Conservation value of traditional meadow irrigation for carabid beetles. (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schirmel, Jens; Gerlach, Rebekka
• Is Part Of: Ecological indicators. Volume 144(2023)
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: Endangered species -- Carabidae -- Grassland -- Ground beetles -- Species conservation -- Traditional management; Environmental monitoring -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environmental impact analysis -- Periodicals; Environmental risk assessment -- Periodicals; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; 333.71405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2022.109553
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-160X

Abstract

Highlights: Carabid beetles of conservation concern benefit from meadow irrigation. Meadow irrigation shapes carabid beetle species-habitat-networks. Trait composition of carabid beetles is influenced by meadow irrigation. Meadow irrigation can be important for biodiversity conservation. Abstract: Locally adapted and evidence-based management strategies are needed to counteract the current insect declines. In Central Europe, semi-natural grasslands are biodiversity hotspots having a high conservation value, but are threatened by both abandonment and agricultural intensification. We investigated the potential of traditional lowland meadow irrigation as a biodiversity-friendly grassland management strategy using carabid beetles as indicator organisms. We analysed carabid beetle species richness, the occurrence of species of conservation concern, and trait composition in relation to meadow irrigation and fertilization. Moreover, we conducted bipartite network analysis in order to reveal species-habitat networks. The key finding is that the species richness of carabid beetles in irrigated and non-irrigated meadows was similar, but irrigation positively influenced species and individual numbers of carabids of conservation concern. Meadow irrigation, but also fertilization, further shaped carabid beetle species-habitat-networks indicating species-specific preferences for differently managed meadows. Finally, the trait composition was affected: carabid beetles in irrigated meadows were on average larger, more predacious and less mobile than in non-irrigated meadows. We therefore recommend the preservation and restoration of this traditional grassland management practice for biodiversity conservation in suitable regions, but also call for future studies to further increase conservation evidence.