Co-location of multiple natural assets on farms increases bird species richness and breeding activity

Abstract

Agricultural landscapes are some of the most heavily modified systems globally, with populations of many species in these areas experiencing major declines. To arrest these declines, and to support agricultural sustainability, revegetation and other interventions that conserve and enhance natural assets on farms are increasingly common. To ensure the efficacy of management interventions, it is critical to evaluate their outcomes to determine how biodiversity gains can be maximised. One method to maximise the value of revegetation programs is co-locating actions in areas with other natural assets. Here, we examine bird species richness and breeding activity responses to restoration plantings surrounding pre-existing farm dams (enhanced farm dams) compared to restoration plantings distant from dams (shelterbelts), and pre-existing dams without restoration plantings (unfenced dams). We found significantly greater bird species richness and breeding activity at enhanced farm dams than at shelterbelts or unfenced dams. We also found significantly greater non-waterbird breeding activity at enhanced dams relative to shelterbelts and unfenced dams. Our research demonstrates that co-locating restoration activities adjacent to existing natural assets on farms can produce improved gains for biodiversity. We recommend that, where possible, restoration plantings are co-located with farm dams and other natural assets to maximise biodiversity gains.