Central European Landscape Research Articles

Silvicultural strategies for increased timber harvesting in a Central European mountain landscape

The demand for wood as construction material, renewable source for energy and feedstock for chemicals is expected to increase. However, timber increments are currently only partly harvested in many European mountain regions, which may lead to supply shortages for local timber industries, decreases in forest resistance to disturbances and functioning as protection from gravitational hazards. Using an inventory-based forest simulator, we evaluated scenarios to increase wood mobilization in the 7105-km2 Swiss canton of Grisons for the period 2007–2106. Scenarios varied with respect to landscape-scale harvesting amounts and silvicultural strategies (low vs. high stand-scale treatment intensity) and accounted for regulations and incentives for protection forest management. With 50 and 100% increases of harvests, the current average growing stock of 319 m3 ha−1 was simulated to be reduced by 12 and 33%, respectively, until 2106 in protection forests of Northern Grisons, where management is prioritized due to subsidies. Outside protection forests and in Southern Grisons, growing stock was simulated to continually increase, which led to divergent developments in forest structure in- and outside protection forests and in the Northern and Southern Grisons. The effect of silvicultural strategies on simulated forest structure was small compared to the effect of future harvesting levels. We discuss opportunities and threats of decreasing management activities outside protection forests and advocate for incentives to promote natural regeneration also outside protection forests to safeguard long-term forest stability.

Modelling of Climate Conditions in Forest Vegetation Zones as a Support Tool for Forest Management Strategy in European Beech Dominated Forests

The regional effects of climate change on forest ecosystems in the temperate climate zone of Europe can be modelled as shifts of forest vegetation zones in the landscape, northward and to higher elevations. This study applies a biogeographical model of climate conditions in the forest vegetation zones of the Central European landscape, in order to predict the impact of future climate change on the most widespread tree species in European deciduous forests—the European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). The biogeographical model is supported by a suite of software applications in the GIS environment. The model outputs are defined as a set of conditions - climate scenario A1B by the Special Report on Emission Scenarios (SRES) for a forecast period, for a specified geographical area and with ecological conditions appropriate for the European beech, which provide regional scenarios for predicted future climatic conditions in the context of the European beech’s environmental requirements. These predicted changes can be graphically visualized. The results of the model scenarios for regional climate change show that in the Czech Republic from 2070 onwards, optimal growing conditions for the European beech will only exist in some parts of those areas where it currently occurs naturally. Based on these results, it is highly recommended that the national strategy for sustainable forest management in the Czech Republic be partly re-evaluated. Thus, the presented biogeographical model of climate conditions in forest vegetation zones can be applied, not only to generate regional scenarios of climate change in the landscape, but also as a support tool for the development of a sustainable forest management strategy.

Lateglacial to Holocene pedogenesis and formation of colluvial deposits in a loess landscape of Central Europe (Wetterau, Germany)

Loess areas in Central Europe have been settled since ancient times and are therefore predestined to archive information about both the paleoenvironment with and without human activities. In gentle rolling loess-landscapes distinct short and shallow valleys, so-called dells, are prominent landscape elements that act as sediment traps. The loess-paleosol-colluvium (LPC) sequence of Gambach (Wetterau, Germany) can be regarded as an exceptional sequence for Lateglacial-Holocene pedogenesis and human impact in dry loess landscapes with <600mm mean annual precipitation in Central Europe. The focus of this study is to reconstruct different stages of Lateglacial/Holocene pedogenesis and to trace back the impact of humans on such a landscape by an integration of AMS14C and luminescence datings together with soil chemical (organic C, N, and fire derived black C), soil physical and micromorphological analyses.The LPC sequence of Gambach reflects climate-controlled pedogenesis from ca. 15ka to 4.7ka with the formation of a Cambisol having some properties related to Chernozem soil forming processes during the Lateglacial. A Chernozem is developed in the deposits of the Laacher See Tephra, which still show the influence of periglacial climate in their lowermost part. The upper part of these deposits was relocated by colluvial processes at around 6.7ka. Chernozem soil forming processes were still ongoing until 4.7ka when these shifted to Luvisol formation, which is still active today. Since 4.7ka, extended land use - with indications of agricultural fire use since at least 2.3ka - led to the formation of colluvial deposits combined with a topographic leveling of upland positions on a landscape-scale. The results of the formative element of humans on loess landscapes from the Wetterau can also be taken as representative for around 9400km2 of dry loess landscapes in Central Europe.

Habsburg Neu Denken: Vielfalt und Ambivalenz in Zentraleuropa—30 Kulturwissenschaftliche Stichworte ed. by Johannes Feichtinger and Heidemarie Uhl

Reviewed by: Habsburg Neu Denken: Vielfalt und Ambivalenz in Zentraleuropa—30 Kulturwissenschaftliche Stichworte ed. by Johannes Feichtinger and Heidemarie Uhl Tim Corbett Johannes Feichtinger and Heidemarie Uhl, eds., Habsburg Neu Denken: Vielfalt und Ambivalenz in Zentraleuropa—30 Kulturwissenschaftliche Stichworte. Vienna: Böhlau, 2016. 261 pp. Habsburg Neu Denken presents a collection of thirty short essays, contributed by thirty-four scholars broadly identified as Kulturwissenschaft ler, each of which is conceived as a sort of Denkanstoß designed around a Stichwort relating to Habsburg Central Europe. They are organized alphabetically rather than by chronology or context, lending the entire volume a holistic character underscored by the manifold interconnections among its individual components. The volume generally revolves around themes of "Vielfalt und Ambivalenz" and, despite its kulturwissenschaftliche focus, the individual contributions draw on a broad range of developments in the humanities and social sciences of recent years, demonstrating the manifest inter-or multidisciplinarity of the Habsburg field. This volume, which alongside a wealth of intellectual influences draws notably and explicitly on the work of Moritz Csáky, is not only eminently readable for specialists and laypersons alike, it moreover highlights the remarkably fecund character of Habsburg Central Europe "als heterogener, plurikultureller Raum" and as a "Laboratorium" of "soziale und kulturelle Prozesse" (9). Both the individual contributions and the volume taken as a whole open a myriad of new points of departure into this already much-traversed field of study, finally foregrounding its profound relevance for highly topical and contested political developments in present-day Europe. For brevity's sake I will address only some of the contributions, especially those that I feel to be the most innovative and those exhibiting a high degree of synergy with each other. The most intellectually novel contributions introduce concepts to the study of Central Europe on the basis of analytical developments from across the range of human and social sciences of recent years. Anil Bhatti, drawing on his own Indian cultural background, expounds "Plurikulturalität" vis-à-vis multiculturalism, the latter connoting simply the coexistence of diverse and separate groups, however defined, while the former speaks to the patchwork of interconnections and consequently the hybridity of diverse elements in complex societies. This is convincingly modeled as one of the most idiosyncratic facets of Central European cultures, informing moreover the significance of their study for present political society in Europe. In this context, Pieter Judson introduces "national indifference" as a new framework within the [End Page 188] well-established study of nationalist discourses as a means to "de-pathologize Central Europe," to place identity discourses into their more nuanced contexts, and thereby to "return it [Central Europe] to a comparative European context" (148). Numerous contributions address such analytical developments, which moreover profoundly inform the present-day political realities of the region. Wolfgang Göderle shows that while many studies have focused on "migration" as the central driving force of cultural, social, and political developments in Central Europe, few have paid attention to the methods by which knowledge of migration was produced in the first place, an issue of central importance considering that many of these methods are still in use today. Simon Hadler explores the function of "Feindschaften" in historic socio-cultural frameworks, offering finally an analysis of the development of the image of the "Türke" in Austria through modernity and into the present day. This trope resonates in numerous contributions to this volume. Of equal political significance, Reinhard Johler examines "Vielfalt" in the Habsburg Empire as a microcosm of Europe, both in contemporary propaganda as well as in historical fact, thereby demonstrating the lessons that the Habsburg context may hold for the future direction of the European Union. Some contributions explore particular eras of Central European history for their enduring significance in the Central European political landscape. Werner Telesko expounds on the "Barock" as a curious "Projektionsfläche […] des vermeintlich Österreichischen" through the nineteenth century (31), while Peter Stachel explores the divergent and highly politicized collective memories of the 1848 revolutions in a comparative perspective across various successor states to the Habsburg Empire. Waltraud Heindl demonstrates that "Josephinismus" as a form of governance not only describes the specificity of the Austrian Enlightenment but moreover survives in various...

The Simplon-Orient Express. Multiple Identities in the Everchanging Central-European Landscape

The Simplon-Orient Express. Multiple Identities in the Everchanging Central-European Landscape

Roadside verges can support spontaneous establishment of steppe-like habitats hosting diverse assemblages of bees and wasps (Hymenoptera: Aculeata) in an intensively cultivated central European landscape

Anthropogenic habitats, which are frequently occupied by otherwise endangered species of the open landscape, suffer from a lack of sustainability. Here, we analyzed one of the few sustainable anthropogenic habitats, roadside verges. We hypothesized that steppe-like habitats at upper parts of south-exposed slopes of roadside verges may serve as the only strongholds of threatened species ousted from the surrounding intensively cultivated landscape, with direct consequences for plant pollination and other ecosystem services. We examined bees and wasps alongside Highway 7 constructed 14–28 years ago in the northwestern Czech Republic. The sampling sites were located 4–17 m from paved road with traffic intensity of 9523 to 38,688 vehicles × 24 h−1, and they consisted of steppe-like habitats with patches of bare soil (sand, loess and claystone) that formed and were maintained spontaneously. The sites were not connected to any permanent grasslands or forests, and they were surrounded mostly by arable fields. We found 139 species of herbs (nine threatened) in vegetation surveys along transects. We identified 164 species of bees and wasps, with a dominance of 0.052 and a Fisher’s alpha of 45.0; 32 species were threatened, including a second Czech record of Chrysis gribodoi spilota and four critically endangered species (Andrena florivaga, Halictus scabiosae, Sphecodes spinulosus and Nanoclavelia leucoptera). The captured specimens consisted of a higher number of loess specialists and other steppe species compared to specimens associated with other anthropogenic habitats that provide bare ground (sand pits and ash deposits). In conclusion, the formation of spontaneously maintained steppe-like habitats at roadside verges should be considered to be an appropriate tool supporting the biodiversity in the highly cultivated landscape of central Europe.

Factors influencing the success of within-field AES fallow plots as key sites for the Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus in an industrialised agricultural landscape of Central Europe

Unsown fallow plots, commonly referred to as ‘lapwing plots’, are widely promoted within the English agri-environmental programme, but remain unstudied outside of England. We tested Lapwing plots in an industrialised agricultural landscape in Central Europe from 2010 to 2015. Lapwings (Vanellus vanellus) and other birds as well as plant species were mapped. Factors influencing the success of the plots were modelled to obtain information on how to design a well-working agri-environment scheme (AES).Lapwings were present at 65% of the 61 lapwing plots studied, whereas colonisation of untreated control sites was significantly lower (37%). 64 lapwing pairs bred at 26 lapwing plots, but only 18 pairs at nine untreated sites. Hatching success was significantly higher than without treatment (24 pairs at 11 lapwing plots vs. 3 pairs at 2 control sites). Other species which benefitted from the measures were Eurasian Skylark (Alauda arvensis) and Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava).The modelling of key factors showed that a successful lapwing plot should be: (1) large (at least about 2ha); (2) located at a traditional breeding site; (3) sparsely vegetated; and, (4) equipped with a shallow pool of water. Placing them in winter cereals improved hatching success.Lapwing plots at damp sites are a promising AES for lapwing conservation in industrialised agricultural landscapes in Central Europe.

Spatial organisation of European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) in an agriculturally dominated landscape in Central Europe

For the first time, a telemetry study of European wildcats was conducted outside heavily forested habitats, in an agriculturally-dominated landscape, which is assumed to be a suboptimal habitat in Central Europe. According to the current knowledge of morphological and genetic diagnoses all captured wildcats were purebred, without any hint of recent interbreeding. Our results confirmed the regular use of open landscape habitats also by resident individuals. Sex and age ratios of wildcats, using the open landscapes, were balanced, and one successful reproduction event was recorded. Female annual home-ranges were smaller compared to those recorded in forested habitats. Male annual home-ranges were similar in size, whereas the core areas were smaller than those recorded in adjacent forested habitats. Males had the largest home-ranges during spring and the smallest in summer, whereas females had the largest home-ranges during summer and the smallest during winter/spring. The structure of the apparently purebred population with resident individuals and a reproduction event in an open cultivated landscape may be related to the close proximity (3.5–5km) of a wildcat core distribution area. As a consequence of our results, the potential range of the European wildcat is increased, because it may occur in agricultural landscapes where sufficient shelter is available. This should be considered in environmental impact analyses and species monitoring.

Metacommunity dynamics of amphibians in years with differing rainfall

Many studies investigated the habitat preference and behaviour ecology of individual amphibian species while we know less about how their community assembly reflects changes in environmental factors, including the role of climatic extremes. Community-level studies also allow us to apply trait-based analyses that are crucial for a better understanding of the functioning of amphibian communities and metacommunities. In two years with contrasting rainfall (2012 and 2013), we found amphibian species in 85 different waterbodies of a heterogeneous landscape in Central Europe (Hungary). Within the metacommunity framework, the contributions of local, landscape and spatial variables to community assembly were assessed. We also measured the local extinction–colonisation rates in the ponds for all species between the two years. To investigate the role of dispersal traits in explaining the spatial distribution of species, we studied the relationship between body size and the pure spatial fraction of variation. According to our results, the main drivers were the same in both the dry and wet year, but their relative contribution changed. Local variables played a predominant role in the assembly of the amphibian metacommunity. Spatial signals were more evident in the dry year. This implies not only the adverse effect of decreased connectivity due to the drying out of several habitats but also a loss of breeding sites for the studied amphibians. Local colonisation rates were higher in primarily terrestrial species (Hyla arborea, Pelobates fuscus, Bufo bufo) which only visit ponds during breeding. We found a negative relationship between the pure spatial effect and body size, suggesting an increased level of dispersal limitation in small-bodied species. Our results showed that while the strength and relative role of local and spatial processes changed between years, the role of dispersal traits in explaining the spatial distribution of species was similar. Specialisation to different habitats seems to be a major process in determining vertebrate metacommunities in landscapes. Dispersal traits of different species should be taken more into consideration in the practical conservation of amphibian habitats.

Land ownership affects diversity and abundance of tree microhabitats in deciduous temperate forests

Tree microhabitats – e.g. cavities, bark pockets or crown dead wood – have been described as key habitat elements, which are particularly important for birds, bats and xylobiont insects. They are therefore vital for promoting biodiversity in forest ecosystems. The occurrence of such tree microhabitats in forest stands is closely related to forest management. In Central European cultural landscapes, forest areas are subdivided into a mosaic of stands under different ownership types and owners vary in their forest management strategies and practices. However, little is known about the influence of forest ownership on the density and diversity of tree microhabitats in forest stands. In this study, we investigate tree microhabitats – categorised into 31 different tree microhabitat types – within forest stands in clusters of different ownership types. We compare small-scale private forests, municipal forests and state-owned forests in deciduous temperate forest ecosystems in south-western Germany. Our results reveal that the density of tree microhabitats per hectare is more than twice as high in small-scale private forests than in municipal or state-owned forests. Similarly, the diversity of tree microhabitats related to area is highest in small-scale private forests. Moreover, we found differences in tree microhabitat occurrences under the three ownership types at the single tree level. Besides ownership type, relevant indicators for tree microhabitats are basal area of forest stands as well as tree vitality and diameter. Within the study region, the share of tree microhabitats provided by small-scale private forests plays a substantive role for overall forest biodiversity. Management of publicly owned forests should promote a higher density and diversity of tree microhabitats to comply with goals of close-to-nature forest management approaches. In conclusion, we regard the type of forest ownership as a relevant driver of tree microhabitat occurrence. Ownership should therefore be considered in the design of policy frameworks and instruments which address the promotion of forest biodiversity.

Response of small mammals to variable agricultural landscapes in Central Europe

The Central European agricultural landscape has undergone a number of changes over recent decades, with overall field area decreasing and adjacent habitats increasing. Here, we document changes in small mammal communities associated with crop fields and adjacent fallow land in a highly agriculture landscape of the Czech Republic.The most numerous species overall were wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) and common voles (Microtus arvalis). Highest diversity, species richness and abundance were observed in fallow habitats and in crops providing long-term vegetation cover. Community composition and abundance were dependent on crop and season. Mice used all habitats depending on instantaneous vegetation stage, though some habitats only for a short period during seeding or harvest. Common voles reached highest densities in habitats providing a stable food supply. Mice and voles both preferred perennial “non-crop” plots during winter as they provided a diverse food supply and undisturbed nesting opportunities.Overall, fallow habitats supported the most abundant, diverse and stable small mammal communities and, as such, they have high biodiversity value.

Small terrestrial mammals living along streams acting as natural landscape barriers

Abstract Riparian stands along streams are important landscape elements – biocorridors, allowing the dispersal of many small terrestrial mammals. Streams are, however, also barriers limiting dispersal, which leads to isolation and population-genetic changes. Communities of small terrestrial mammals (Eulipotyphla, Rodentia) were studied in 2004 to 2006 on five watercourses of varying widths in Central European cultural landscape situated in South Bohemia (Czech Republic). In total, 547 individuals from 10 species were captured by the Capture-Mark-Recapture method (CMR). Yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) and bank voles (Myodes glareolus) were eu-dominant species at all locations. Species diversity and equitability rose with the degree of the barrier – proportional to the width of the stream. The terrestrial mobility of selected species was also assessed. Apodemus flavicollis indicated overall highest values of mobility, and Myodes glareolus males also scored higher values, however, the width of the stream did not correlate with mobility in these species. The animals crossed water-courses on the order of tens of meters wide in the period of 3 months. The frequency of crossing of Apodemus flavicollis decreased exponentially with the width of the stream and was dependent on population density.

Industrial and post-industrial habitats serve as critical refugia for pioneer species of newly identified arthropod assemblages associated with reed galls

Gravel-sand river terraces were nearly eliminated from central European landscape by river channelization. Monotypic stands of common reed (Phragmites australis) growing on such terraces are often stressed by drought, which makes them vulnerable to Lipara spp. (Diptera: Chloropidae) gallmakers. Although Lipara are considered ecosystem engineers, only fragmentary information is available on the biology of their parasitoids and inquilines. We analyzed the assemblages of arthropods (Arachnida, Collembola, Dermaptera, Psocoptera, Thysanoptera, Hemiptera, Raphidioptera, Neuroptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera) that emerged from 17,791 Lipara-induced galls collected in winter from 30 reed beds in the Czech Republic, 15 of which were situated at (post)industrial sites (gravel-sandpits, tailing ponds, limestone quarries, colliery dumps, and reclaimed lignite open-cast mines) and 15 were in near-natural habitats (medieval fishponds, and river and stream floodplains). The Chao-1 estimator indicated 229.3 ± 18.1 species in reed galls at (post)industrial and 218.1 ± 23.6 species at near-natural sites, with the Sorensen index reaching only 0.58. We identified 18 red-listed species and four new species for the Czech Republic (Gasteruption phragmiticola, Echthrodelphax fairchildii, Haplogonatopus oratorius and Enclisis sp.), representing mostly obligate (64 %) or facultative (9 %) reed specialists. We propose that Lipara gall-associated assemblages undergo a long-term cyclic ecological succession. During first 10 years after reed bed formation, only Lipara spp. and several other species occur. During next decades, the reed beds host species-rich assemblages with numerous pioneer species (Singa nitidula, Polemochartus melas) that critically depend on presence of prior disturbances. Middle-aged reed beds (near medieval fishponds) are prevalently enriched in common species only (Oulema duftschmidi, Dimorphopterus spinolae). Habitats with the longest historical continuity (river floodplains) host again species-rich assemblages with several rare species that probably require long-term habitat continuity (Homalura tarsata, Hylaeus moricei). Landscape dynamics is thus critical for the persistence of a full spectrum of reed gall inquilines, with (post)industrials serving as the only refugia for pioneer species ousted from their key nesting habitats at once cyclically disturbed gravel-sand river terraces.

Human-sensitive bryophytes retreat into the depth of forest fragments in central European landscape

An importance of the edge effect and other environmental factors on bryophyte communities has been repeatedly evaluated in boreal forests whereas only rarely in forest remnants in traditionally inhabited landscape of central Europe. Adopting the design of a previous study dealing with vascular plants, we examined whether species richness and composition of bryophyte communities in 23 forest fragments (0.1–255 ha) in a representative upland agricultural landscape in central Bohemia coincides with the same environmental factors as vascular plants and if so, whether congruently or not. According to generalized additive models, bryophyte species richness and composition were significantly related to forest vegetation type, stand basal area and soil pH, analogous to vascular plants. Distribution of human-sensitive bryophyte species was further associated with slope aspect and an unlimited long-range edge effect, shown by increased occurrence of human-sensitive bryophytes along the entire distance gradient from the forest edge (0–477 m). Communities of bryophytes and vascular plants were highly congruent in species richness, species turnover and even in number of species with similar colonization ability. We conclude that requirements of human-sensitive bryophytes are fulfilled only in the core areas of large forest fragments. The small size of most current forest fragments and the range of the edge effect suggest that spatial patterns of bryophyte species composition within forest fragments have been substantially altered in the entire region of central Europe.

“A plague of wild boars”: A New History of Pigs and People in Late 20th Century Europe

AbstractThis paper looks at an ungulate irruption of wild boars that occurred in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) in the 1970s and 1980s. It argues that this hybrid phenomenon resulted from the confluence of three historically specific, intertwined factors in late 20th century Europe: first, East Germany's embrace of development ideology to remake their farms and forests; second, the simultaneous introduction of a specifically East German conservation program; and third, a new era in the longue durée of human–pig relationships. This ungulate irruption was particular to the GDR and the central European landscape of the Cold War, and only becomes visible through careful attention to the historical context and the materiality of pigs (Sus scrofa). For this reason it is possible to call these pigs new creatures of development. More broadly this paper asks both historians and social scientists to account for the temporal and spatial context when analyzing hybrid phenomena, while also raising important questions about the meaning and application of the neologism Anthropocene.

Human transformation of ecosystems: Comparing protected and unprotected areas with natural baselines

Protected areas serve as reserves of biological diversity and conserve the naturalness of characteristic regional ecosystems. Numerous approaches have been applied to estimate the level of transformation of ecosystems and to compare trends inside and outside of protected areas. In this study, we apply aggregate indicators of anthropogenic pressures on ecosystems and biodiversity in a fine-scale spatial analysis to compare the level of human influence within protected and unprotected areas. The actual state of ecosystems is compared to a natural baseline that is intact or potential natural state. The results show that in a non-protected Central-European landscape, humans appropriate a considerable share of natural ecosystem productivity and carbon stocks, and significantly reduce natural biodiversity and ecosystem services. Human appropriation of net primary production reached more than 60% in total, humans reduced original biodiversity levels by 69%, and net carbon storage was considerably decreased by intensive types of land use. All three indicators significantly differed between protected areas and unprotected areas, suggesting that protected areas maintain higher biodiversity levels, store more carbon and are in total less influenced by human exploitation than average non-protected landscape. Furthermore, we bring evidence that human appropriation of net primary production is negatively related both to biodiversity and ecosystem services indicated by mean species abundance and net carbon storage at the national level. Our results contribute to the quantitative evidence of the impacts of anthropogenic transformation of natural ecosystems on the ecosystem condition, supporting the hypothesis that protected areas significantly reduce anthropogenic pressures and contribute to maintaining critical ecosystem services and biodiversity.

Factors Influencing Data Quality in Citizen Science Roadkill Projects

Factors Influencing Data Quality in Citizen Science Roadkill Projects

Shanghai Redemption

struggling with contemporary life, all three grapple with the Big Questions of the existence of God, fate, and suffering. Jiří Pehe, an esteemed Czech novelist and feuilletoniste , weaves the action with themes of national identity in the ever-changing central European landscape and highlights how language is tied in from one regime to the next. Nothing wrong with showcasing a little patriotism, either. Angel is a thoroughly Czech story. Witness Josef: “I have always felt more Czech than German.” Daughter Hanna admits that “I have a dreadful urge to speak Czech.” And the westernized Alex? “I have to write in Czech.” Josef and Hanna lead difficult lives. At key points during distress, the angel Ariel appears, providing solace and promises. Even though Alex lives a modern, “cushy life,” his center eventually does not hold and he encounters Ariel himself, thus fulfilling the book’s title. All three generations of the Brehme family feel the need to record life’s events and feelings in order to make sense (if any) of the absurdity taking place around them. After reading his grandfather’s and mother’s accounts of atrocities, Alex feels ashamed of his own “easy” circumstances, wishing that he, too, had led “a real life.” This novel works very well because all three disparate voices ring true. Pehe paints a realistic portrait of Josef as a Czech Legionnaire while Alex’s struggle with postmodern culture exudes sincerity. If there is one quibble, it would be that the feminine voice of Hanna could be more nuanced from the others, to make her character more plausible. Josef’s hope that happiness can still result despite a life of suffering and unfairness will eventually resound in his daughter and grandson as well. We’re never quite sure, though, as choice and fate linger on to the last word of the story, which may be Pehe’s way of winking at his reader. Talented veteran translator Gerald Turner turns in yet another laudatory performance here. Virginia Parobek Lancaster, Ohio Qiu Xiaolong. Shanghai Redemption. New York. Minotaur Books. 2015. 320 pages. Those unfamiliar with Qiu Xiaolong’s Inspector Chen series may want to read all or some of the earlier novels prior to reading this newest one, if only to better appreciate the ways in which the central character and his circumstances are brilliantly developed with each installment (see WLT, May 2009, 55–58). Of them all, World Literature in Review 84 WLT MARCH / APRIL 2016 this is one of the finest novels in the series, matched only by The Mao Case. Inspector Chen is a police detective in modern China who is frequently called upon to handle cases that have political sensitivity; he has risen to a position of substantial authority and recognition precisely because in solving cases, he has been able to keep the Communist Party interests and public image in mind. Chen is a man who loves Yang poetry and that of T. S. Eliot; he is somewhat introverted and private but also fully competent in dealing with people and the complexities of the cases he handles. As might be expected, his sensitivity and intellectuality are frequently struggling against the compromises his position requires. Being fair-minded, he is constantly striving for legal and moral justice in situations that require finesse, discretion, and sometimes compromise. He is often asking himself where his main loyalties and responsibilities lie, with his conscience or the greater good stipulated by party bosses. Sometimes they match, but frequently they do not neatly coincide. Reading these novels, one feels a deeper understanding of contemporary China as well as some sense of how an intelligent, sensitive individual might feel inside the current political, post–Mao system, especially the ways in which one might have to navigate among the delicate and notalways -clear boundaries of political correctness . One of the greatest consequences, psychologically speaking, is exampled page after page in the internal contemplations of Chen himself, his constant self-counsel , and his careful editing of his speech to cloak some of his motivations and thoughts, which if shared publicly could result in imprisonment or worse. While these internal precautions are part of any thoughtful person’s process, the political system in...

The Origin and Development of the Central European Man-made Landscape, Habitat and Species Diversity as Affected by Climate and its Changes – a Review

The Origin and Development of the Central European Man-made Landscape, Habitat and Species Diversity as Affected by Climate and its Changes – a Review

The role of various meadow margin types in shaping carabid and staphylinid beetle assemblages (Coleoptera: Carabidae, Staphylinidae) in meadow dominated landscapes

Less intensively managed semi-natural habitats, e.g., field and meadow margins like hedgerows, are thought to be crucial landscape components for maintaining biodiversity in highly disturbed and intensively managed agricultural landscapes. In this study, we focused on the effects of three meadow margin types on activity-density, species richness and species composition of carabid and staphylinid beetles recorded by pitfall traps in Central European landscapes dominated by intensively managed meadows. Carabid activity-density was significantly higher in meadows than in meadow margins and within meadow margins their activity-density increased from grassy meadow margins via shrubby ones to woody meadow margins. We found that recorded species richness of both carabid and staphylinid beetles was not significantly affected by habitat identity (meadow margin or neighbouring meadow) and meadow margin type. Recorded species composition of both investigated taxa was significantly affected by habitat identity and interaction between habitat identity and meadow margin type (i.e. it differed between particular meadow margin types). Assemblages inhabiting various meadow margin types were more dissimilar between each other than assemblages from neighbouring meadows. Meadow margins within grassland dominated landscapes maintain local species richness by hosting different species from those living in surrounding meadows. Dissimilarity of carabid and staphylinid assemblages from meadows neighbouring both sides of particular meadow margin did not differ between meadow margin types. Our results indicate that semi-natural habitats play an important role in maintaining biodiversity not only in agricultural landscapes dominated by arable fields, but also in those dominated by meadows.