BIOMA Institute collaborates in a study that highlights Sendaviva's role as a biodiversity refuge

The Navarre Adventure and Fun park Sendaviva has established itself as a crucial ally for biodiversity, as revealed by the study'ZooNaGreen'. This project, carried out between 2023 and 2024, in which the BIOMA Institute, the Aranzadi Science Society and the University of the Basque Country have participated, has determined that Sendaviva not only supports the coexistence manager with wildlife, but also enhances the reproduction of various local species.

The goal of this project was to check if Sendaviva allows a coexistence manager with the wildlife of the area thanks to the maintenance of vegetation and the creation of water points. Coordinated by Efren Fernandez from Sendaviva's Environment department , the mission statement focused on the observation and analysis of wild species of pollinating insects, birds, mesomammals and micromammals found in the park and its surroundings.

David Galicia, researcher of the BIOMA Institute, sampled four plots that could have, or have had in the recent past, a vegetation cover compatible with stable populations of micromammals, mainly voles. "The plot within the Sendaviva site, which maintains the natural vegetation of the area without major alterations, is a very suitable environment for these species of small mammals. Despite its small size, it has provided us with much higher abundances of individuals than expected", says David, demonstrating that the dense vegetation cover of the park provides an ideal habitat for these animals, which translates into high fees captures inside the enclosure compared to outside.

Throughout the project, the other collaborators obtained similar results studying almost 6,000 pollinating insects, more than 74 species of nesting birds and recording more than 9,606 images of wild mesomammals. This finding underlines the role of Sendaviva as a refuge and reservoir for wildlife, particularly in the winter months. The BIOMA Institute, together with its partners at project, has demonstrated how the integration of recreational and conservation spaces can significantly benefit local biodiversity.