Projects
Environmental monitoring
Tracking the trends and distribution of butterflies and moths in northern europe
Project overview
This research project conducted by Markus delves into the population dynamics and distribution patterns of butterflies and moths across Northern Europe, examining how climate change and land use changes influence these patterns. Spanning 16 years, this study tracks range-expanding species to shed light on their responses to environmental shifts.
Key findings
Increasing species richness and abundance:
We observed a significant rise in the species richness and abundance of range-expanding moths in southeastern Sweden. Over the study period, we recorded over 25,000 individuals from 107 species, with a notable trend of species migrating northward.
Temperature’s crucial role:
Our data show a strong correlation between higher ambient temperatures and increased abundance and population growth. Warmer years have notably facilitated the survival and reproduction of thermophilic species, underscoring temperature as a key driver in range expansions.
Trends in population growth:
Newly established moth populations showed rapid initial growth, which gradually stabilized. This trend suggests an early phase of rapid colonization followed by a period of adjustment as species adapt to local ecosystems.
Disturbance and novel ecosystems:
Changes in land use and climate variability have created new habitats, supporting a diverse array of species. Our findings highlight that younger forests and disturbed areas can be biodiversity hotspots, challenging the traditional focus on old-growth forests.
Ecological implications
Intermediate disturbance hypothesis:
Our study supports the hypothesis that moderate disturbances enhance biodiversity by creating varied habitats. Ecosystems with moderate levels of disturbance tend to harbor greater species diversity.
Emergence of novel ecosystems:
Range-expanding species are contributing to the formation of novel ecosystems. These new ecosystems, influenced by human activities and climate change, function differently from historical ones but play vital roles in maintaining biodiversity.
Tailored conservation strategies:
Different taxonomic groups respond uniquely to environmental changes, emphasizing the need for conservation strategies tailored to the specific needs of various species.
Conservation and management strategies
Our research advocates for dynamic conservation approaches that consider both young and old forests, disturbances, and the emergence of novel ecosystems. Effective biodiversity preservation requires continuous monitoring and adaptive management to respond to rapid environmental changes.
Project significance
This project underscores the resilience and adaptability of butterflies and moths to environmental changes. By understanding their distribution and population trends, we gain critical insights into broader ecological shifts, helping to better forecast the impacts of future climate scenarios.
Monitoring land cover and biodiversity in Padjelanta National Park
Project overview
This project conducted by Markus focuses on investigating changes in land cover and the diversity of flora and fauna in Padjelanta National Park, located in the Western part of Lule Lappmark, Sweden. The park, with an area of 1984 km², predominantly features alpine vegetation, with altitudes ranging from 550 to 1800 meters above sea level. Our research aims to document historical and recent changes in the ecosystem, driven by climatic shifts and human activities, to understand their impact on biodiversity.
Background and significance
Recent studies indicate that Arctic and alpine ecosystems are experiencing rapid environmental changes. Temperatures in these regions are rising at rates two to three times faster than the global average, resulting in shifts in vegetation zones and declines in mammal populations. However, data on the insect fauna and other smaller organisms in these habitats remain sparse. Understanding these changes is crucial as they can serve as indicators of broader ecological shifts and help formulate conservation strategies.
Research focus
Our research in Padjelanta has primarily focused on six major insect taxa: Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), Coleoptera (beetles), Hymenoptera (bees and wasps), Odonata (dragonflies), Orthoptera (grasshoppers), and Diptera (hoverflies). Historical data, supplemented with surveys conducted between 1998 and 2008, have documented 398 species in the park. The results show a rich diversity, particularly among bumblebees and butterflies, with significant findings including several Red Listed species and new records for the province.
Key findings
Insect fauna: The study recorded 16 species of bumblebees and 26 species of butterflies, with eight butterflies being Red Listed. Notable discoveries include the first records of the weevil Dorytomus tortrix and the chrysidid wasp Chrysis angustula in Lule Lappmark.
Environmental changes: Despite some species colonizing the area over the last 65 years, the overall rate of colonization has been low. This suggests a relatively stable insect fauna, albeit with potential future changes due to ongoing climatic shifts.
Habitat and flora: Padjelanta’s diverse habitats, ranging from rich alpine meadows to higher altitude cliffs, support a variety of species. Significant areas include the Unna Tuki region, known for its rich flora and unique microclimate.
Implications for conservation
The findings underscore the need for ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts in alpine regions. As environmental changes are expected to accelerate, careful documentation and analysis of these ecosystems are essential for protecting biodiversity. The project highlights the importance of national parks like Padjelanta as reference areas for studying the impacts of climate change and developing strategies to mitigate its effects.
Habitat requirements and population dynamics of three endangered butterfly species
Project overview
This project conducted by Victor focuses on understanding the habitat requirements, population dynamics, and conservation strategies for three endangered butterfly species: the Marsh Fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia), the Apollo (Parnassius apollo), and the Large Blue (Phengaris arion). These species are of significant conservation concern and are included in the EU’s Habitats Directive.
Key research areas:
Habitat requirements: Detailed analysis of the habitat preferences of each species, focusing on vegetation type, microclimate, and availability of host plants.
Population trends: Monitoring and analyzing population dynamics over time to understand trends and factors influencing population changes.
Movement patterns: Studying the movement and dispersal patterns to determine how individuals utilize the landscape and migrate between habitats.
Grazing impact: Investigating the effects of grazing on butterfly populations and their host plants, and determining optimal grazing regimes for conservation.
Management practices: Developing and testing conservation management practices, including habitat restoration and the management of limestone quarries, to support sustainable populations.
Climate change effects: Assessing how changes in temperature and extreme weather (like the 2018 summer drought), affect the butterflies’ phenology, behavior, and survival.
Methodology:
Field surveys: Extensive fieldwork involving mark-recapture techniques to monitor butterfly populations and movements.
Data analysis: Use of GIS and statistical models to analyze habitat data, population trends, and movement patterns.
Temperature monitoring: Installation of temperature loggers to record microclimatic conditions and their impact on butterfly activity and survival.
Grazing experiments: Controlled grazing experiments to determine the best practices for maintaining butterfly habitats.
Community engagement: Involvement of local communities and stakeholders in conservation efforts and habitat management.
Significance:
This project aims to provide critical insights into the conservation needs of these endangered butterflies and develop effective management strategies to ensure their survival. By understanding the detailed habitat requirements and population dynamics, the project seeks to enhance conservation efforts not only for these species but also for the broader ecosystem they inhabit.
Population dynamics of a threatened orchid in production forests
Project overview
The intensification of forestry has negatively impacted many species dependent on old-growth forests in Sweden, including the threatened orchid Goodyera repens (Knärot in Swedish), classified as vulnerable (VU). This orchid is believed to be strongly associated with old, moss-rich continuous coniferous forests and serves as an indicator of forests of high conservation value with other threatened species.
The project conducted by Victor aims to identify the habitat requirements of G. repens, analyze the population trends over the past 30 years, develop models to predict G. repens occurrence patterns, and validate G. repens as an indicator species for other threatened species.
Methodology:
Habitat analysis: Use data from the National Forest Inventory’s permanent sample plots to analyze detailed habitat requirements.
Population trends: Assess population trends and predict future development under different forestry management scenarios.
Habitat model: Develop and validate habitat models using GIS data that are available for the public.
Field validation: Conduct field visits to validate model predictions.
Assess the indicator value: Survey other indicators of old forests with high biodiversity in relation to the occurrence of G. repens (stands with and without the species).
Expected outcomes:
The project will provide practical tools for sustainable forestry management, guide decisions on logging, and contribute to achieving the environmental goal of “Living Forests.” It will also assess if G. repens effectively signals high nature value areas with other threatened species.
Conservation of hairy-footed leafcutter bee
The project, conducted by Victor, focuses on Megachile lagopoda, which is the largest mason bee in Sweden. The species is listed as Near Threatened (NT) according to the 2020 Red List. Historically it was widespread across southern and central Sweden, but the population has declined dramatically since the 1950s. Key threats include habitat destruction, agricultural intensification, and inappropriate land management practices. However, recent observations indicate a possible recovery of the species, likely due to climate change.
This project aims to understand the habitat requirements, spatial distribution and population dynamics of M. lagopoda based on field surveys of the species in Östergötland and population genetics of the entire Swedish population. By collecting these data, the project should identify critical factors influencing the species’ survival and inform conservation strategies. The project also aims at developing population models that can be used to predict future population dynamics under different scenarios of management and climate change. Predictions can for example be used to identify where potential restoration actions should be focused.
Monitoring and habitat requirements of grassland butterflies
This project conducted by Victor is focused on modeling the habitat requirements and distribution of Swedish grassland butterflies. We utilize data from regional environmental monitoring of grasslands, conducted from 2015 to 2020 under the national environmental monitoring program commissioned by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, involving SLU (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences) with support from various county administrative boards. The project is part of the Remiil project that started in 2009, with the purpose of following up on the regional environmental objectives for a rich and varied agricultural landscape and a rich plant and animal life.
The data collected include (i) land use/land cover data from aerial photography interpretation, (ii) data from complementary GIS overlay analyses of other land use layers (e.g., AES level), and (iii) species/vegetation data from sample plots in grassland objects from a subset of those landscapes used in aerial photography interpretation. This data supports the counties’ efforts to track environmental goals for a rich agricultural landscape.
Ecological and taxonomic study of saproxylic beetles in Europe
Nicklas Jansson’s project is an extensive ecological and taxonomic investigation of saproxylic beetles associated with ancient oak forests across Europe. Saproxylic beetles, which depend on dead or decaying wood for at least part of their lifecycle, are critical to forest ecosystems. This study aims to deepen the understanding of their diversity, distribution, and ecological roles, providing insights essential for their conservation.
Objectives:
Document species diversity: Catalog the species richness of saproxylic beetles in diverse habitats across Europe.
Taxonomic identification: Identify and describe new species, and clarify the taxonomy of existing species.
Ecological roles: Investigate the ecological functions and interactions of saproxylic beetles within their habitats.
Geographical patterns: Analyze how beetle diversity and ecological traits vary with latitude and other environmental gradients.
Conservation insights: Provide data to inform conservation strategies for preserving beetle diversity and forest health.
Methodology:
Site selection: The study encompasses 28 sites across Europe, selected for their significant populations of old hollow oak trees, which are key habitats for saproxylic beetles.
Sampling techniques: Beetles were collected using flight interception traps installed on oak trees, capturing specimens during their active flight periods over several months.
Species identification: Beetles were identified to the species level by experts, focusing on 11 taxonomic families and their respective feeding guilds.
Data analysis: Statistical models were employed to examine patterns of species richness and body size in relation to latitude and other variables.
Trends and distribution of the the woodland brown butterfly
This project conducted by Karl-Olof focuses on studying the trends and distribution of the Lopinga achine butterfly, commonly known as the Woodland Brown or Dårgräsfjäril, which is classified as Near Threatened (NT). The research aims to understand the habitat preferences, population dynamics, and conservation needs of this species in Sweden.
Objectives
Habitat analysis: Investigate the specific habitat requirements of Lopinga achine, particularly its reliance on calcareous environments and host plants.
Population monitoring: Track population trends and distribution changes over time.
Conservation strategies: Develop and recommend conservation measures to protect and sustain butterfly populations.
Key features studied
Habitat preferences: Focus on calcareous environments with host plants such as Carex montana.
Population dynamics: Assess the size, distribution, and movement patterns of populations.
Threats and conservation: Identify threats like habitat loss and recommend conservation actions.
Methodology
Field surveys: Conduct extensive field surveys to collect data on butterfly populations and habitat conditions.
Population tracking: Use mark-recapture techniques to study movement and population structure.
Data analysis: Analyze data to determine trends in population size and distribution, and identify key habitat features.
Preliminary findings
Stable yet limited distribution: The butterfly is strongly associated with calcareous habitats in Sweden, with stable populations in certain areas.
Threats identified: Main threats include habitat loss due to forestry practices and overgrowth of habitats.
Conservation needs: Effective management practices such as controlled grazing and habitat restoration are critical for sustaining populations.
Conservation implications
Habitat management: Recommendations include maintaining and restoring suitable habitats through controlled grazing and preventing overgrowth.
Monitoring and protection: Continuous monitoring and protective measures are essential to prevent further decline.
Public engagement: Engaging local communities and landowners in conservation efforts to ensure long-term sustainability.
Significance
This research highlights the importance of specific habitat conditions for the survival of Lopinga achine and provides valuable insights for developing targeted conservation strategies to protect this near-threatened butterfly species.
Temporal patterns of pollinator flight and weed flowering
This project, conducted by Per, aims to explore the seasonal interactions between pollinators, such as bees and hoverflies, and the flowering times of agricultural weeds that provide essential nectar and pollen. By studying the flight activities of these pollinators and the blooming schedules of common weeds, the project seeks to determine how well these temporal patterns align throughout the growing season. Identifying periods when pollinators and floral resources are out of sync can highlight potential resource shortages. The findings will inform agricultural and conservation practices to ensure continuous floral availability, supporting pollinator health and biodiversity. This research will enhance our understanding of plant-pollinator dynamics, crucial for maintaining ecological balance in agricultural settings and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Pollinator flight patterns: Investigating the seasonal flight activities of various pollinators, including bees and hoverflies, to understand their temporal needs for floral resources.
Flowering times of weeds: Analyzing the flowering schedules of common agricultural weeds that provide nectar and pollen, crucial for supporting pollinator populations.
Temporal synchronization: Assessing the alignment between pollinator flight periods and weed flowering times to determine how well these two groups support each other throughout the growing season.
Goals
- To identify critical periods when pollinators and floral resources are out of sync, potentially leading to resource shortages.
- To inform agricultural and conservation practices that enhance pollinator habitats by ensuring continuous floral availability.
- To contribute to the broader understanding of plant-pollinator dynamics and their role in maintaining ecological balance in agricultural settings.
Conservation and management implications
Habitat management: Recommendations for maintaining diverse weed species in agricultural fields to provide consistent nectar and pollen sources.
Land use practices: Insights into how crop sowing and harvesting schedules impact floral resource availability for pollinators.
Biodiversity support: Strategies for creating agricultural practices that support a wide range of pollinator species throughout their active seasons.
Oak project
Landscape for conservation
The role of oak tree characteristics in supporting biodiversity: a study on living and dead oaks
This project conducted by Nicklas investigates the impact of various characteristics of oak trees, such as age, whether they are dead or alive, and their structural features, on biodiversity. The primary focus is on the ecological roles these oaks play in supporting different species, especially saproxylic beetles, which depend on dead or decaying wood for their lifecycle.
Objectives
Evaluate biodiversity: Assess the variety of species, particularly saproxylic beetles, associated with different oak tree characteristics.
Compare living and dead trees: Examine how the biodiversity in living oaks compares with that in dead or decaying ones.
Conservation insights: Develop recommendations for managing oak habitats to enhance biodiversity conservation.
Key characteristics studied
Tree age: Investigate the biodiversity supported by oaks at various life stages, from young to ancient trees.
Living vs. dead trees: Compare the species found in living oaks with those found in dead or decaying trees.
Structural features: Examine how features such as trunk size, presence of hollows, and canopy cover influence biodiversity.
Methodology
Study area: Conducted in a region with a high density of old oaks, including both living and dead trees.
Sampling techniques: Use methods like flight interception traps to collect data on species, particularly beetles, associated with these oaks.
Data analysis: Analyze how different characteristics of the oaks correlate with the presence and diversity of various species.
Preliminary findings
High biodiversity: Both living and dead oaks are crucial habitats, supporting a rich diversity of species, especially saproxylic beetles.
Unique species assemblages: Different assemblages of species are found depending on whether the oaks are alive or dead, highlighting the importance of both in conservation.
Significant factors: Attributes such as trunk size, presence of hollows, and tree age significantly influence the types and numbers of species present.
Conservation implications
Habitat preservation: Emphasizes the need to preserve both living and dead oaks to maintain high levels of biodiversity.
Management practices: Recommends maintaining a mix of young and old oaks, as well as standing dead trees, to support various species throughout their lifecycles.
Significance
This research underscores the vital role that oaks, with their diverse characteristics, play in supporting biodiversity. By understanding these relationships, the study provides valuable insights for conservation strategies aimed at preserving these important habitats.
Identifying landscapes for conservation based on habitat thresholds
The research, conducted by Karl-Olof focuses on identifying key habitat thresholds essential for the survival of various species in southern Sweden. This project aims to guide effective conservation strategies by determining the specific habitat requirements needed to support biodiversity in landscapes affected by habitat loss.
Objectives
Determine habitat thresholds: Establish the minimum habitat requirements necessary for species survival.
Map functional areas: Identify and map regions that have the potential to support sensitive species based on habitat thresholds.
Enhance conservation efforts: Provide recommendations for cost-effective conservation actions to improve habitat quality and connectivity.
Key features studied
Tree species: Investigate old oaks, ash, wych elm, and Norway maple trees.
Semi-natural grasslands: Analyze the extent and condition of grasslands.
Methodology
Data collection: Utilize extensive datasets from citizen science and professional surveys to map large trees and grasslands.
Species analysis: Compile and analyze data on species occurrences, focusing on plants, mosses, lichens, fungi, and invertebrates.
Modeling habitat thresholds: Use statistical models to predict species occurrences based on habitat amounts and identify critical habitat thresholds.
Preliminary findings
Critical habitat amounts: Identified specific habitat amounts necessary to support various species.
Functional landscapes: Mapped regions that meet these habitat thresholds and can support a diverse range of species.
Conservation priorities: Highlighted areas with significant potential for habitat restoration and conservation.
Conservation implications
Guided conservation actions: Provides actionable data to help conservation practitioners focus efforts on the most critical areas.
Habitat restoration: Emphasizes the importance of restoring habitats to meet identified thresholds, ensuring the long-term survival of species.
Public engagement: Encourages the use of citizen science data to enhance conservation strategies and foster community involvement.
This ongoing research is crucial for developing effective conservation plans that address biodiversity loss in southern Sweden. By identifying and mapping critical habitat thresholds, we aim to support the survival of diverse species and maintain ecosystem health.
Master's thesis
Monitoring longhorn beetles in Swedish deciduous forests
Christoffer’s master’s project focuses on the biodiversity and ecological roles of longhorn beetles (cerambycids) in 30 deciduous forests across Sweden. Longhorn beetles are a diverse group with an estimated 60,000 species worldwide, many of which are poorly understood despite their ecological significance and potential as pests.
Key objectives
Document species diversity: Identify and catalog longhorn beetle species within Swedish forests.
Analyze ecological patterns: Understand how environmental factors influence the distribution and behaviors of these beetles.
Utilize pheromones and traps: Employ pheromones to attract and monitor longhorn beetles, improving detection accuracy and efficiency.
Key findings
Diverse habitats: Longhorn beetles inhabit a wide array of ecological niches within deciduous forests.
Impact of environmental changes: Changes in climate and land use significantly influence beetle distribution and abundance.
Effective monitoring: Pheromone traps are highly effective for detecting rare and cryptic longhorn beetle species.
Conservation implications
Dynamic conservation strategies: Emphasize adaptable conservation approaches that consider both young and old forests.
Enhanced detection: Use pheromones to improve monitoring and protection of rare longhorn beetle species.
Project significance
Christoffer’s project highlights the importance of using advanced pheromone-based monitoring to better understand and protect longhorn beetle biodiversity. These findings can inform conservation efforts and help maintain the health of forest ecosystems in Sweden.
Tracking the trends and spatiotemporal variation of Marsh Fritillary on Gotland
Amanda’s master’s project focuses on the trends, population size, and spatiotemporal variation of the Marsh Fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) on Gotland, Sweden. This species is currently listed as Vulnerable (VU) and has experienced significant fluctuations in population size due to environmental changes.
Key objectives
Monitor population trends: Track the size and fluctuations of Marsh Fritillary populations over time.
Analyze spatiotemporal variation: Study how the population varies across different habitats and seasons on Gotland.
Understand habitat requirements: Identify critical habitat features and the impact of patch size and isolation on population stability.
Key findings
Population fluctuations: The Marsh Fritillary population on Gotland exhibits significant annual fluctuations, influenced by environmental conditions such as rainfall and temperature.
Habitat preferences: The species thrives in open wetlands and fens with abundant host plants like Succisa pratensis (Devil’s-bit Scabious). However, habitat quality and connectivity are crucial for its survival.
Impact of habitat isolation: Populations in isolated habitat patches are more vulnerable to decline, emphasizing the need for connected networks of suitable habitats.
Conservation implications
Habitat management: Effective conservation strategies must focus on maintaining and restoring open wetland habitats, controlling succession, and ensuring habitat connectivity.
Monitoring and adaptation: Continuous monitoring and adaptive management are essential to respond to the population’s dynamic nature and environmental changes.
Project significance
Amanda’ s research highlights the critical importance of understanding spatiotemporal variation and habitat requirements for the conservation of the Marsh Fritillary. These insights can guide targeted conservation efforts to support the long-term survival of this vulnerable species on Gotland.
Exploring the occupancy and habitat preferences of hairy-footed leafcutter bee in Östergötland
Madita’s master’s project focuses on the distribution, occupancy, and habitat preferences of the Near Threatened (NT) large leafcutter bee (Megachile lagopoda) in Östergötland, Sweden. This research investigates the effects of patch size and isolation on the species, as well as its reliance on specific pollen plants.
Key objectives
Document occupancy: Determine the current occupancy of Megachile lagopoda across various habitats in Östergötland.
Analyze habitat preferences: Explore how patch size and isolation influence the presence and abundance of this species.
Pollen plant utilization: Identify key pollen plants and their availability in different habitats.
Key findings
Current distribution: Megachile lagopoda has experienced a dramatic decline since the 1950s, but recent findings suggest a re-expansion in certain areas.
Impact of patch size and isolation: The study found that larger and less isolated habitat patches support higher occupancy rates of Megachile lagopoda.
Essential pollen plants: The bee relies heavily on certain plants like Centaurea scabiosa (greater knapweed) for pollen, highlighting the importance of these plants in its habitats.
Conservation implications
Habitat management: Conservation strategies should focus on preserving and enhancing habitats with essential pollen plants and ensuring connectivity between habitat patches to support the bee’s re-expansion.
Late-season mowing: Implementing later mowing schedules in areas with high concentrations of key pollen plants can help protect the foraging resources necessary for Megachile lagopoda‘s survival.
Project significance
Madita’s project emphasizes the importance of understanding habitat preferences and resource dependencies of threatened species like Megachile lagopoda. The findings can guide conservation efforts to improve habitat quality and connectivity, thereby supporting the resurgence of this important pollinator.
Environmental influences on land snail communities in the East Vättern Scarp Mountains
The importance of wetlands for early spring bat activity in southern Sweden
This study investigates the role of wetland presence and size in supporting bat activity during early spring in the Tinnerö Nature Reserve, Sweden. The project focuses on assessing how water availability influences bat behavior during the sensitive period following hibernation.
Key objectives
- Compare bat activity: Evaluate differences in bat activity between areas with wetlands and areas without.
- Analyze the effect of wetland size: Determine how the size of wetlands affects bat activity and water temperature.
- Study seasonal changes: Observe how bat activity near wetlands changes over time during early spring.
Key findings
- Higher activity near wetlands: Bat activity was significantly greater in wetland-proximate locations than in control areas lacking water sources.
- Effect of wetland size: Although wetland size did not directly correlate with overall bat activity, larger wetlands provided more stable water temperatures, potentially influencing insect emergence and, consequently, bat foraging behavior.
- Temporal effects on activity: Bat activity near larger wetlands tended to increase early in the season, followed by a reduction in size-related activity differences as spring progressed.
Conservation implications
- Habitat preservation: Maintaining wetlands within forested areas is essential for supporting bats during the early spring.
- Wetland size considerations: Conservation strategies should consider both large and small wetlands to support diverse bat species, as they may cater to different foraging needs.
Project significance
Alessandra’s research highlights the critical role of wetlands in bat foraging ecology. Understanding the habitat needs of bats during early spring provides valuable insights for conservation efforts aimed at enhancing and preserving wetland environments for bat populations.
Influence of semi-natural grassland heterogeneity on cattle movement and behaviour in relation to vegetation types
Judith’s study explores the relationship between semi-natural grassland heterogeneity and grazing cattle behavior in Tinnerö Nature Reserve, Sweden. The research aims to understand how vegetation diversity and environmental factors influence cattle movement and activities such as grazing, resting, and fouling.
Key Objectives
- Link cattle activity to vegetation: Analyze how vegetation diversity, canopy cover, and soil moisture affect grazing patterns.
- Identify indicator species: Assess whether specific plant species correlate with cattle activity.
- Examine environmental influences: Compare the role of vegetation with other factors, such as weather and water availability, on cattle behavior.
Key Findings
- Vegetation preferences: Cattle activity, particularly grazing, is concentrated in areas with higher grass coverage and moderate canopy cover.
- Indicator species: Abundance of certain herbs and grasses was strongly linked to grazing hotspots.
- Environmental effects: Weather conditions, especially temperature and humidity, significantly influenced cattle movement, often overriding vegetation preferences.
Conservation Implications
- Grassland management: Promoting diverse vegetation structures can enhance grazing distribution and biodiversity.
- Integration of factors: Effective management must balance vegetation diversity with environmental factors to support ecosystem health.
Project Significance
Judith’s research underscores the importance of integrating animal behavior studies with vegetation management. Insights from this study contribute to optimizing grazing practices for biodiversity conservation in semi-natural grasslands.
