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Specialist insects are especially susceptible to loss of genetic diversity in the face of habitat destruction and fragmentation. Implementing effective conservation practices for specialist insects will benefit from knowledge of population structure and genetic diversity. Because insects are hyper-diverse, characterizing the population structure of all species within the insect community is untenable, even if focused within a particular habitat type. Thus, concentrating on a single species specialized to a particular habitat type is needed to infer general trends. Here, we investigate the range-wide population genetics of Tetraopes texanus Horn 1878 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), which provides a useful model of grassland insects due to its' habitat specificity and unique biology. Tetraopes texanus occurs primarily in Texas and Oklahoma, into Northern Mexico, and possibly into eastern New Mexico but also occurs in Black Belt prairies of Mississippi and Alabama. Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA (RAD-seq) analysis identified two distinct population clusters of T. texanus corresponding to the Texas and Oklahoma population and the Mississippi and Alabama population. Demographic models indicate ongoing, though incomplete, isolation of the two populations, with estimated dates of divergence in the mid-Pleistocene, coinciding with the end of a glacial period and a shift in glacial interval. These results can inform conservation of grassland adapted insects and offers insight to the biogeography of the Gulf Coastal Plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grassland degradation is a serious ecological issue in the farming–pastoral ecotone of northern China. Utilizing native grasses for the restoration of degraded grasslands is an effective technological approach. Leymus secalinus is a superior indigenous grass species for grassland ecological restoration in northern China. Therefore, the excavation of potential distribution areas of L. secalinus and important ecological factors affecting its distribution is crucial for grassland conservation and restoration of degraded grasslands. Based on 357 data points collected on the natural distribution of L. secalinus, this study employs the jackknife method and Pearson correlation analysis to screen out 23 variables affecting its spatial distribution. The MaxEnt model was used herein to predict the current suitable distribution area of L. secalinus and the suitable distribution of L. secalinus under different SSP scenarios (SSP1-26, SSP2-45, and SSP5-85) for future climate. The results showed the following: (1) Mean diurnal temperature range, annual mean temperature, precipitation of the wettest quarter, and elevation are the major factors impacting the distribution of L. secalinus. (2) Under the current climatic conditions, L. secalinus is mainly distributed in the farming–pastoral ecotone of northern China; in addition, certain suitable areas also exist in parts of Xinjiang, Tibet, Sichuan, Heilongjiang, and Jilin. (3) Under future climate change scenarios, the suitable areas for L. secalinus are generally the same as at present, with slight changes in area under different scenarios, with the largest expansion of 97,222 km2 of suitable area in 2021–2040 under the SSP1-26 scenario and the largest shrinkage of potential suitable area in 2061–2080 under the SSP2-45 scenario, with 87,983 km2. Notably, the northern boundary of the middle- and high-suitability areas is reduced, while the northeastern boundary and some areas of Heilongjiang and Jilin are expanded. The results of this study revealed the suitable climatic conditions and potential distribution range of L. secalinus, which can provide a reference for the conservation, introduction, and cultivation of L. secalinus in new ecological zones, avoiding the blind introduction of inappropriate habitats, and is also crucial for sustaining the economic benefits associated with L. secalinus ecological services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming is exhibiting a seasonal trend, while different seasons have different warming variations. However, the impact of seasonal warming on plants remains unclear. This study employed Open Top Chambers (OTCs) to simulate future seasonal warming scenarios in alpine meadow. The study examined plant community dynamics following long‐term seasonal warming. The transcriptional and physiological responses of two dominant species (Kobresia pygmaea and Stipa purpurea) were examined. Results suggest that seasonal warming effects are correlated with both the duration of warming and the season which warming occurs. A long annual warming duration, especially growing season warming, made plants confront various stresses. K. pygmaea adopted a stress‐avoidance strategy, showing a negative response, and leading to population decline or disappearance. This kind of dieback had also been observed in other Cyperaceae species. Meanwhile, due to positive responses, S. purpurea adopted a stress‐tolerance strategy and overcame the impact of warming, partially gained the dominance over Cyperaceae species. Overall vegetation coverage and plant community diversity decreased over the years. These results reveal the impact of seasonal warming to plants, explaining the reasons for changes in plant communities under seasonal warming and providing new insights for future plant conservation under seasonal warming. Significance Statement: Seasonal warming exerts distinct effects on plant communities compared to year‐round warming. This study demonstrates that warming during the growing season, particularly in summer and autumn, imposes significant stress on alpine meadow plants. The negative response of Cyperaceae species emerges as a critical factor driving community degradation under seasonal warming. These findings advance our understanding of the ecological impacts of seasonal warming and elucidate potential mechanisms underlying plant community decline. They also provide a theoretical foundation for grassland management and conservation strategies in the context of future global seasonal warming scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grazing intensity is one of the crucial anthropogenic activities on alpine grasslands. However, how grazing intensity affects soil microorganism diversities and their co-occurrence networks in alpine steppe remains uncertain. We carried out a controlled grazing experiment (null grazing, CK; moderate grazing, MG; and heavy grazing, HG) on a typical alpine steppe in the Lhasa River Basin, Central Tibet, China. We used high-throughput sequencing to find the sequences of bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS gene amplicons. Then, we analyzed their alpha and beta diversities and set up co-occurrence networks that show how often they occur together. MG significantly increased the bacterial Shannon index and changed the bacterial community structure. In contrast, HG decreased the fungal ACE and Chao1 indices and also changed the fungal community structure (p < 0.05). Linear mixed-effect model revealed that available phosphorus in soil significantly impacted on soil bacterial Shannon, ACE, and Chao1 indices across grazing intensities, while total carbon in subsoil significantly affected these indicators of soil fungi. Moreover, MG increased the complexity of the co-occurrence network in the bacterial community, while HG simplified it. However, both MG and HG made the co-occurrence networks in the fungal community less complicated. This shows that the intensity of grazing has different impacts on how microbes interact with each other. Therefore, sustainable grazing intensity necessitates a deeper understanding of biodiversity conservation in alpine grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plains Bison once had the largest population and range of any terrestrial herbivore in North America. Bison now occupy less than 2% of their historic range, mostly behind fences of state-run and private organizations. In 2014, Indigenous groups across North America signed The Buffalo Treaty, calling for bison rewilding. This paper examines barriers to rewilding on Canada's prairies in the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Through interviews we asked government and NGO representatives what prevents bison reintroduction and rewilding. Our results suggest that the main barriers are social acceptance and material resources. These findings support previous research in the United States and Europe and provides a foundation for future research that could include other actors, such as landowners, Indigenous organizations, and industry representatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of the effects of plant invasion on plant community structure and the planning native species restoration must include the seed bank studies. This study analyzed the effects of the propagation of Baccharis dracunculifolia shrub (Bd) and Racosperma melanoxylon trees (young and old acacia forests) on the soil seed bank (SB) and litter seed bank (LB) in a grassland dominated by Paspalum quadrifarium (Pq) within a natural reserve in the Tandilia mountain system. We present results on seedling density, richness, diversity, equitability and the floristic dissimilarity (IDF). Baccharis dracunculifolia y P. quadrifarium have transient seed bank, while R. melanoxylon has a persistent one. A total of 94 species were recorded in the soil seed bank, and 32 in the litter bank. Seed bank was higher in the acacias forests (14000 seeds/m2) than in Pq (8500 seeds/m2) and Bd (6400 seeds/m2). On the other hand, BB seed bank was higher in the grassland (965 seeds/m2) than in the forests (699 seeds/m2) and Bd (44 seeds/m2). The richness did not differ among P. quadrifarium grassland, grassland under B. dracunculifolia and acacias propagation, being, in average, 28 and 6 species in the soil and litter banks, respectively. Diversity and equitability differed with the type of seed bank and species propagation. Floristic dissimilarity analysis revealed that the environment dominated by P. quadrifarium and B. dracunculifolia shared more species in common compared to the grassland and the acacia forests. Grassland conservation efforts should consider the changes in seed banks induced by the propagation of B. dracunculifolia and R. melanoxylon. The low seed number and absence of P. quadrifarium in the old forest suggest that in addition to cutting the trees, further interventions are necessary for effective grassland restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ungulates are essential for maintaining the health of grassland ecosystems on the Tibetan plateau. Increased livestock grazing has caused competition for food resources, threatening ungulates' survival. The survival risk of food resources for ungulates can be quantified by the grazing pressure index, which requires accurate grassland carrying capacity. Previous research on the grazing pressure index has rarely taken into account the influence of wild ungulates, mainly due to the lack of precise spatial data on their quantity. In this study, we conducted field investigations to construct high-resolution spatial distributions for the four endemic ungulates on the Tibetan plateau. By factoring in the grazing consumption of these ungulates, we recalculated the grassland carrying capacity to obtain the grazing pressure index, which allowed us to assess the survival risks for each species. The results show: (1) Quantity estimates for Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii), Tibetan wild donkey (Equus kiang), Tibetan gazelle (Procapra picticaudata), and wild yak (Bos mutus) of the Tibetan plateau are 24.57 × 104, 17.93 × 104, 7.16 × 104, and 1.88 × 104, respectively; they mainly distributed in the northern and western regions of the Tibetan plateau. (2) The grassland carrying capacity of the Tibetan plateau is 69.98 million sheep units, with ungulate grazing accounting for 5% of forage utilization. Alpine meadow and alpine steppe exhibit the highest grassland carrying capacity. (3) The grazing pressure index on the Tibetan plateau grasslands is 2.23, indicating a heightened grazing pressure in the southern and eastern regions. (4) The habitat survival risk analysis indicates that the high survival risk (the grazing pressure index exceeds 1.2) areas for the four ungulate species account for the following proportions of their total habitat areas: Tibetan wild donkeys (49.76%), Tibetan gazelles (47.00%), Tibetan antelopes (40.76%), and wild yaks (34.83%). These high-risk areas are primarily located within alpine meadow and temperate desert steppe. This study provides a quantitative assessment of survival risks for these four ungulate species on the Tibetan plateau grasslands and serves as a valuable reference for ungulate conservation and grassland ecosystem management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In the Neotropical temperate grasslands of southern Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, bird populations are known to be affected by cattle grazing practices. We conducted a quantitative review in order to assess how different grazing management practices impact bird abundance and richness. We compared ranches under continuous grazing management (control, CGM) to (1) ranches under technological inputs management (TIM, herbicides and exotic pastures) and (2) ranches under ecological process-based management (EPM), which include ranches that utilise controlled and rotational grazing. Our analysis showed that TIM had greater negative impacts on both bird abundance and richness than did CGM, which can be attributed to the fact that TIM simplifies vegetation structure. Compared with CGM, the effect of EPM on bird abundance is more dependent on grass height: EPM decreases the number of birds in short grasslands but increases bird abundance in tall grasslands, which can be attributed to differences in avian composition. Our results show that EPM practices contribute to the conservation of endangered tall-grass birds. Bird populations inhabiting the Rio de la Plata Grasslands in southern Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay are known to be affected by livestock grazing practices. Cattle grazing can lead to changes in bird assemblages by affecting the heterogeneity of vegetation structures. We conducted a meta-analysis using studies that reported bird richness and abundance under different grazing management practices. We compared ranches under continuous grazing management (control, CGM) to (1) ranches under technological inputs management (TIM, herbicides and exotic pastures) and (2) ranches under ecological process-based management (EPM), which include ranches that utilise controlled and rotational grazing. We used random effects multilevel linear models to evaluate grazing regimen impacts. Our results indicate a negative impact of TIM on both bird abundance and richness (mean ± SE: −0.25 ± 0.07 and −0.92 ± 0.10, respectively) since the use of inputs simplifies vegetation structure and results in the loss of ecological niches. Compared to CGM, the influence of EPM on total bird abundance appears to be more dependent on grassland height, as evidenced by a decline in short grasses and increase in tall grasses. Our meta-analysis suggests that EPM practices may be beneficial for the conservation of endangered tall-grass birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study examined the impact of grazing by Hungarian Grey cattle on plant communities in grasslands restored and established through different methods. The grasslands were established and restored in 2009 using five methods: (I) naturally regenerating fallow, (II) hay-mulch addition, (III) seeded grassland following soil preparation, (IV) grazing on abandoned alfalfa fields, and (V) overseeded fallow initiated in 1989. From 2009 to 2011, all sites were uniformly mowed, after which they were grazed using free-ranging Hungarian Grey cattle starting in 2012. This project aims to restore traditional land use and dry grassland grazing in the region. Phytosociological recordings were conducted in 2012, the first year following grazing initiation, and again in 2020, nine years later. We assessed the botanical composition and grassland management value across sites in a 260-hectare experimental area within the Pannonian biogeographic region. The current study seeks to determine how different grassland restoration techniques have influenced the botanical composition and grassland management values of pastures and to identify the most suitable restoration methods. Statistical analyses were conducted using R to assess species count differences across four vegetation categories. The results indicate that the overseeded fallow established in 1989 and the hay-mulch addition method were the most effective techniques. Directly seeded grasslands and abandoned alfalfa fields differed most significantly from these areas. Across all types, species richness and total cover increased relative to the initial conditions in 2012, and the naturalness of the species composition also improved. Returning to traditional land use improved the ecological state of all sites. Restoration of the grazed areas proved optimal over the elapsed period, with two years of mowing followed by grazing. Grazing with Hungarian Grey cattle, a low-impact rustic breed, yielded successful grassland restoration outcomes. Among the restoration methods, direct seeding and the use of alfalfa fields proved uneconomical and ineffective in promoting the desired species composition. Natural regeneration and, particularly, the hay-mulch addition method, were the most effective for conservation and grassland management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As important media for species diffusion, water and wind are two important factors for grassland biodiversity conservation in lake areas. Exploring their driving mechanism on grassland biodiversity is crucial for maintaining the lake ecosystem's equilibrium. Our study utilizes the data of wind velocity and water level, which are significant performance factors for wind and water respectively in Poyang Lake from 2000 to 2020 to reveal their interannual time‐series fluctuation characteristics and their influence mechanism on the grassland biodiversity pattern. Landscape pattern indices and biodiversity indicators, such as the number of patches (NP), patch density (PD), landscape spreading index (CI), landscape fragmentation index (LSD), landscape aggregation index (AI), Simpson diversity index (MSIDI) and Simpson evenness index (MSIEI) were analysed, trend analysis, redundancy analysis and structural equation modelling were applied in this study. The main results were: (1) From 2000 to 2020, Poyang Lake's wind velocity decreased gradually, and the water level first decreased and then rose. NP in Poyang Lake fluctuated substantially, LSD fluctuated frequently and obvious temporal heterogeneity existed. (2) CI and AI increased from low to high value, facilitating species dispersal and migration. The dominant species with high aggregation gradually established stronger connectivity. Moderate spreading degree and aggregation degree maintained high biodiversity and evenness, whereas excessive spreading degree and aggregation degree led to homogenization of species, decrease in biodiversity, reduction in species evenness, and increase in dominance. (3) As the landscape transformed from having no obvious dominant species to being dominated by several dominant species, MSIEI and landscape dominance changed from high to low and low to high respectively. Moreover, the biodiversity shifted from high to low, and species distribution in the landscape shifted from balanced to unbalanced. (4) The effect of water level on PD, AI, LSD, MSIDI and MSIET was significantly higher than that of wind velocity. LSD was mainly regulated by the minimum wind velocity affecting the maximum and average water levels. MSIDI and MSIET were primarily governed by the minimum wind velocity affecting the minimum water level. The minimum water level decreased as the minimum wind velocity increased, and MSIDI and MSIET weakened as the minimum water level decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abandoned and even active limestone quarries (excavation sites) can represent important secondary habitats for many species, including wild bees, associated with dry grasslands, which are threatened biodiversity hotspots in Europe. However, is not well understood how interactions between local habitat and landscape characteristics influence the value of limestone quarries for wild bees and how this could guide conservation schemes. We studied how wild bee communities in limestone quarries are affected by landscape variables (connectivity to neighbouring dry grasslands, landscape diversity), local quarry characteristics (area, age, woody vegetation cover, flowering plant species) and their interactions. We surveyed bee communities during 208 transects in 19 quarries in southern Lower Saxony, Germany. In total, we recorded 114 bee species (2360 individuals), including 35 endangered species. High flowering plant species richness positively affected bee abundance and richness. Large quarry area was important for determining the presence of endangered bee species. High levels of woody vegetation cover had a negative effect on bee abundance and richness. Bee abundance and richness can increase with quarry age, but only at sites with moderate woody vegetation cover. We found potentially positive interactions between quarry age and landscape diversity and/or habitat connectivity to neighbouring dry grasslands. In particular, high habitat connectivity ensured stable richness of endangered species in old quarries. Synthesis and applications. Observed negative effects of high woody vegetation cover on bee communities highlight the importance of local management to reduce shrub encroachment and reset successional processes in limestone quarries. Local management is particularly important in old quarries of great ecological value, where the adverse impact of high woody vegetation cover on wild bees appears to be most severe. Large and old quarries with high connectivity to neighbouring dry grasslands are especially valuable for endangered bee species. Therefore, landscape‐scale restoration and conservation of dry grasslands is the most promising approach to promote endangered bee species through enhanced habitat connectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grazing activities constitute the paramount challenge to grassland conservation over the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP), underscoring the urgency of obtaining detailed information regarding the extent, patterns, and trends of grazing to enable efficient grassland management and sustainable development. Here, to inform stakeholders about these issues, we provided the first annual Gridded Dataset of Grazing Intensity (GDGI), with a resolution of 100 m , from 1990 to 2020 for the QTP. The five most commonly used machine learning algorithms were leveraged to develop a livestock spatialization model, which spatially disaggregates the livestock census data at the county level into a detailed 100 m × 100 m grid based on seven key predictors from terrain, climate, vegetation, and socio-economic factors. Among these algorithms, the extreme-tree (ET) model performed the best in representing the complex nonlinear relationship between various environmental factors and livestock intensity, with an average absolute error of just 0.081 SUha-2 (where SU denotes sheep units), a rate outperforming the other models by 21.58 %–414.60 %. By using the ET model, we further generated the GDGI for the QTP to reveal the spatio-temporal heterogeneity and variations in grazing intensities. The GDGI indicates that grazing intensity remained high and largely stable from 1990 to 1997, followed by a sharp decline from 1997 to 2001 and fluctuations thereafter. Encouragingly, compared to other open-access datasets for grazing distribution on the QTP, the GDGI has the highest accuracy, with the determinant coefficient (R2) exceeding 0.8. Given its high resolution, recentness, and robustness, we believe that the GDGI dataset can significantly enhance our understanding of the substantial threats to grasslands emanating from overgrazing activities. Furthermore, the GDGI product holds considerable potential as a foundational source for other research, facilitating the rational utilization of grasslands, refined environmental impact assessments, and the sustainable development of animal husbandry. The GDGI product developed in this study is available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10851119 (Zhou et al., 2024). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyze the spatiotemporal land-use patterns in the forest-farmland ecotone of ecologically sensitive areas, together with their effects on carbon storage. Effective approaches were proposed to enhance carbon sequestration. The PLUS-InVEST model was also utilized along with the Geodetector. A systematic investigation was implemented to assess the impacts of spatiotemporal land-use patterns from 1990 to 2030 on the carbon storage of terrestrial ecosystems in the forest-farmland ecotone of the Greater Khingan Mountains. Additionally, the driving factors were determined responsible for the changes in carbon storage. The results were summarized as follows:1) The land-use types that experienced the largest area of transition were forests, grasslands, and croplands between 1990 and 2020. Notably, the highest conversion rates were observed in bare land (75.00%), water bodies (61.33%), and impervious surfaces (61.15%). The forest and grassland areas were expected to significantly increase under natural conservation and ecological protection scenarios by 2030. Furthermore, the areas of cropland and grassland were projected to increase under the cropland protection scenario, while the forest areas decreased greatly. The area of cropland declined in the urban development scenario, due to the urban expansion and land-use changes. 2) The total carbon storage in the study area exhibited a general downward trend, decreasing by 6.08×107 t over the past two decades. The largest decrease in carbon storage occurred in forests, followed by grasslands and croplands. In contrast, there was the increasing carbon storage in the impervious surfaces. The carbon storage in 2020 was compared to the projections for 2030. The total carbon storage for 2030 was projected as 1.555×109, 1.562×109, 1.562×109, and 1.561×109 t, respectively, under the four scenarios of cultivated land protection, natural development, ecological protection, urban development, respectively. All scenarios indicated an increase in the total carbon storage, except for the cropland protection. Different scenarios of land-use management varied greatly in the potential of overall carbon sequestration at regional. Natural conservation and ecological protection share the most promise to increase carbon storage. 3) The elevation, population density, and slope were identified as the primary driving factors behind the spatial differentiation of carbon storage in the study area. Among them, there was the most significant interaction between slope and population density, with an interaction strength of 0.74. There was a much stronger impact of multiple driving factors on carbon storage, compared with any single factor. Multifactorial approaches were also required to analyze the spatial dynamics of carbon storage. Therefore, the carbon dynamics of the ecosystem depended mainly on the land-use transitions in the ecotonal regions, like forest-farmland interfaces. The important implications were gained to develop the data-driven strategies of land management. Carbon sinks were also optimized to support biodiversity conservation. Overall, the significant role of targeted interventions was highlighted for the land-use changes in carbon storage and sequestration at regional scales. The findings can greatly contribute to ecosystem management and climate adaptation in the Greater Khingan Mountains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dwarf shrubs cooler and moister than the surrounding grassland. • Therefore, dwarf shrubs buffer microclimatic extremities. • Forests and edges had a higher spider richness than grasslands and dwarf shrubs. • We found a different community composition of spiders in the four microhabitats. Climate change negatively affects arthropod biodiversity worldwide. Mitigating the resulting arthropod decline is a great challenge. Dwarf shrubs in open areas might buffer microclimatic extremities by reducing the solar radiation reaching the ground and weakening air circulation near the soil surface. Forest steppes are mosaics of forests and grasslands covering a vast area in Eurasia. This heterogeneous ecosystem offers the opportunity to study the effect of small habitat features, i.e. dwarf shrubs, in dry grasslands and compare the fauna of rosemary-leaved willow (Salix rosmarinifolia) shrubs with forest patch interiors, open grasslands and their edges. We hypothesized that the dwarf shrub microhabitat has a wetter and cooler microclimate than open grassland and a different spider community composition than other forest-steppe microhabitats. We recorded microclimatic parameters with data loggers, measured soil moisture with TDR and collected ground-dwelling spiders with pitfall traps. We detected the highest soil moisture (6.26 ± 1.21%, mean ± 95% confidence interval) and air humidity (80.19 ± 3.19%) in forests and the lowest in grasslands (4.36 ± 0.65%; 66.59 ± 2.53%, respectively). The warmest microhabitats were grasslands (23.23 ± 0.51°C), whereas the coolest microhabitats were forests (18.92 ± 0.41°C). The distinct microclimate of dwarf shrubs was cooler (21.46 ± 0.41°C) and moister (5.43 ± 0.53%) than the surrounding semi-desert like grassland. Furthermore, we found a different spider community composition and trait state composition of spiders in forests, edges, grasslands and dwarf shrub microhabitats. Forests (9.90 ± 0.95) and edges (11.44 ± 1.27) hosted a higher species richness than grasslands (7.08 ± 4.27) and dwarf shrubs (5.09 ± 1.33). We collected larger spiders on the edges than in dwarf shrub microhabitats. The dwarf shrubs hosted a different microclimate and spider community composition from the grassland. Climate change in the forest-steppe region is assumed to be driven by a combination of warming and drying. In the coming decades, drought frequency and severity are predicted to increase. Woody vegetation, even dwarf shrubs, creates a thermal and moisture heterogeneity that might aid arthropods in buffering macroclimatic warming through behavioural thermoregulation. Therefore, their presence on grasslands can benefit the conservation of specialised grassland arthropods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1992 and 1993, some 25 phytosociological surveys were conducted within the ecological network formed by remnants of the Fagne-Famenne species-rich semi-natural meadows. From 2022 to 2024, a small number of these meadows were revisited in order to assess their state of conservation, and new phytosociological surveys of the constituting association were performed. One of the sites thus evaluated is the Natagora nature reserve, Les Tournailles, near Sart-en-Fagne, and the analysis of the results is the object of this note. Considered are the total species richness of the association, its richness in characteristic species and its syntaxonomic position. The species-rich semi-natural meadow is also compared with a neighbouring species-poor improved and intensified meadow in terms of species richness and soil chemical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Responding to climate impacts and expanding adaptation efforts necessitates getting the right knowledge and tools in the hands of land managers and decision‐makers. In 2022–2023, several regional US Geological Survey Climate Adaptation Science Centers partnered with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Science Applications Program on the first targeted climate training series designed for the FWS Grassland Ecosystem Team. This training spanned multiple months and formats with self‐paced virtual lessons, webinars, and an in‐person workshop. As the FWS Grassland Ecosystem Team is tasked with conservation planning for grassland birds and other species, the focus of the workshop was an interactive collaborative activity incorporating species adaptive capacity assessments, future climate projections, and adaptation menus into the decision‐making process. Herein, we describe the methods used to design and deliver the training series, as well as lessons learned for future climate literacy programs aimed at natural resource managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatially explicit models are an important component of systematic conservation planning, enabling the depiction of biodiversity metrics across landscapes and objective evaluation of candidate sites for conservation delivery. However, sites considered "best" for conservation are typically viewed from the standpoint of biological value and may not be the most effective or efficient when risk of habitat loss, cost of conservation, intended conservation treatments, and overall conservation strategy are considered. We evaluated risk of habitat loss, land cost, and landscape context for geographic areas harboring most‐dense to least‐dense population quartiles for 16 species of grassland birds in the US northern Great Plains. Differences in land cost, risk of grassland conversion, and landscape context among quartiles and species indicated that a minimum‐area strategy may be inefficient and even ineffective. Priority zones for western species were generally associated with lower agricultural land cost, more protected land, and landscape characteristics associated with intact grasslands; eastern species were generally associated with higher agricultural land cost, tillage probability, grass loss, cropland, development, forest, Conservation Reserve Program grasslands, and distance to grass. Our results indicate that addressing areas outside of population cores increases conservation options and may provide substantial benefits to portions of populations that are most vulnerable to habitat loss or other stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Extensively managed grasslands play a crucial role in sustaining biodiversity by providing habitats for a wide range of plant and animal species. The most common management is either grazing or mowing, or grasslands are abandoned. The differential effects of these management or abandoning schemes on biodiversity patterns of extensively managed grasslands have not yet been systematically evaluated with a large number of available case studies. We aimed to identify by a meta‐analysis the best option for biodiversity in extensively managed grassland in Europe. Materials and Methods: Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched for publications that appeared before 31 January 2024 and that reported the effects of management schemes on biodiversity patterns of extensively managed grassland. Out of 971 original records, 54 full‐text articles were included in the final analysis. We extracted values for mean, SD and sample size of species numbers and calculated Hedge's g to rate treatment effects. Results: Extensive management (grazing, mowing) increased species number compared to abandonment (effect size: Hedge's g = 1.30). For plant diversity, extensive management had a strong positive effect (g = 1.78), while the effect of grazing and mowing was minor for animal biodiversity (g = 0.03). The results were recognizably influenced by the investigated plot sizes. Small plots (<10 m2) showed a much stronger effect (g = 2.19) than larger plots (g = 0.56). The type of extensive management, grazing or mowing, had no influence on the results. Conclusion: In line with results on grasslands in general, our results underline that biodiversity of extensively managed grasslands benefits from extensive grazing or mowing. Although abandonment had a negligible effect on animal species richness, the effect on vegetation was strong. The low effect of abandonment on the fauna can be explained by the relatively short duration of the studies. The characteristics of grassland were still present, and it had not turned into forest. Extensive grazing or mowing are therefore the best options for grassland managed for conservation purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grasslands are recognized as important reservoirs of soil biodiversity. Livestock grazing is implemented as a grassland management strategy to improve soil quality and enhance plant diversity. Soil microbial communities play a pivotal role in grassland ecosystems, so it is important to examine whether grazing practices affect the soil microbiome. Previous studies on grazing have primarily focused on bacteria and fungi, overlooking an important group--protists. Protists are vital in soil microbiomes as they drive nutrient availability and trophic interactions. Determining the impact of grazing on protists and their relationships with bacterial and fungal communities is important for understanding soil microbiome dynamics in grazed ecosystems. In this study, we investigated soil bacterial, fungal, and protist communities under four grazing levels: no grazing, moderate-use grazing, full-use grazing, and heavy-use grazing. Our results showed that heavy grazing led to a greater diversity of protists with specific groups, such as Discoba and Conosa, increasing in abundance. We also found strong associations between protist and bacterial/fungal members, indicating their intricate relationships within the soil microbiome. For example, the abundance of predatory protists increased under grazing while arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi decreased. Notably, arbuscular mycorrhizae were negatively associated with predatory groups. Furthermore, we observed that microbial network complexity increased with grazing intensity, with fungal members playing an important role in the network. Overall, our study reports the impact of temporal grazing intensity on soil microbial dynamics and highlights the importance of considering protist ecology when evaluating the effects of grazing on belowground communities in grassland ecosystems. IMPORTANCE The significance of this study lies in its exploration of the effects of temporal grazing intensity on the dynamics of the soil microbiome, specifically focusing on the often-neglected role of protists. Our findings provide insights into the complex relationships between protists, bacteria, and fungi, emphasizing their impact on trophic interactions in the soil. Gaining a better understanding of these dynamics is essential for developing effective strategies for grassland management and conservation, underscoring the importance of incorporating protist ecology into microbiome studies in grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasions of alien plants often result in biodiversity loss and may impact the biology of native species. However, the effects of biological invasions on the behavioural responses of native species have rarely been investigated. We studied how the alteration of habitat due to the invasion of alien goldenrod (Solidago spp) affects a native butterfly, the scarce large blue Phengaris teleius, which is a flagship species for grassland biodiversity conservation. To better understand immediate responses in flight behaviour (daily movements, resting, and dispersal) to a new habitat, we performed observations of experimentally translocated butterflies of two origins (invaded vs. non-invaded habitats) to four different environments: invaded habitat, non-invaded habitat, invaded matrix, non-invaded matrix. Moreover, we tested whether the level of invasion may be related to the variation in morphological traits associated with flight (wing size, body mass) and genetic variability. Flight behaviour was affected by the high goldenrod cover and the sex of the butterflies, regardless of the butterflies' origin. In the habitat and matrix invaded by goldenrod, the butterflies tended to display dispersal behaviour more often compared to the non-invaded ones. Flight distances were longest in the matrix with goldenrod and resting time was longest in habitats invaded by goldenrod. Analysis of morphological traits as well as eight microsatellite loci did not reveal significant differences in morphology or genetic variation among the populations studied. Implications for insect conservation: Our findings give important insights into immediate behavioural responses within invaded sites and may reflect the plasticity of the species to the changing environment. It indicates an urgent need to properly manage existing habitats as well as to create at least steppingstone habitats as a chance of survival for poor dispersers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semi-natural grasslands (SNGLs) in Estonia are threatened by abandonment. This threat is leading to concerns about the degradation of biodiversity within grassland communities. Despite the high relevance of economic incentives in this context, how such incentives influence land managers' decision-making regarding the agricultural use of SNGLs has not been investigated. To obtain its socio-ecological implications for policy-making, we developed regionally specific agricultural scenarios (compensation payments, livestock capacity, hey export, and bioenergy production) and an interdisciplinary modelling approach that made it possible to simulate agricultural land use changes through land managers' responses to varied economic conditions. Through this approach, we found that some economic factors hampered the use of SNGLs: the moderate profitability of beef production, labour shortages, and the relatively high profitability of mulching. We observed a positive relationship between SNGLs and habitat suitability for breeding and feeding birds. However, due to the high maintenance costs of SNGLs, the modelling results indicated that increasing the use of SNGLs through public budgets caused crowding-out effects, i.e., the deteriorating market integration of regional agriculture. This study emphasises the need for policy measures aimed at cost-effective, labour-efficient management practices for SNGLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study aimed to analyse socio-economic sustainability and the drivers of land abandonment in the Kras region of Slovenia, a representative eastern Mediterranean farmland area. We also sought to provide policy recommendations for supporting biodiversity conservation and facilitating the sustainable transition of similar High Nature Value (HNV) farming systems across Europe. The Slovenian Typical Farm Model (SiTFarm) was used to assess the economic performance of representative livestock and wine-growing farm types. Additionally, in-depth interviews with farmers were conducted to understand their perspectives on these farming systems and their preferences for alternative management strategies and policy instruments. Our findings indicate that, due to the introduction of basic income support for sustainability and complementary voluntary coupled payments, budgetary support for the livestock sector in the region is projected to increase by 27–55% in estimated gross margins during the 2023–2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) period, depending on the farm type. Furthermore, farms can enhance their economic performance by converting to organic farming and enrolling in agri-environmental schemes that promote extensive grasslands management, which is crucial for biodiversity conservation. This suggests that Slovenia's current CAP strategic plan adequately addresses the maintenance of the existing farming systems. However, the region faces significant challenges, particularly in restructuring small farms and adding value to primary farm products. These issues appear to be insufficiently addressed by the current CAP strategic plan, implying that limited progress is expected in mitigating land abandonment in the long term. Comprehensive strategies for the development of feasible HNV farming systems, aligned with biodiversity conservation recommendations, and a well-managed system of supporting institutions and policy instruments is needed to facilitate more market-oriented and sustainable development of agriculture at the local level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mowing is a crucial management strategy for conservation and restoration of semi‐natural grasslands. In the past decades, dominant mowing methods have changed from manual to mechanical, using heavy machines causing soil compaction. Whereas the negative effects of compaction are well understood in agriculture and forestry, they have received little attention so far in nature management. This study aims to investigate the effects of compaction on soil quality, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities, and survival of a target plant species. We subjected seven grasslands to three contrasting mowing types: manual mowing with a brush cutter, softtrack mowing—designed to minimize soil compaction—and tractor mowing. We compared compaction, soil properties, and arbuscular mycorrhizal communities among the types. Additionally, we experimentally subjected intact grassland sods containing Devil's bit scabious (Succisa pratensis Moench), a target species of grassland conservation, to compaction levels corresponding to the three mowing types. Subsequently, we assessed plant survival. We found that soil compaction, soil nutrient availability, and toxic soil elements were significantly higher in the softtrack‐ and tractor‐mown parts of grassland sites compared to the manually mown parts. Also, the arbuscular mycorrhizal community composition differed significantly among mowing types, with the largest differences between “manual” and “tractor.” Succisa pratensis survival significantly decreased by 43 and 71% on the short term and by 71 and 86% on the longer term with increasing compaction. Consequently, mowing‐associated soil compaction compromises nature management targets via at least four mechanisms: nutrient enrichment, soil toxicity, changes in arbuscular mycorrhizal communities, and decreased survival of the target plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grasslands support a variety of herbivores that profoundly impact biodiversity and ecosystem functioning at local and regional scales. Understanding how different herbivores influence plant diversity across multiple scales is crucial for effective biodiversity conservation. However, most studies have focussed on the effects of grazing intensity on plant diversity, neglecting the impacts and associated mechanisms of different herbivores across scales.Based on a 7‐year grazing experiment with 16 plots in Inner Mongolia's typical steppe, we compared the scale‐dependent effects of different herbivores (cattle, sheep and goats) on plant diversity at moderate grazing intensity. We used the species–area relationship (SAR) and linear mixed models to analyse the changes in species richness across multiple scales (1, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512 and 1024 m2). To understand SAR slope changes, we examined four potential mechanisms: overall species richness, total number of individuals, species abundance distribution and species aggregation.We found that grazing had scale effects on plant diversity, as indicated by a significant decrease in the SAR slope. This decrease in slope suggests that the negative impacts of grazing were more pronounced at larger scales. Additionally, the scale effects of different herbivores on plant diversity varied. Cattle had stronger positive impacts on diversity than sheep and goats at both small (1 m2) and large (1024 m2) scales. Conversely, sheep and goats had stronger negative effects on diversity than did the control at the large scale (1024 m2).The decrease in the SAR slope was mainly caused by changes in overall species richness and species abundance distribution. This was primarily because cattle had a stronger impact on dominant species, whereas sheep and goats had a stronger impact on rare species.Synthesis: Our results demonstrate that even at the same intensity, the grazing effects on species diversity vary with the study scale, herbivore type and their interaction. This finding has important implications for the conservation of grassland biodiversity given that grazing typically occurs at larger scales than in studies with quadrats and involves various herbivores with distinct effects on plant diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grassland bird populations in the Mediterranean lowlands have declined dramatically over the past few decades. This decline is due to a combination of factors, including changes in land use and farming practices as well as the impacts of climate change. In particular, more intensive agricultural methods have played a significant role in this reduction. However, in the higher-altitude uplands of the region, traditional practices like pastoralism and rotational low-intensity farming are still common, and these areas continue to support substantial populations of several threatened grassland bird species. In this viewpoint, we discuss the challenges that the uplands are facing and suggest rethinking regional development to better balance the needs of people and nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Grasslands are one of the most threatened terrestrial biomes leading to a loss of grassland biodiversity, including birds. Two important factors contributing to the loss of grasslands and their birds are the expansion of woody vegetation and invasive exotic grasses into native grassland habitats. To be able to protect grassland bird communities, it is essential to know how they are affected by these two threats. In this study, we determined the wintering grassland bird diversity and community structure in two private livestock ranches in the Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico, and related this to vegetation measurements, such as grass cover and height, shrub cover and height, as well as the cover of the invasive exotic natal grass. We found that the amount of bare ground (no vegetation) negatively affected the grassland bird diversity on a local scale. We also found that shrub cover, grass height and natal grass cover affected the grassland bird community composition at the ranch level, indicating that shrub cover and natal grass appeared to negatively affect the presence of grassland specialist bird species in the bird community. The results, therefore, indicated that it is important to halt the invasion of shrubs and natal grass into grasslands because they alter the grassland bird community. Grasslands are one of the most threatened terrestrial biomes leading to a loss of grassland biodiversity, including birds. Here, we studied the wintering grassland bird diversity and community structure in two private livestock ranches in the Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico. We explored how bird communities are related to vegetation structure, including shrub cover and invasive exotic natal grass (Melinis repens), two drivers of grassland bird habitat degradation. We used Hill's numbers to estimate taxonomic species richness and diversity and related these metrics to vegetation covariables using linear models. We employed nonmetric dimensional scaling (NMDS) to explore the importance of vegetation covariates in structuring bird communities. We found that bird species diversity was significantly and negatively related to bare ground cover at a plot level. At the ranch level, shrub cover, grass height and natal grass were important in structuring avian communities, negatively affecting the presence and abundance of grassland specialist bird species. Our results indicated that shrub encroachment and invasive exotic natal grass cover may alter grassland bird communities and should, therefore, be considered in grassland bird conservation management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although urbanisation is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, its effect on particular invertebrate groups remains ambiguous on local and landscape scales.We aimed to analyse the effect of urban grassland management on spiders (Araneae) and carabids (Coleoptera: Carabidae), as well as other local and landscape parameters. We investigated 27 grasslands of two different management intensities ('extensive': one to two late cuts with removal of biomass [n = 18]; 'intensive': three to five mulching cuts [n = 9]) in the city of Karlsruhe, Germany. Pitfall trapping and sweep netting were performed to sample carabids and spiders.Results indicate that urban grasslands in Karlsruhe are inhabited by species‐rich assemblages, including several species of conservation concern (cc). Latter remain mostly restricted to dry grassland. The number of total specimens and of those belonging to species of cc were negatively affected by intensive management. The number of specimens of species of cc further decreased with increasing humidity and in spiders, additionally, by vegetation height. Landscape factors had limited effects, and only isolation of meadows negatively influenced the species richness of carabids (total and of species of cc).Our results demonstrate that conservation of dry grasslands in urban areas is crucial for sustaining local arthropod communities. Dry urban grassland may also act as a refugium for species of cc and mitigate the global insect crisis on a local and regional scale. In conclusion, biodiversity‐friendly mowing regimes should be applied on a broader scale in urban areas and target especially dry grassland plots. In addition, increasing connectivity and permeability of the urban matrix assist the colonisation by species of cc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water conservation is crucial for sustainable ecosystem development in loess gully regions. The redlines of permanent basic farmland protection and ecological protection are key land use control zones in China, yet their impact on water conservation is understudied. The study focuses on Yan'an and constructs three scenarios: natural development (NDS), farmland protection (FPS), and ecological protection (EPS). Then, land use simulation for the three scenarios in 2025, 2030, and 2035 is carried out using the patch-generating land use simulation model. Finally, the integrated valuation of ecosystem services and trade-offs model is combined to calculate water conservation. The findings suggest the following: (1) From the temporal perspective, the water conservation of the three scenarios exhibits an incremental trend by period from 2025 to 2035, with an annual growth rate of approximately 0.65‰ for the NDS, 0.60‰ for the FPS, and 0.64‰ for the EPS. (2) From the scenario perspective, from 2025 to 2035, the annual water conservation under the FPS is 0.35‰ less than that under the NDS, while the impact of the EPS is weak at only ±0.1‰. (3) Across all scenarios, the average water conservation depth of grassland surpasses that of forestland. This study provides scientific evidence to help optimize China's land space governance policy as well as methodological and theoretical support for related studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the background of "four waters and four determinations" scientific and quantitative assessment of water conservation capacity is the basis for ensuring high-quality social and economic development and effective protection of the ecological environment. As an important part of the "double evaluation" the evaluation of the importance of ecological protection plays a guiding role in the evaluation of agricultural production and urban construction. Based on the InVEST water yield module, the water conservation volume was obtained by using the terrain index, soil saturation water conductivity and flow velocity coefficient to obtain the water conservation volume, and the temporal and spatial evolution of water conservation in Lanzhou City of Gansu Province, China from 2000 to 2020 was quantitatively evaluated, and the impact of land use type change on it was discussed, and the importance level of water conservation function was divided. The results showed that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, except for the decrease of farmland area, the area of other land use types increased, and the increase of grassland was the most significant. (2) The spatial distribution of water conservation in Lanzhou City was "high-low distribution", and the average unit water conservation was 15.42 mm, and the total water conservation volume was 2.03x108 m³. From 2000 to 2020, the average unit water conservation and total amount in Lanzhou increased, and the increase rate gradually increased. (3) The total water conservation of different land use types in Lanzhou is as follows: grassland>farmland>woodland>impervious surface>bare land>shrubs. Among them, the average unit water conservation capacity of forest land was the largest, while the total water conservation of grassland was the largest. (4) From 2000 to 2020, the area of the generally important and relatively important areas of water conservation function in Lanzhou decreased, and the area of moderately important, highly important and extremely important areas increased. The evaluation and importance classification of water conservation functions can provide scientific reference and guidance for consolidating the existing achievements of returning farmland to forest and grassland, promoting the construction of ecological civilization, and promoting regional economic development in China's arid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Grassland conservation planning often focuses on high‐risk landscapes, but many grassland conversion models are not designed to optimize conservation planning because they lack multidimensional risk assessments and are misaligned with ecological and conservation delivery scales. To aid grassland conservation planning, we developed landscape‐scale models at relevant scales that predict future (2021–2031) total and proportional loss of unprotected grassland to cropland or development. We developed models for 20 ecoregions across the contiguous United States by relating past conversion (2011–2021) to a suite of covariates in random forest regression models and applying the models to contemporary covariates to predict future loss. Overall, grassland loss models performed well, and explanatory power varied spatially across ecoregions (total loss model: weighted group mean R2 = 0.89 [range: 0.83–0.96], root mean squared error [RMSE] = 9.29 ha [range: 2.83–22.77 ha]; proportional loss model: weighted group mean R2 = 0.74 [range: 0.64–0.87], RMSE = 0.03 [range: 0.02–0.06]). Amount of crop in the landscape and distance to cities, ethanol plants, and concentrated animal feeding operations had high variable importance in both models. Total grass loss was greater when there were moderate amounts of grass, crop, or development (∼50%) in the landscape. Proportional grass loss was greater when there was less grass (∼<30%) and more crop or development (∼>50%). Some variables had a large effect on only a subset of ecoregions, for example, grass loss was greater when ∼>70% of the landscape was enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program. Our methods provide a simple and flexible approach for developing risk layers well suited for conservation that can be extended globally. Our conversion models can support conservation planning by enabling prioritization as a function of risk that can be further optimized by incorporating biological value and cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-elevation tropical grasslands in South America are vital for sustaining the livelihoods of indigenous communities, particularly in the Central Andes where herding of both wild and domesticated camelids has been a primary socioeconomic activity for centuries. However, these grasslands are facing challenges due to changes in land use, economic activities, and climate, posing threats to the sustainability of camelid herding. Here, we determine the intricate relationship between land use management and camelid populations of the highlands of Apolobamba National Park in Bolivia. We identified two critical milestones in land use management across the indigenous communities: the creation of the Tierra Comunitaria de Origen (TCO) in 1999 and the expansion of the National Park in 2000. These initiatives collectively resulted in the diversification of livelihood sources by increasing the number of mining concessions and facilitating the management of wild camelids for their wool and fibers, catering to international markets. We found that this diversification of livelihood sources was negatively related to the densities of domesticated camelids across the studied communities. In contrast, the densities of wild camelids populations increased with an increasing number of mining concessions, likely due to local conservation efforts and reduced competition with livestock. Our results indicate a potential shift in land use management strategies and suggest that mining activities encroach upon pastoralism practices within indigenous communities. Understanding the long-term effects of land use changes is essential for providing comprehensive and sustainable land use strategies that will support both grasslands and animal conservation while providing livelihood security in this ecologically sensitive region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock grazing has a significant impact on natural grasslands, with approximately one-third of the world's land area dedicated to this industry. Around 20% of global grasslands are highly degraded due to overgrazing, affecting their productivity and conservation capacity. Best practices are required to ensure sustainable livestock production that supports biodiversity. The Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis (IDH) suggests that environments with moderate levels of disturbance exhibit a higher species diversity. Moderate grazing can reduce the dominance of certain species, thereby enhancing plant diversity. However, concerns arise regarding the increase of exotic and unpalatable species under moderate grazing levels, complicating grassland conservation efforts. The impact of livestock grazing on the functional structure of grasslands depends on factors such as grazing intensity, livestock species, and environmental conditions. Variations in grazing intensity may increase specific and functional diversity under moderate grazing, potentially masking the presence of invasive exotic species. In the Austral Pampas (Pampean phytogeographic province, Buenos Aires, Argentina), grasslands face various pressures from domestic livestock grazing that endanger their integrity if not properly managed. Therefore, our study aims to investigate potential differences in species richness and diversity, functional diversity, exotic plant abundance, and the number and distribution of plant functional groups across varying grazing intensities. The IDH is utilized as a tool to regulate livestock pressure for grassland conservation. Species and functional diversity indices were used to assess the impact of grazing on grassland diversity. Moderate grazing increased species and functional diversity, while intensively grazed or ungrazed areas showed reduced diversity. Livestock presence influenced the balance between native and exotic plants, with ungrazed areas having higher native plant abundance and grazed areas exhibiting higher exotic plant abundance. Grazing also influenced the composition of functional groups, with grazing-avoiding species being more prevalent in heavily grazed areas. Principal Component Analysis revealed a clear association between vegetation composition and livestock grazing intensity. These findings offer valuable insights into effectively managing grazing intensity for biodiversity conservation purposes. Supplementary Material Supplementary Material File [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate and land management affect nutrient cycling in grassland ecosystems. We aimed to understand whether temperate and tropical grasslands differ in terms of soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) concentrations, and their C:N:P stoichiometric ratios in grazed and ungrazed natural grasslands and pastures. For this, we used a meta-analysis approach (1296 records, 241 papers), and regression models to explain the observed patterns in terms of mean annual precipitation (MAP), mean annual temperature (MAT), altitude, and latitude. SOC, N, and P concentrations were higher in temperate regions than in tropical ones, and they negatively correlated with MAT and MAP. The grassland type effect was more significant for tropical regions. In tropical regions, soil C:N ratios were higher in ungrazed than in grazed pastures, and soil N:P ratios in ungrazed sites were higher in pastures than in natural grasslands. Grazing increases soil N and SOC for natural grasslands in temperate regions. Our findings suggest that soil stoichiometric C:N:P stoichiometric signatures in grasslands differed between tropical and temperate regions on a global scale. P is a key element in regulation and restriction on soil C and N cycling in tropical regions but less in the temperate ones. Our findings suggest the direction of effects of grazing or grassland type on C:N:P stoichiometric signature. Since imbalances in soil stoichiometric ratios may have implications for ecosystem functioning, the assessment of these patterns could serve as a valuable tool for management and conservation of grasslands and pastures in both tropical and temperate regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past forest use often has a long‐term negative impact on the recovery of the original plant composition of semi‐natural grasslands, which is known as a legacy effect. This study investigates the impact of seed dispersal limitations on the restoration of grassland plant diversity on ski slopes with past forest use, highlighting the negative legacy effect on biodiversity recovery. Focusing on ski areas, our research contrasts the vegetation on ski slopes originally created on semi‐natural grasslands such as pasture (pasture slopes) and constructed by clearing secondary forests or conifer plantations (forest slopes). We examined species richness and diversity, considering seed dispersal modes, grassland management history, and seed source proximity. We reveal that the proximity to species‐rich grassland sources is pivotal for the restoration of native grassland vegetation. Particularly, wind‐dispersed species show significant recovery on slopes with sustained management for more than 70 years and those with neighboring species‐rich grasslands, suggesting that both the duration of management and the proximity to seed sources are critical for overcoming the legacy effects of past forest use. Meanwhile, gravity‐dispersed species failed to recover their richness and diversity regardless of both the duration of management and the proximity to seed source grasslands, which their diversity recovered where seed sources neighbored. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering seed dispersal limitation and management history in the restoration and conservation of grasslands and their biodiversity, particularly in landscapes experiencing past human intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: A challenge in grassland conservation is to maintain both the openness and the heterogeneity of the habitat to support the diversity of their animal communities, including birds—a taxon that is known to be sensitive to disturbance. An increasingly used management tool in European grassland conservation, especially in rewilding projects, is grazing by large herbivores such as horses and cattle. These grazers are believed to create and maintain patchy landscapes that promote diversity and richness of other species, but their influence on birds is often debated by conservationists, who raise concerns about the impact of disturbance by the grazers. Objectives: Our aim was to examine the relationship between the abundance and species richness of birds across four foraging guilds and the area utilization patterns of Highland cattle and Konik horses in an alluvial grassland in France. We also aimed to examine the influence of land cover and season on the spatial distribution, including abundance and species richness, of different bird guilds present in the grazed area. Methods: We used GPS-collars on all grazers and recorded their positions on an hourly basis over a study period of 1.5 years, assessing patterns of area usage. We counted birds weekly along three transects to describe their distribution within the grazed area and carried out land-cover surveys to describe the habitat. To assess how species richness and abundance of birds of different guilds were related to grazer density, season, and habitat characteristics, we used GAMM models in a spatially explicit framework. We also compared bird numbers at our main study site with a nearby non-grazed control area. Results: The number of birds in the grazed area was about twice the number in the non-grazed control area. Within the grazed area, the abundance of open-area foraging birds increased with increasing grazer density. The number of woodland-foraging birds was also positively correlated with grazer density but less so than open-area foraging birds. The number of individuals in the aerial and wetland bird guilds was not correlated with the density of grazers. Most bird species and individuals were observed on open landscapes scattered with woody patches and waterbodies, and on areas with moderate grazer density. Conclusions: Low-intensity grazing represents a potentially important management tool in creating heterogeneity in alluvial grasslands, thereby promoting suitable habitat for a diverse assemblage of bird species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activities affect all ecosystems, within that the grasslands have often been subject to intensive modification due to agricultural use and fragmentation. The result is a biodiversity crisis, on which detailed agri-environment schemes can help. For the compilation of perspective schemes, it is crucial to know the minimal area that can provide habitats for stable, species-rich insect assemblages in optimal land use. This research aimed to collect detailed data for phrasing patch-size centric conservation strategies on orthopteran assemblages, being an umbrella taxon, in two areas of the Pannonian Ecoregion. In narrow (radius = 25 m) and broader (r = 50, 75, 100 m) environments of the assemblages, we have searched for that habitat patch size, where the primary vegetation characteristics (cover, height, composition) affect the main features of the orthopteran assemblages and relative abundances of the species to the highest degree. According to our results, ecotype diversity of orthopteran assemblages showed the strongest correlations with average maximum grassland height and density at the finest studied scale (r = 25 m). Still, the vegetation heterogeneity significantly determines the life-form diversity of the assemblages in the larger habitat patches. Consequently, a minimum of one hectare-sized well-managed habitat patches are needed to conserve diverse, species-rich orthopteran assemblages. Specific conservation implications are adequate for preserving the main characteristics of the minimal-sized grassland patches under global warming are simulate the traditional low-intensity land use (dominated by mowing diversified both spatially and temporally). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the changes and interrelationships of grassland plant community species diversity and soil physicochemical properties with elevation gradient, this study takes the grassland in the Burzin forest area of Xinjiang as the research object and analyzes the responses of grassland species diversity, aboveground biomass, and soil physicochemical properties to the changes of elevation gradient within the altitude range of 1000~2200 m in this area. The results of the study show that: (1) The number of species and aboveground biomass reached the highest levels at elevation gradient III and showed a tendency of increasing and then decreasing with elevation. The Margalef and Shannon–Wiener indices were the largest at elevation III, while the Simpson and Alatalo indices were the largest at elevation I. (2) With the change of elevation, the available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), soil electric conductivity (SEC), and soil pH showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing, while soil temperature decreased with elevation. Available potassium and soil water content reached their maximum values at elevation I and elevation IV, respectively. (3) The soil conductivity and diversity index were negatively correlated in elevation gradients I to III. In elevation gradient I~III, soil conductivity was positively correlated with the diversity index and aboveground biomass. Available nitrogen had a significant effect on plant diversity and biomass in elevation gradients IV to VI. (4) Aboveground biomass was significantly positively correlated with the Simpson's index, while the relationship with the Shannon–Wiener index was less significant, and Margalef's and Alatalo's indices were not significant. Soil conductivity and pH significantly affected the Margalef and Simpson indices. Available nitrogen was closely related to the aboveground biomass and Margalef and Alatalo indices. Soil moisture content significantly affected Simpson's index and the aboveground biomass. This study provides a solid theoretical foundation for the conservation and management of grassland plant community ecosystems along the elevation gradient, and has important reference value for study of the impact of environmental change on species diversity and biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As market economies develop, traditional social norms regarding common pool natural resource utilization can change. This study estimates how social norms of nomadic herders' communities, trust among the community's members, and individual social preferences (i.e., other-regarding behavior), such as altruism and willingness to pay for conservation, change with market integration and urbanization in Mongolia. This study reveals that market integration is positively correlated with altruism in communities. Urbanization, measured by proximity to an urban area, is negatively correlated with trust and willingness to pay for grassland use fees. These social preferences and trust are positively correlated with social norms regarding sustainable grassland utilization. This suggests that market integration indirectly contributes to natural resource conservation, while urbanization has a negative impact. Sustainable development requires policy programs that build mutual cooperation and improve individual awareness of grassland conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Forests and grasslands play an important role in carbon cycling. They not only absorb CO2 from the air through vegetation biomass and soil carbon sinks, but also reduce and control the horizontal transport of soil carbon (i.e., reinforcing soil carbon storage via soil conservation), thus avoiding erosion-induced CO2 emissions. In this study, vegetation biomass and soil carbon sinks, soil carbon reinforcement and reduced carbon emissions via soil conservation by forests and grasslands were quantified on the scale of the whole of China. The analysis was based on the distribution of biomass and the soil carbon pool and soil erosion rates derived from national surveys, as well as carbon density values from field surveys and literature. In 2021, forests and grasslands in China generated 394.18 Mt C/year (y) of steady-state carbon sinks through vertical biomass and soil absorption. The biomass carbon sinks of grasslands, and those of leaves, twigs, flowers and fruits of the forests, were not taken into account when quantifying the stable biomass sink, because they can become net producers of CO2 due to seasonal withering and carryover, or they can form soil organic carbon as potential soil carbon sinks. The amount of horizontal soil carbon reinforcement in China's forests and grasslands in 2021 was 20.31 Mt C/y, which was positively correlated with the reduction in the water erosion area; consequently, vertical emissions of approximately 14.89–29.78 Mt of CO2 into the atmosphere were avoided. Overall, in 2021, China's forests and grasslands absorbed atmospheric CO2 and reduced emissions by 1.46–1.47 Gt CO2/y, equivalent to approximately 13% of China's annual fossil CO2 emissions. This study demonstrates the fact that the adoption of forest and grassland measures sequesters carbon in soil and biota and reduces the risks of CO2 emissions by both vertical and horizontal paths, which is important for achieving carbon neutrality and mitigating climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quarrying generates significant changes in the grasslands, by reducing ecological functions, reducing connectivity, impairing biodiversity, and degrading soil. Unlike other forms of destruction such as agriculture or urbanization, mining is characterized by eliminating soil and exposing the bedrock, facilitating groundwater contamination processes. Quarrying in Pampean grassland has been expanding for a century and little is known about the extent and distribution of quarries over the native environment. In this work, we analyze the spatiotemporal variation of quarrying activity on the Highland grassland in the Tandilia mountains of Argentina. Based on Landsat 5, 7, and 8 satellite imagery, from 1996 to 2022, and using QGIS software, we identified the location and extension of quarries, and we analyzed their change through time. Quarries covered 6428 ha, which was originally part of the Pampean grassland. The number of open quarries increased by 129%, from 69 in 1996 to 158 in 2022, and the area used for this activity increased by 172%, with a greater expansion being detected in the last ten years. At least 87 quarries were abandoned in 2022. Quarries are often abandoned without any kind of remediation, leading to further ecosystem deterioration. The current extension of quarrying activity (active and abandoned quarries) reduced the connectivity and a significant area (5.2%) of the Highland grassland of the Tandilia Mountains. Grassland conservation planning should include quarrying as a significant threat, and management actions must be considered to reduce its impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Understanding genetic structure at multiple spatial scales and identifying drivers of genetic isolation are important for developing comprehensive conservation plans including for grassland conservation efforts. However, few studies account for multiple genetic isolation processes nor partition genetic variance among these processes. Objectives: We assess key processes that can create spatial genetic patterns including isolation by barrier (IBB), isolation by distance (IBD), and isolation by environment (IBE) for a widespread pocket gopher species (Geomys bursarius) and a spatially restricted subspecies (Geomys bursarius illinoensis). We further partition genetic variation to each isolating effect and identify genetic variation that was shared between processes. Methods: We used seven microsatellites to determine spatial genetic clustering and identify environmental factors impacting genetic similarities. Then, we used redundancy analysis to partition variance explained by IBB, IBD, and IBE. Results: Major rivers including the Mississippi River acted as barriers and explained the most genetic variation across the species. In contrast, IBD explained the most genetic variation for G. b. illinoensis. Gophers had genetic associations to soil sand percent and soil color, but IBE uniquely explained a small amount of genetic structure for G. bursarius, with additional variation shared with other isolating processes. Conclusions: Gopher genetic structure resulted from barriers, distance, and environmental factors at the species range as well as for a subspecies' region, but the relative amount of genetic variance assigned to unique isolating processes differed between scales. Delineation of conservation units should consider major rivers as natural boundaries, and finer-scale management should identify and protect areas close to source populations with similar soil friability. Our study exemplifies how analyzing gene flow at rangewide and regional scales can aid managers in developing localized strategies that fit within broader conservation units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock presence impacts plant biodiversity (species richness) in grassland ecosystems, yet extent and direction of grazing impacts on biodiversity vary greatly across inter-annual periods. In this study, an 8-year (2014-2021) grazing gradient experiment with sheep was conducted in a semi-arid grassland to investigate the impact of grazing under different precipitation variability on biodiversity. The results suggest no direct impact of grazing on species richness in semi-arid Stipa grassland. However, increased grazing indirectly enhanced species richness by elevating community dominance (increasing the sheltering effect of Stipa grass). Importantly, intensified grazing also regulates excessive community biomass resulting from increased inter-annual wetness (SPEI), amplifying the positive influence of annual humidity index on species richness. Lastly, we emphasize that, in water-constrained grassland ecosystems, intra-annual precipitation variability (PCI) was the most crucial factor driving species richness. Therefore, the water-heat synchrony during the growing season may alleviate physiological constraints on plants, significantly enhancing species richness as a result of multifactorial interactions. Our study provides strong evidence for how to regulate grazing intensity to increase biodiversity under future variable climate patterns. We suggest adapting grazing intensity according to local climate variability to achieve grassland biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the decline of bee populations worldwide, studies determining current wild bee distributions and diversity are increasingly important. Wild bee identification is often completed by experienced taxonomists or by genetic analysis. The current study was designed to compare two methods of identification including: (1) morphological identification by experienced taxonomists using images of field-collected wild bees and (2) genetic analysis of composite bee legs (multiple taxa) using metabarcoding. Bees were collected from conservation grasslands in eastern Iowa in summer 2019 and identified to the lowest taxonomic unit using both methods. Sanger sequencing of individual wild bee legs was used as a positive control for metabarcoding. Morphological identification of bees using images resulted in 36 unique taxa among 22 genera, and >80% of Bombus specimens were identified to species. Metabarcoding was limited to genus-level assignments among 18 genera but resolved some morphologically similar genera. Metabarcoding did not consistently detect all genera in the composite samples, including kleptoparasitic bees. Sanger sequencing showed similar presence or absence detection results as metabarcoding but provided species-level identifications for cryptic species (i.e., Lasioglossum). Genus-specific detections were more frequent with morphological identification than metabarcoding, but certain genera such as Ceratina and Halictus were identified equally well with metabarcoding and morphology. Genera with proportionately less tissue in a composite sample were less likely to be detected using metabarcoding. Image-based methods were limited by image quality and visible morphological features, while genetic methods were limited by databases, primers, and amplification at target loci. This study shows how an image-based identification method compares with genetic techniques, and how in combination, the methods provide valuable genus- and species-level information for wild bees while preserving tissue for other analyses. These methods could be improved and transferred to a field setting to advance our understanding of wild bee distributions and to expedite conservation research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]