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Testing solutions in grass‐dominated landscapes: a review of current research
Author(s) -
BUCKINGHAM DAVID L.,
ATKINSON PHIL W.,
ROOK ANDREW J.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
ibis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.933
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1474-919X
pISSN - 0019-1019
DOI - 10.1111/j.1474-919x.2004.00350.x
Subject(s) - foraging , grassland , forage , habitat , ecology , abundance (ecology) , invertebrate , geography , biology
In this paper we review the experimental development of agri‐environment measures for use on grasslands. Sward structure has been shown to have a strong influence on birds’ ability to forage in grasslands, but the effects of food abundance on foraging behaviour are poorly understood and this hinders development of grassland conservation measures. The experiments described have a dual purpose: to investigate the foraging ecology of birds on grasslands and to test candidate management measures. Most of the work featured focuses on increasing invertebrate food resources during the summer by increasing habitat heterogeneity. We also identify important gaps in the habitats provided by existing or experimental measures, where similar dual‐purpose experiments are required.