Grassland butterfly fauna under traditional animal husbandry: contrasts in diversity in mown meadows and grazed pastures
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Published source details
Saarinen K. & Jantunen J. (2005) Grassland butterfly fauna under traditional animal husbandry: contrasts in diversity in mown meadows and grazed pastures. Biodiversity and Conservation, 14, 3201-3213.
Published source details Saarinen K. & Jantunen J. (2005) Grassland butterfly fauna under traditional animal husbandry: contrasts in diversity in mown meadows and grazed pastures. Biodiversity and Conservation, 14, 3201-3213.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Maintain species-rich, semi-natural grassland Action Link |
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Maintain species-rich, semi-natural grassland Action Link |
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Maintain species-rich, semi-natural grassland
A replicated, site comparison study in 1997–1999 in 16 pastures and meadows in northwest Russia and southeast Finland (Saarinen & Jantunen 2005) found that butterfly abundance, species richness and diversity were similar in mown meadows and grazed pastures. In mown meadows, the total abundance (3,660 individuals) and species richness (46 species) of butterflies was not significantly different from the total abundance (2,082 individuals) and species richness (42 species) in grazed pastures (see paper for diversity data). Only three out of 37 species showed a significant preference for mown meadows (Amanda’s blue Polyommatus amandus, large skipper Ochlodes sylvanus and ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus, see paper for data). The remaining 34 species did not show a significant preference for either field type. Butterfly communities were affected more by the origin and age of the grassland than the present management method (see paper for details). Eight meadows were mown annually in late July or August and eight pastures were grazed by cattle, although some had sheep or horses temporarily. Tilling and fertilisation (manure) tended to occur at intervals of 3–10 years. In June–July 1997–1999, butterflies were surveyed 12–13 times/site along transects (640–720 m).
(Summarised by: Andrew Bladon, edited from Farmland synopsis)
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Maintain species-rich, semi-natural grassland
A site comparison study of 12 pastures and meadows (4 ha) in northwest Russia and four in Finland (Saarinen & Jantunen 2005) found that butterfly (Lepidoptera) species richness, diversity and total abundance did not differ significantly between mown meadows and grazed pastures, although meadows were preferred by more species (46 vs 42). A total of 3,660 individuals were recorded in the meadows and 2,082 in pastures. Butterfly communities were affected more by the origin and age of the grassland than the present management method. Landscape factors such as surrounding habitat, abundance of nectar plants and intensity of tilling were the most important factors differentiating older grasslands from the younger ones. Meadows were mown annually in late July or August and pastures were grazed by cattle, some with sheep or horses temporarily. Tilling and fertilization (manure) tended to occur at intervals of 3-10 years. Butterflies were sampled 11-13 times along transects (640-720 m) in June and July 1997-1999.
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