Minor Treatments Can Play a Significant Role in Preserving Natural Habitats and Protected Species on the Shore of a Central European Lake

Bálint Pacsai,Judit Bódis,Bence Fülöp

doi:10.3390/agronomy11081540

Bálint Pacsai, Judit Bódis + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11081540

Copy DOI

Abstract

Semi-natural grasslands were previously established through traditional land use and maintained by active management, but their extension nowadays is declining rapidly, particularly in areas that also have tourism potential. In parallel, the conservation value of the remaining areas is increasing. The shore of Lake Balaton is a particularly good example, as Lake Balaton is an area highly affected by tourism, yet there have been valuable habitats able to survive and provide refuge for many vulnerable, protected species. Fortunately, we have reliable information about the vegetation of the area from two decades ago. Comparing these data with our recent surveys we investigated the changes in habitats and the distribution of protected plant species in connection with the active conservation treatments such as grazing or cutting. Our results show that in areas where treatments are still ongoing, protected plant species are more likely to survive, or even other species can appear, which is in clear contrast with conditions experienced in abandoned areas, where at least seven protected species have disappeared. According to our results, minor, but appropriately chosen and well-executed management interventions, can help in the long-term maintenance of species-rich habitats and improving the conservation status of threatened species.

Highlights

IntroductionMost semi-natural habitats in Europe have been traditionally maintained by anthropogenic activities, such as grazing or mowing [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
The reeds spread over many other habitats along the coast, these stands cannot be recognized as autochthonous reed beds, as they do not have the species pool, nor the structure characteristic of such stands, and remnants of the original habitat are still present under the newly formed reed cover
Our results confirm the results of previous research on wet grasslands in which a complete lack of treatments can lead to habitat depopulation and species decline or even complete extinction [20,25], but according to previous studies, this process might be reversible [2,26]

Summary

Introduction

Most semi-natural habitats in Europe have been traditionally maintained by anthropogenic activities, such as grazing or mowing [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. Since the 1950s grassland abandonment became a general phenomenon in Europe. The factors driving the abandonment were complex but mainly associated with the increasing agricultural intensification, along with socio-economic and political changes [8]. This process was pronounced in areas with considerable tourism potentials [9,10]. After recognizing the negative effects of abandonment on wildlife in the 1980s, the restoration of grasslands began primarily for nature conservation purposes [11,12]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion