Target species and habitats
Countless animal and plant species, from the smallest soil-dwelling insects to medium-sized mammals and from inconspicuous mosses to old trees many metres tall live on the Rhine bend at Orsoy, populating their typical habitats.
Some of these species are rare and specially protected, and specific national and international laws apply to them as part of Europe’s Natura 2000 network. They are an exceptional example of their habitat and as such provide a good indicator of the condition of such areas.
In order to protect these species, it is vital to start by examining the living conditions in their habitats. The species outlined here are the main focus of the measures being implemented in our LIFE project, but many of their fellow inhabitants of the Rhine bend at Orsoy will also benefit from improvements to their habitat!
