bodies: Advances and challenges". During the congress, many current aquatic ecology topics were discussed, featuring many leading experts in this discipline from the Iberian region.

The Iberian Association of Limnology has held a biennial congress since 1981, meet together experts in limnology and aquatic ecology from the Iberian Peninsula. This year, the congress took place in Bilbao and gathered nearly 300 participants.

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Bionexus at the XXIII Iberian Association of Limnolog  (AIL)

**With the aim of collaborating with other institutions to conserve and protect natural heritage, the Bionexus Foundation has signed an agreement with the Catalan Society of Herpetology**

In 2026, Bionexus signed a **collaboration agreement** with one of the leading institutions in the knowledge and conservation of herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles) of Catalonia, **the Catalan Society of Herpetology**. With this agreement, the aim is to promote joint projects related to the research, management, conservation, and dissemination of these species and their habitats. It also aims to foster an exchange of experiences and information on all topics that could benefit both institutions in the context of conserving natural heritage and its biodiversity. The agreement is valid for 4 years.

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Bionexus Fundation signe a collaboration agreement with the Catalan Society of Herpetology

**On September 24, Bionexus participated in “Fem un got de ciència!”, as part of European Researchers' Night at the Casino de Vic.**

Dr. Serena Sgarzi, a research technician at the Bionexus Foundation, presented the manual the Foundation is currently developing on the management, restoration, and creation of Mediterranean ponds, as well as their potential as nature-based solutions. It was an evening dedicated to sharing knowledge, bringing research closer to the public, and highlighting the value of these small ecosystems and their potential for biodiversity conservation.

European Researchers' Night is a continent-wide event promoted by the European Union to bring research closer to society. More than 300 cities across 30 European countries participate in this initiative. In Catalonia, it is organized in various locations, including Vic. As part of this event, workshops, shows, experiments, and, in the case of Bionexus, micro-talks are hosted.

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Project details