Definition of the problem:
Evaluation of different semi-natural habitats in three different landscapes. Effects on different faunal and floral indicator groups.
Project aims:
Methodology:
Three case studies in three different landscapes were performed in order to analyse communities of several arthropod groups (spiders, carabids, butterflies, grasshoppers). FiBL has focussed on the epigeic fauna (carabids).
Results, conclusion, state of the art:
Ecological compensation areas have altered and partly enhanced carabid communities in all three landscapes. Wildflower strips, hedges and low-input grassland had greatly enhanced carabid. No beneficial effects were found in grassland of high stem trees. Species diversity and abundance of specialized species (stenotopic and microclimatic specilalized) were positively influenced in all three landscapes. Endangered species were found to be enhanced directly, but they occurred most abundant and partly exclusively in ecological compensation areas. EEffects of ecological compensation areas were altered by several site and anthropogenic factors (age, history, botanical aspects) and finally also by landscape factors (e.g. distance to forest).
