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Occurrence patterns of butterflies (Rhopalocera) in semi-natural pastures in southeastern Sweden [An article from: Journal for Nature Conservation]
T. Ranius
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About this product:
This digital document is a journal article from Journal for Nature Conservation, published by Elsevier in 2004. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Description:
Occurrence patterns of butterflies (Rhopalocera) were analysed in relation to locality characteristics, and nested patterns were evaluated, based on a survey of 100 semi-natural pastures in the county of Ostergotland, southeastern Sweden. Species richness of butterflies was positively related with locality-size, but not with the density of pastures in the surroundings. Species richness was lower in heavily grazed pastures compared with localities with a low or intermediate grazing pressure. This suggests that a uniformed, heavy grazing pressure should be avoided if butterflies are to be protected, even though such a management is favourable for many vascular plants. Out of 45 analysed species, 73% exhibited a significantly nested pattern, and species regarded to be sedentary had generally a more nested pattern. Several butterflies (such as Erynnis tages, Mellicta athalia and Pyrgus malvae) are possible to use as indicators of a relatively intact butterfly community. In a short-term perspective, the great bulk of butterflies confined to semi-natural pastures would be saved if management were adapted to the requirements of butterflies only at the localities richest in species. However, for conservation strategies to be successful over a longer time, whole landscapes harbouring the majority of the species and with a high density of semi-natural pastures should be selected and be given priority for conservation.
