Zoological aspects of the assessment of human impact on the environment

The study of impact estimates the effects of a plan or project on the environment to evaluate and possibly limit, mitigate or compensate any adverse impacts. Here are examined the three different types of environmental impact assessment in Europe: the S.E.A. (Strategic Environmental Assessment) for plans and programs, the A.E.I. (Assessment of Environmental Impact) for projects and the A.I (Assessment of Impact) for projects adversely affecting the integrity of a Nature 2000 Site. The role of wildlife in environmental impact studies is highlighted because it represents one of a minimum content of these studies. The study of wildlife and its problems (very large number of animals, especially invertebrates; basic knowledge in general unsatisfactory, even for protected areas; difficulty of making a quick fauna list of a region, even with small extension; necessity to adopt different and very specialized sampling methods related to the animals mobility and the different habitats they occupy; difficulties in developing maps for wildlife) are reviewed. In relation to these issues, two methodologies are used for the study of fauna in environmental impact studies: 1) Ecosystem approach (review of certain natural habitats of particular interest in relation to the associated fauna component; 2) List of species.With regard to the ecosystem approach, is done a revision of those habitats with particular naturalistic interest in the Mediterranean region and their fauna component emphasizing its morphological characteristics, its major adaptations and the main factors of impact by human activities. In particular are examined: aquatic environments (sources, wetlands, floodplains and streams) representing ecosystems highly integrated and interconnected; sandy and rocky coasts; caves; forests, maquis and garrigue.With regard to the list of species, is necessary to consider those included in international conventions (Bonn, Berna, Washington, Directives 43/92 CE and 147/2009 CE) or those for which were adopted some categories by the International Council of IUCN. It is fundamental to stress as well the endemic or rare ones, and taxa of biogeographical interest or those related to specific habitats or microhabitats.