Impacts of contrasting conservation grazing management on plants and carabid beetles in upland calcareous grasslands

Lyons, Ashley; Ashton, Paul; Powell, Ian B.; Oxbrough, Anne

doi:10.1016/j.agee.2017.04.020

Cited by 24 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 55 publications

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“…The greater proportion of ground hunters in grassland habitats reflects the crucial role of refuges within the sward, such as those of tussock forming grasses, in habitat suitability for ground dwelling predators (Woodcock et al 2009;Maelfait and De Keer 1990). For example, Trochosa terricola, associated with calcareous grassland in the present study, utilises tufts of Festuca ovina, the second most abundant plant species in these upland calcareous grasslands (Lyons et al 2017). Further, in both grassland habitats the ground hunter guild was dominated by Pardosa species, a genus known to also utilise different components of vegetation structure for prey capture, overwintering and refuge from predators (Bristowe 1958;Maelfait and De Keer 1990).…”

Section: How Do Spider Assemblages Differ Among Habitats In the Calcamentioning

confidence: 92%

“…Pitfall traps are a widely used sampling method to catch active ground dwelling invertebrates in grasslands and heathlands (Gardner et al 1997;Haysom et al 2004;Lyons et al 2017). This method estimates relative invertebrate activity rather than an absolute measure of density, reflecting species abundance and movement rates (Greenslade 1964;Mazia et al 2006).…”

Section: Epigeal Spider Samplingmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Habitat associations of epigeal spiders in upland calcareous grassland landscapes: the importance for conservation

et al. 2017

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Upland calcareous grassland landscapes are typically comprised of a matrix of calcareous grassland, acid grassland and limestone heath plant communities. This matrix of habitats is produced by a combination of underlying geology, climate and management. These landscapes are typically managed through grazing, with management targeted to maintain particular plant communities in the calcareous grassland habitat, whilst patches of acid grassland and limestone heath are not targeted by conservation management. The biodiversity value of acid grassland and limestone heath patches within the calcareous grassland matrix are unknown. This study provides the first assessment of their biodiversity value by examining aspects of epigeal spider diversity supported by these non-target habitat patches in comparison to calcareous grassland. Spiders were sampled in each habitat from April to August 2014 using pitfall traps across three upland regions in Great Britain. Spider species assemblages were distinct between limestone heath and both grassland types. Distinction in species assemblages are likely due to differences in vegetation structure and microclimate, e.g., humidity, degree of shade. Each habitat type supported several rare species (e.g., Jacksonella falconeri, Agyneta subtilis) revealing the contribution Communicated by David Hawksworth. Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (https://doi.org/10.1007/ s10531-017-1488-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. to spider fauna. The distinct spider species assemblage and presence of rare species in limestone heath patches demonstrate their importance in the upland calcareous grassland matrix. This study highlights the value of monitoring biodiversity in non-target habitats within a habitat matrix alongside those that are actively targeted by management.

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Section: How Do Spider Assemblages Differ Among Habitats In the Calcamentioning

confidence: 92%

Section: Epigeal Spider Samplingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Habitat associations of epigeal spiders in upland calcareous grassland landscapes: the importance for conservation

et al. 2017

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Selection of grazing regime has implications for invertebrate communities through its effects on plant community composition and vegetation structural complexity (Morris, ; Dennis et al ., , ; Vickery et al ., ; Krauss et al ., ; Woodcock et al ., ; Lyons et al ., ). Both livestock type and intensity of grazing influence plant species composition and structural complexity (Dennis et al ., ; Lyons et al ., ). Differences in dietary choice, disposition of dung and effects of trampling can impact habitat structure and niche availability (Denno, ; Grant et al ., ; Maelfait & De Keer, ; Betteridge et al ., ; Rook et al ., ; Woodcock et al ., ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Differences in dietary choice, disposition of dung and effects of trampling can impact habitat structure and niche availability (Denno, ; Grant et al ., ; Maelfait & De Keer, ; Betteridge et al ., ; Rook et al ., ; Woodcock et al ., ). For instance, sheep display greater selectivity of forbs than cattle, which are more inclined to graze tall fibrous components, resulting in increased cover of grasses at comparable moderate stocking densities (Grant et al ., ; Reyneri et al ., ; Lyons et al ., ). The decline in vegetation structural complexity associated with high stocking densities results in the loss of spiders which are dependent upon aerial structures and plant litter e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Epigeal spider assemblage responses to vegetation structure under contrasting grazing management in upland calcareous grasslands

Lyons

Ashton

Powell

et al. 2018

Insect Conserv Diversity

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Calcareous grassland is one of the most species rich and diverse habitats within Europe, but has faced decline due to agricultural intensification and abandonment. In recent years, conservation organisations have altered grazing practices in an attempt to maintain floristic components. However, there has been little consideration of the effects of changes in grazing practices on invertebrates. This study determines the impacts of commonly used grazing practices in upland calcareous grasslands on spiders in relation to vegetation structural complexity. Typical grazing management regimes were examined in three regions of upland calcareous grassland in Britain. Spiders were sampled from April to August 2014 and vegetation structural complexity was recorded in 2 × 2 m quadrats paired with pitfall traps sequentially throughout the sample period. There were three distinct spider assemblages among the grazing regimes; ungrazed, heavy sheep grazed and one shared between cattle and light sheep (which had a comparable grazing intensity). The distinct spider assemblages among grazing regimes can be attributed to the interaction of grazing and habitat structure. Increased vegetation structural complexity in ungrazed regimes resulted in an assemblage dominated by ‘sheet web weavers’ (dominated by Linyphiidae). In contrast, reduced vegetation structural complexity and homogeneity in heavy sheep grazing resulted in an assemblage dominated by ‘other hunters’ (including Oedothorax and Erigone genera). Grazing regime alters vegetation structural complexity and is important in supporting distinct spider assemblages. This research indicates that low intensity conservation grazing regimes, in addition to no grazing, should be promoted across upland calcareous grassland landscapes to maintain heterogeneity.

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Grazed perennial grasslands can match current beef production while contributing to climate mitigation and adaptation

Jackson

2022

Agricultural & Env Letters

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The U.S. grain-finished beef system is highly productive but has many negative consequences for human health and well-being because it pollutes surface and groundwaters, exacerbates flooding, reduces biodiversity, and contributes to climate change. Moving the entire U.S. grain-fed beef production system to a grass-finished system is possible without displacing food production and under conservative soil carbon (C) change estimates would result in a reduced but similar C footprint, while improving soil health, water quality, and biodiversity. More optimistic estimates for soil C accumulation indicate the system would result in significant atmospheric C drawdown. Agroecological transformation like this is limited only by our imagination and policies that incentivize agriculture for the public good rather than profits for a few.

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Impacts of contrasting conservation grazing management on plants and carabid beetles in upland calcareous grasslands

Cited by 24 publications

References 55 publications

Habitat associations of epigeal spiders in upland calcareous grassland landscapes: the importance for conservation

Habitat associations of epigeal spiders in upland calcareous grassland landscapes: the importance for conservation

Epigeal spider assemblage responses to vegetation structure under contrasting grazing management in upland calcareous grasslands

Grazed perennial grasslands can match current beef production while contributing to climate mitigation and adaptation

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