Diploma thesis LUKASCH\374
Transcription
Diploma thesis LUKASCH\374
DIPLOMARBEIT Titel der Diplomarbeit Short-term effects of recent land use changes in Eastern Austria on bird assemblages in a human-dominated landscape angestrebter akademischer Grad: Diplom-Ingenieurin (Dipl.-Ing.) durchgeführt am Department für Integrative Biologie und Biodiversitätsforschung an der Universität für Bodenkultur Wien in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Department für Biodiversität der Tiere an der Universität Wien Verfasserin: Matrikel-Nummer: Studienrichtung (lt. Studienblatt): Betreuer: Zweitbetreuer: Wien, im August 2010 Mag. Barbara Lukasch 0102989 Masterstudium Agrarbiologie (066 459) Univ. Prof. Mag. Dr. Thomas Frank Dipl.-Biol. Dr. Christian H. Schulze Short-term effects of recent land use changes in Eastern Austria on bird assemblages in a human-dominated landscape Mag. Barbara Lukasch Diploma Student at the Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Gregor Mendel-Straße 33, A-1180 Vienna, Austria Abstract: To study effects of short-term land-use changes on birds in a predominantly agriculturally used landscape in Northeastern Austria, birds were surveyed in 22 circular study areas with a diameter of 1 km in 2005 and 2009. Also the proportion of landscape elements like set-aside land, cropland and woodland were measured in both years. Because of the abolition to obligate set-aside land in 2008 and 2009, it was suspected that the amount of set-aside land would be reduced dramatically. Consequently, a loss of biodiversity was expected, particularly in farmland bird species. Results show that the amount of set-aside land indeed decreased significantly between 2005 and 2009 from 15.05% to 9.69% (mean proportion of fallows per study area). However, total numbers of recorded species were very similar in 2005 (85 species) and 2009 (87 species) and in both years farmland birds were represented by 20 species. The completeness of the totals species inventories was 90.36% and 96% in 2005 and 2009, respectively. Abundances of species in 2005 and 2009 were highly correlated, independently if all bird species or only farmland birds were considered. Based on the comparison of absolute abundances, no difference in the proportion of increasing and decreasing species was found between farmland and other bird species. To account for a potential observer-related bias, also relative abundances were considered. However, again no significant difference in the proportion of increasing and decreasing species was found between farmland and other birds. The relative abundances of 29 bird species increased (including 9 farmland bird species), and the relative abundances of 29 bird species declined (including 7 farmland bird species). However, only two bird species showed a significant change between 2005 and 2009 (both farmland birds): Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) increased and Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) decreased. Species richness (all birds and farmland birds) was positively related to habitat diversity, while an increasing amount of 2 cropland had negative effects. Although a significant decline of set-aside land was recorded, no related significant changes of the bird assamblages could be detected. However, the amount of set-aside land in these landscapes was already high (compared to other areas in Austria) before the amendment of the law and still relatively high after the abolition of the measures intending to maintain a high proportion of fallow areas. Therefore, perhaps the minor changes in the extent of set-aside land were below the threshold to find detectable effects on bird assemblages in strongly human-modified landscapes. Key words: agricultural area, set-aside land, farmland birds, bird communities Zusammenfassung: Um Effekte von kurzfristigen Landnutzungsänderungen auf Vogelgemeinschaften auf überwiegend landwirtschaftlich genutzten Flächen im nordöstlichen Österreich zu untersuchen, wurden 22 kreisförmige Flächen mit einem Durchmesser von 1 km ausgewählt, in denen 2005 und 2009 Vögel erfasst wurden. Zusätzlich wurden Landschaftsparameter wie der Anteil an Brachen, Ackerflächen und Gehölzen aufgenommen. Aufgrund des Wegfalls der obligatorischen Flächenstilllegung in den Jahren 2008 und 2009 wurde eine dramatische Verringerung des Brachflächenanteiles sowie ein Rückgang an Biodiversität in den Landschaften befürchtet, vor allem bei Kulturlandvögeln. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass Brachflächen zwischen 2005 und 2009 tatsächlich signifikant abnahmen, von 15,05% auf 9,69% (durchschnittlicher Anteil an Brachen pro Untersuchungsfläche). Die Gesamtzahlen der erfassten Arten von 2005 und 2009 waren sehr ähnlich (85 bzw. 87 Arten). In beiden Jahren wurden 20 Kulturlandvogelarten beobachtet. Die Vollständigkeit der erfassten Artenspektren war 90.36% bzw. 96% in den Jahren 2005 bzw. 2009. Die Häufigkeiten der in 2005 und 2009 festgestellten Vogelarten korrelierten sehr eng miteinander, unabhängig davon ob alle Arten oder nur Kulturlandvögel berücksichtigt wurden. Basierend auf der Gegenüberstellung von Veränderungen absoluter Häufigkeiten konnte kein Unterschied der Anteile zunehmender und abnehmender Arten zwischen Kulturlandvögeln und anderen Vögeln gefunden werden. Um einen möglichen Einfluss auf die Erfassung der Vögel durch in beiden Jahren jeweils verschiedene Beobachter zu verringern, wurden zudem die Veränderungen der relativen Abundanzen von Arten betrachtet. Allerdings konnte wiederum kein signifikanter Unterschied der Anteile zunehmender und abnehmender Arten zwischen Kulturlandvögeln und allen anderen Vögeln gefunden werden. 3 Die relativen Abundanzen von jeweils 29 Vogelarten (darunter 9 Kulturlandvögel) erhöhten sich bzw. nahmen bei ebenso 29 Arten (darunter 7 Kulturlandvögel) ab. Es kam bei nur zwei Vogelarten (beides Kulturlandvögel) zu signifikanten Veränderungen zwischen 2005 und 2009: Die Zahlen der Goldammer (Emberiza citrinella) erhöhten sich, Turmfalken (Falco tinnunculus) nahmen ab. Der Vogelartenreichtum (gesamtes Artenspektrum und Kulturlandvögel) nahm mit steigender Habitatdiversität zu, ein hoher Anteil an Ackerland hingegen wirkte sich negativ aus. Trotz des drastischen Rückgangs der Brachflächen konnten keine signifikanten Änderungen der Vogelgemeinschaften festgestellt werden. Der Anteil an Brachflächen in diesen Landschaften war jedoch schon vor der Gesetzesänderung relativ hoch (verglichen mit anderen Gebieten in Österreich) und auch noch relativ hoch nach der Einstellung der Maßnahmen, die einen hohen Anteil an Brachflächen gefördert haben. Möglicherweise waren die Veränderungen der Brachflächen unter dem Schwellenwert, um messbare Effekte auf die Vogelgemeinschaften in den durch Menschen stark veränderten Landschaften zu haben. 4 Introduction The evaluation of past agricultural schemes showed that the following landscape characters are relevant for biodiversity in predominantly agriculturally used areas in Eastern Austria: setaside land, small management units, arable land without or with little use of pesticides, landscape structures such as trees and hedgerows, arable land with a specific cover of plants in autumn and winter, high diversity of cultivated plants and extensive grassland management (FRÜHAUF & BIERINGER 2004; KELEMEN-FINAN & FRÜHAUF 2005). Set-aside land has the most positive influence on biodiversity in crop areas and proved to be important to realize nature conservation targets in agricultural land. Especially undisturbed set-aside land provides save nesting sites, refuges during harvesting and valuable food resources (special food plants, high abundances of invertebrates, high density of small mammals) for birds, even in winter. A large number of endangered birds benefit from that, such as Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix), Gray Partridge (Perdix perdix), Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella), and Corn Bunting (Miliaria calandra) (FRÜHAUF & TEUFELBAUER 2006), emphasizing the importance of birds as bioindicators to monitor effects of habitat and land-use changes (GREGORY et al. 2005). Positive effects of set-aside land for biodiversity depend on habitat area. Impacts of set-aside land start with an amount of 2 to 5% (BUWAL 2002; AEBISCHER et al. 2003; JENNY et al. 2003). Common Quail and Gray Partridge need about 10% set-aside land; Corn Bunting needs noticeably more than 10% set-aside land to maintain stable populations (JENNY 2000; JENNY et al. 2003). Conservation biologists suggest at least 10% set-aside land to maintain and stabilize farmland bird populations. It is important to integrate all utilized land, not only arable land but also grassland, because major biodiversity shortfalls can also be found on this type of land (FLADE et al. 2006). The current ‘Austrian Agri-Environmental Programme’ (ÖPUL 2007) runs until 2013. The target of the ÖPUL program is to promote environmentally friendly and extensive agriculture to maintain a high amount of (semi-)natural habitats. A total of 89% of the agriculturally used area in Austria was covered by the program in 2004 (UMWELTBUNDESAMT 2009). The biggest part of set-aside land is applied within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to 5 prevent overproduction. Farmers who receive payments have to set aside a yearly agreed percentage of arable land. This cyclical set-aside of agricultural land is an instrument of market regulations, it is required for all farmers who attend ÖPUL and cultivate grain, corn, oleiferous fruits, legumes and sorghum on more than 20 ha. In the last 10 years this percentage fluctuated from 5 to 15%, depending on the market conditions (DISTELVEREIN 2009). On 26 September 2007 the decree (EG) Nr. 1107/2007 was issued. Because of the bad market situation of grain, the great demand in the course of biomass production and due to poor harvest it was decided to reduce the rate of the obligatory set-aside land to zero for the years 2008 and 2009. Consequently, a great reduction of set-aside land is to be expected (WKO 2009). To conserve biodiversity, ‘biodiversity areas’ could play an important role. From 2008 to 2013 they are obligatory for all farmers who are part of the procedure ‘Environmentally sustainable use of cropland and grassland’ (almost all farmers in Austria). Farmers are compelled to set aside at least 2% of their arable land or 5% of their grassland, even when they have less than 2 ha arable land. But it is unlikely that these measures will compensate for the potential negative effects for biodiversity (DISTELVEREIN 2009). The European wild bird indicator is a meaningful biodiversity indicator based on the population trends of representative species of ‘common’ birds, which are not globally threatened. According to this indicator, common birds declined by 10% between 1980 and 2006, forest birds declined by 9%. The decline of farmland birds was more dramatic. Their average breeding populations were 48% lower in 2006 than in 1980. The Skylark declined by 50% from 1980 to 2006 and therefore it is a typical example for declining farmland birds (EBCC 2009). EBCC also developed composite indices (several species combined in one index), including the farmland bird index (GREGORY et al. 2005). The farmland bird index is made up of population trends of common bird species, which are predominantly living in agricultural land. This index has been recognized and included in Structural and Sustainable Development Indicators by EUROSTAT (2008). The European farmland bird index is not completely conferrable on Austria. This is because some European species do not occur in Austria, are too rare or do not predominantly breed there in cultivated land. FRÜHAUF & TEUFELBAUER (2007) designed an Austrian farmland bird index with 24 indicator species: Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), Gray Partridge, Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur), Eurasian Wryneck (Jynx torquilla), Wood Lark (Lullula 6 arborea), Skylark (Alauda arvensis), Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis), Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta), Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra), Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola), Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe), Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris), Marsh Warbler (Acrocephalus palustris), Whitethroat (Sylvia communis), Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio), European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus), European Serin (Serinus serinus), Citril Finch (Serinus citrinella), European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), Linnet (Carduelis cannabina), Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting. These birds were chosen depending on their connection to cultivated land, their agricultural indicator function, good possibility for identification, frequency, distribution and biology. There is a well known relationship between the decline of most farmland bird species and the rapid changes in agricultural practice since the Second World War (SIRIWARDENA et al. 1998; FULLER 2000). The declines have been greatest in Western Europe, where cultural land has been farmed most intensively (DONALD et al. 2001). The loss of food resources (because of pesticides) resulting in insufficient food for chicks, the loss of high quality food during summer, which is important for successful fledging, the destruction of non-crop elements like hedgerows and annual hedge cutting are blamed for the decline of farmland birds, such as Cirl Bunting and Corn Bunting (CAMPBELL et al. 1997; EVANS et al. 1997; BENTON et al. 2002; BRICKLE & HARPER 2002). Massive introduction of winter cereals and abandonment of traditional livestock rearing are also important factors (CHAMBERLAIN & FULLER 2000). Habitat models for European Goldfinch, Linnet and Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) all included variables indicative of the importance of food supply (‘verge width’ and ‘plant species richness’, both associated with the presence of plants supplying seeds and insects) (SPARKS et al. 1996). 7 This study in Eastern Austria particularly addressed the following questions: (1) Did set-aside land in the studied landscapes decline between 2005 and 2009 due to changes of governmental regulations? (2) Are local changes of set-aside land (around the village Prellenkirchen) comparable with changes on the federal state level (Austria)? (3) To what extent is bird species richness related to landscape diversity? (4) How did species richness and species composition of bird assemblages respond to landuse changes? (5) Did Farmland Birds show a more distinct change than forest birds due to a decline of setaside land? Methods Study area The study area is located in a predominantly agriculturally used area in Northeastern Austria, in vicinity of the village Prellenkirchen (48°4′ N, 16°56′ E), which is located about 60 km ESE Vienna. A total of 22 circular areas (hereafter called study sites) with a diameter of 1 km were selected for bird surveys (Fig. 1). This figure was taken and adapted from another study (DRAPELA et al. 2008). Habitat composition of these 22 study sites ranged from very homogeneously structured areas being exclusively dominated by open cultivated land to areas with a high structural diversity caused by a varying extent of woodland cover, settlements, hedgerows, water bodies and set-aside land. 8 Fig. 1: Study area indicating the 22 study sites (circular areas with a diameter of 1 km), where bird surveys were conducted (after: DRAPELA et al. 2008). Landscape variables For each of the 22 study sites, the area covered by water bodies, settlements, crop land, grassland (set-aside land, tracks, meadows and grassland), woody elements (wood, hedgerows, shelter belts, groves), vineyards and streets were digitized for both study years 2005 and 2009 and measured with the program ESRI ArcView GIS 3.3. Habitat diversity was quantified by Shannon-Wiener index. Higher index values indicate higher habitat diversity of study sites. Bird survey Bird surveys were conducted at all 22 study sites in the years 2005 (by Christian H. Schulze) and 2009 (by Barbara Lukasch). In both years all sites were visited three times between 29 March−24 April, 1 May−21 May and 25 May−8 June, respectively. During each visit 9 individual study sites were surveyed in a zigzag-like pattern (but using existing roads and tracks whenever possible) to cover the entire area of each circular study site. Surveys were exclusively conducted between dawn to 4 hours after dawn for 90−120 min per study site depending on the amount of woodland (longest survey periods at sites with highest woodland cover). No surveys were made on days with rain and strong wind. Two study sites were surveyed per day. The order of surveyed study sites followed a random pattern to avoid weather or landscape structure related bias. During surveys all birds visually and acoustically detected were recorded. Only flying birds passing the study site and not showing any interaction with the respective habitats and all Feral Pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica) were excluded from subsequent analyses. Abundance of species at individual study sites was quantified as the maximum number of individuals counted during one of the three surveys. Statistical analysis Statistical analyses were conducted using the program Statistica version 7.1 (STATSOFT INC. 2005). To test for differences in species richness, total bird abundance, absolute and relative abundances of individual bird species, habitat diversity and relative area covered by different habitat types between survey years, paired t-tests were calculated when data were normally distributed. When normal distribution could not be achieved even after adequate data transformation, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were calculated. Total species richness was estimated for the total of 22 study sites with the program EstimateS Win 8.20 randomizing samples 50 times (COLWELL 2005). Due to its overall good performance the Chao 1 estimator was used. Species accumulation curves (Mao Tau function) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. To compare species composition of farmland birds between study sites and survey years Bray-Curtis similarities (√x transformed abundances) were calculated with the software PRIMER 5 (CLARKE & GORLEY 2001). Relative abundances of individual bird species were used to reduce a potential observer-caused bias. For comparing birds´ absolute and relative abundances between years only abundant bird species (total ≥5 observed individuals in one year) were considered, water birds were excluded because of their independence of cultivated land (Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus), Common Gull (Larus canus), Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis), Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius), Garganey (Anas querquedula), Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Common Moorhen (Gallinula 10 chloropus), Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) and Great Egret (Casmerodius albus)). The classification of farmland bird species for Austria followed FRÜHAUF & TEUFELBAUER (2007). Forest birds were analyzed according to the characterization of forest birds in Continental Europe (EBCC 2009). Similarity of species composition of farmland birds between both study years was quantified by Bray-Curtis similarities for all 22 landscapes. The relationship between bird species numbers and landscape variables were analysed with single regressions. Results Landscape variables The proportion of set-aside land (arcsin √x transformed) per study site decreased significantly from 2005 to 2009 (paired t test: t = 3.43, df = 21, p = 0.002; Fig. 2a). While there was a total of 260.06 ha set-aside land at all study sites in 2005 (15.05% of the whole surface area), there were just 167.44 ha left in 2009 (9.69% of the whole surface area). Set-aside land decreased significantly by 35.33%, which was 5.36% of the whole surface area. In contrast, the amount of cropland per study site increased significantly from 2005 to 2009 (paired t test: t = -3.27, df = 21, p = 0.004, Fig. 2b). While there were 1246.56 ha cropland in 2005 (72.14% of the whole surface area), there were 1333.75 ha in 2009 (77.19% of the whole surface area). Cropland increased by 6.99%, which was 5.05% of the whole surface area. No significant change could be found for woodland cover per study site (paired t test: t = 0.18, df = 21, p = 0.855). The amount of settlements only changed at one study site, where it increased by 5.14%. The total area covered by tracks and roads did not show a significant change (paired t test: t = -1.34, df = 21, p = 0.193). Habitat diversity declined significantly between 2005 and 2009 (paired t test: t = 2.35, df = 21, p = 0.029). 11 a b Fig. 2: Mean proportion of fallows ± 95% CI (a) and cropland ± 95% CI (b) per study site (N = 22) in the years 2005 and 2009. Bird species richness and abundance In 2005, a total of 85 bird species were found including 20 farmland bird species. In 2009, a similar total number of 87 bird species were found, also including 20 farmland bird species. Appendix A provides the totals (sum of all 22 study sites) of maximum abundances of bird species counted per study site in 2005 and 2009 and indicates which bird species were classified as farmland birds. The very similar species richness indicated by the total number of recorded species for the years 2005 and 2009 is confirmed by the respective species accumulation curves (Fig. 3) and the total species richness estimated for both years (Fig. 4). According to the Chao 1 estimates, the completeness of the recorded species inventories was slightly lower in 2005 (90.36% of estimated species total) than in 2009 (96.00%). 12 Fig. 3: Species accumulation curves (Mao Tau function) ± 95% CI for bird assemblages surveyed at 22 study sites in 2005 and 2009. Fig. 4: Estimated species richness (Chao 1 estimator) for bird assemblages surveyed at 22 study sites in 2005 and 2009. Estimated richness did not differ between both years when considering the respective 95% CI (not shown). 13 Total abundances of bird species in 2005 and 2009 were highly correlated and no significant difference between survey years could be detected, independent if total abundances of all species (log x+1 transformed; r = 0.90, p < 0.001; paired t test: t = -1.94, df = 95, p = 0.056) or only total abundances of farmland bird species were compared between both years for all study sites (r = 0.74, p < 0.001; paired t test: t = -1.03, df = 21, p = 0.316). When based on absolute abundances, there was no significant difference in the number of increasing and decreasing species between farmland birds and other birds (Chi-square test: χ2 < 0.01, df = 1, p = 0.972). In total, 38 bird species increased (including 11 farmland bird species). However, only 6 bird species increased significantly: Blackcap, Wood Pigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Icterine Warbler and the farmland birds Yellowhammer and Skylark (Appendix B). In total 17 bird species decreased (including 5 farmland bird species), but only the farmland bird Common Kestrel decreased significantly (Appendix B). Also when relative abundances were considered, no significant difference in the number of increasing and decreasing species was found between farmland birds and other birds (Chi-square test: χ2 = 0.35, df = 1, p = 0.557; see also Fig. 5). In total, 29 birds species increased (including 9 farmland bird species) and 29 bird species decreased (including 7 farmland bird species). Only two bird species showed a significant change in relative abundances. The farmland bird Yellowhammer increased significantly and the farmland bird Common Kestrel decreased significantly (Appendix B). Fig. 5: Proportion of increasing and decreasing species of farmland bird species (N = 9 species increased, N = 7 species decreased) and other bird species (N = 20 species increased, N = 22 species decreased) based on relative abundance changes between 2005 and 2009. 14 Species composition Similarity of species composition of farmland birds between both study years was quantified by Bray-Curtis similarities for all 22 landscapes. Similarity of farmland bird assemblages between both years was not related to changes of fallow (r = 0.15, p = 0.519) and crop cover (r = -0.11, p = 0.634). Influence of landscape variables on bird richness In both study years there was no significant relation between proportion of set-aside land and species richness of farmland birds (2005: r = 0.11, p = 0.626; 2009: r = 0.34, p = 0.120) and all bird species (2005: r = 0.22, p = 0.318; 2009: r = 0.27, p = 0.228). Species richness of all bird species increased significantly with increasing habitat diversity (quantified by ShannonWiener index) in 2005 (Fig. 6a) and 2009 (Fig. 6b). A similar result was found for farmland birds in 2005 (r = 0.51, p = 0.016) and 2009 (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). Furthermore, bird species richness decreased with a high amount of cropland in 2005 (Fig. 7a) and 2009 (Fig.7b). There was no significant relationship between farmland bird species and cropland in 2005 (r = -0.13, p = 0.559) and 2009 (r = -0.27, p = 0.223). Forest bird species increased significantly with the amount of woodland in 2005 (Fig. 8a) and 2009 (Fig. 8b); the same was true for all bird species in 2005 (r = 0.52, p = 0.014) and 2009 (r = 0.46, p = 0.031). Forest bird species and all bird species did not show a linear regression with the amount of woodland. Fig. 8 indicates that from a certain point of woodland cover onwards, there are no additional species to be expected. a b Fig. 6: Relationship between total bird species richness and habitat diversity of study sites in 2005 (a) and 2009 (b). 15 a b Fig. 7: Relationship between total bird species richness and crop cover in 2005 (a) and 2009 (b). a b Fig. 8: Relationship between forest bird species and woodland cover in 2005 (a) and 2009 (b). Discussion In our study area in Eastern Austria, habitat diversity and the area of set-aside land decreased from 2005 to 2009, cropland increased. In both survey years a very similar total bird species richness and an identical number of farmland bird species was found indicating that detected landscape changes did not affect avifaunal richness. Furthermore, the number of increasing and decreasing species did not differ between farmland birds and other birds. Also the comparison of species composition between both survey years did not reveal a prominent change of bird assemblages recorded at our study sites. Minor changes in farmland bird 16 assemblages between both survey years proved not to be related to changes of fallow and crop cover. Additionally, no relation between set-aside land and species richness of farmland birds and all bird species was found, but richness of both bird groups was positively affected by habitat diversity. Habitat diversity is known to positively effect animal species diversity (TEWS et al. 2004). Also the proportion of woodland contributed positively to bird (particularly forest bird) richness, while cropland had a negative effect. One reason that no prominent effects of set-aside land changes on farmland birds were found, could be related to the fact that the obligation to set aside land ended at the beginning of 2008, just one year before the second bird surveys in 2009. Maybe the elapsed time was too short to detect significant changes because populations can show a delayed response to changes of habitat quality. Negative effects of habitat changes can also remain undetected when reproductive success will continue being high in other subpopulations acting as source for landscapes becoming ecological sinks, e.g. due to an intensification of agricultural land-use or a decrease of high quality habitats such as set-aside land. For example, a Whinchat population in Switzerland was constant for over ten years, although breeding success was below the threshold of a self-sustaining population with offspring. The population only remained stable due to continuous immigration from source areas (LABHART 1988). Another explanation could be that the decrease of set-aside land was not high enough to negatively affect farmland birds. Experts suggest providing 10% set-aside land to conserve biodiversity (FLADE et al. 2006). The amount of set-aside land at our study sites decreased significantly by 35.33% (which is 5.36% of the whole surface area) between 2005 and 2009, but still represented 9.69% of the whole surface area in 2009. The agricultural changes on the country-wide scale are similar to the changes at our study sites. In 2008, the amount of setaside land in Austria was 47786 ha. This was 36.8% lower compared to 2007 (75565 ha). This is a result of the abandonment of the obligation to set aside land. In 2005, the amount of set-aside land of 95266 ha was even higher. In 2005, 6.9% of the cultivated land was set-aside land, in 2008 the proportion was only 3.5% (STATISTIK AUSTRIA 2008). A meta-analysis based on 127 published studies from North America and Europe reported that set-aside land clearly enhances farmland biodiversity (VAN BUSKIRK & WILLI 2004). 17 The density of bird, spider, insect and plant populations was significantly higher on set-aside land compared to cropland. The positive effects were 59% higher on self-greened than sowed set-aside land. Also the age of set-aside land is important. Population densities of birds were generally higher when set-aside land was older. Bird species richness declined significantly with the age of the set-aside land. This emphasizes the necessity for a mosaic of coexisting rotational and not rotational set-aside land to promote different species and, consequently, a diverse assemblage of farmland birds. For example, Skylark and Gray Partridge favor one year old set-aside land, while Corn Bunting prefers older set-aside land (4-5 years) (BUWAL 2002). However, not all farmland bird species are promoted by set-aside land. Set-aside land promoted species such as Corn Bunting, Skylark and Whinchat, while species such as Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava) and Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana) appeared to depend on specific growth stages of certain annual cultures (WATSON & RAE 1997). Field boundaries like hedgerows are also important elements in agricultural land. They are among the few remaining semi-natural habitats and provide nesting and foraging sites, corridors and special food resources for birds (HINSLEY et al. 1995). About 60 bird species in Britain have been recorded breeding in hedgerows (20-30 species do so regularly). In the absence of woodland, hedgerows may support a greater number of breeding birds than any other farmland feature (LACK 1992). First results of the farmland bird index for Austria show similar trends according to the European farmland bird index. It displays a linear decline of about 20% for 20 indicator species between 1998 and 2008. The index is based on data from the “Monitoring der Brutvögel Österreichs”, a bird monitoring scheme run by BirdLife Austria (TEUFELBAUER 2010). Populations of eleven species showed a significantly negative trend between 1980 and 2008: Grey Partridge, Turtle Dove, Skylark, Tree Pipit, Fieldfare, Marsh Warbler, Redbacked Shrike, European Serin, Linnet, Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting. Populations of two species developed significantly positively: Starling and Tree Sparrow. Seven bird species showed no significant change: Kestrel, Northern Lapwing, Wryneck, Whinchat, Stonechat, Common Whitethroat and European Goldfinch. Some limitations apply to the indicator in 1998–2008. Sufficient data could only be provided for 20 of the 24 proposed indicator species (Wood Lark, Water Pipit, Northern Wheatear and Citril Finch had to be excluded from the analysis). Few data are available for farmland at higher altitudes (mountain pastures and 18 alpine hay-meadows). The negative trend of farmland birds in Austria demonstrates that the development of the rural area is still an important target to save biodiversity. Especially the realization of the ÖPUL program to conserve nature could play an important role (TEUFELBAUER 2010). Conclusions Despite the significant decline of set-aside land, no significant changes in species composition, species richness and absolute and relative abundances of the vast majority of birds (all birds, farmland birds and forest birds) between 2005 and 2009 were found. However, it remains to be proved if species such as farmland birds will be capable to compensate for the loss of high quality habitats such as set-aside land and maintain their populations in the medium term. Therefore, a repeated survey in the near future is highly recommended to document potentially delayed responses of bird communities to land-use changes. Acknowledgements Many people have supported me in the course of my work. First I want to thank Dr. Christian Schulze and Prof. Dr. Thomas Frank for their scientific supervision and support all the time. I also want to thank the people from the Forschungsforum at the Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences for their advice. Dr. Dietmar Moser was very supportive by helping me with the GIS analysis. Many thanks to Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Michael Pasterk and Mag. Marike Korn for proofreading a first draft of my thesis. Finally, I want to thank my family Dr. Peter, Theresia and Max Lukasch. References Aebischer, N.J., R. Bradbury, M. Eaton, I.G. Henderson, G.M. Siriwardena & J. Vickery (2003): Predicting the response of farmland birds to agricultural change. British Trust for Ornithology, Thetford. ISBN 1-902576-58-6, 220 pp. 19 Benton, T.G., D.M. Bryant, L. Cole & H.U.P. Crick (2002): Linking agricultural practice to insect and bird populations: a historical study over three decades. Journal of Applied Ecology 39: 673–687. Brickle, N.W. & D.G.C. Harper (2002): Agricultural intensification and the timing of breeding in Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra. Bird Study 49: 219–228. BUWAL (Bundesamt für Umwelt, Wald und Landschaft) (2002): Rebhuhn. Schlussbericht 1991-2000. Schriftenreihe Umwelt Nr. 335, Bern. Campbell, L.H., M.I. Avery, P.F. Donald, A.D. Evans, R.E. Green & J.D. Wilson (1997): A review of the indirect effects of pesticides on birds. JNCC Report No. 227. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. Chamberlain, D.E. & R.J. Fuller (2000): Local extinctions and changes in species richness of lowland farmland birds in England and Wales in relation to recent changes in agricultural land-use. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 78: 1–17. Clarke, K.R. & R.N. Gorley (2001): Primer v5: User Manual/Tutorial. Primer-E, Plymouth. Colwell, R.K. (2005): EstimateS: Statistical Estimation of Species Richness and Shared Species from Samples. Version 8.20. User’s Guide and Application: http://purl.oclc.org/estimates [last accessed: Sept. 2009] Distelverein (2009): http://wild.distelverein.at/de/revier_massnahmen/brachen_ bewirtschaftung/index.html [last accessed: Sept. 2009] Donald, P.F., R.E. Green & M.F. Heath (2001): Agricultural intensification and the collapse of Europe’s farmland bird populations. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 268: 25–29. Drapela, T., D. Moser, J.G. Zaller & T. Frank (2008): Spider assemblages in winter oilseed rape affected by landscape and site factors. Ecography 31: 254–262. EBCC (2009): http://www.ebcc.info/index.php?ID=366 [last accessed: Sept. 2009] Eurostat (2008): Farmland Bird Index: http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page?_pageid= 1073,46870091&dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&p_product_code=TSIEN170 [last accessed: Sept. 2009] Evans, A.D., K.W. Smith, D.L. Buckingham & J. Evans (1997): Seasonal variation in breeding performance and nestling diet of Cirl Buntings Emberiza cirlus in England. 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Sparks (1995): Habitat and landscape factors influencing the presence of individual breeding bird species in woodland fragments. Journal of Avian Biology 26: 94–104. Jenny, M. (2000): Die Auswirkung von Buntbrachen auf Brutvögel. In: W. Nentwig (Ed.), Streifenförmige ökologische Ausgleichsflächen. vaö, Bern, pp. 137-151. Jenny, M., B. Josephy & B. Lugrin (2003): Ökologische Aufwertungsmaßnahmen in Ackerbaugebieten und ihre Auswirkungen auf ausgewählte Vogelarten. In: R. Oppermann & H.U. Gujer (Eds.), Artenreiches Grünland bewerten und fördern – MEKA und ÖQV in der Praxis. Ulmer, Stuttgart, pp. 151–155. Kelemen-Finan., J. & J. Frühauf (2005): Einfluss des biologischen und konventionellen Landbaus sowie verschiedener Raumparameter auf bodenbrütende Vögel und Niederwild in der Ackerbaulandschaft: Problemanalyse – praktische Lösungsansätze. Im Auftrag des Bundesministeriums für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft. Distelverein, Deutsch-Wagram. Labhart, A. (1988): Zum Bruterfolg des Braunkehlchens (Saxicola rubetra) in Abhängigkeit von der Grünlandbewirtschaftung in den Westschweizer Voralpen. Beihefte zu den Veröffentlichungen für Naturschutz und Landschaftspflege Baden-Württemberg 51: 159-178. 21 Lack, P. (1992): Birds on lowland farms. HMSO, London. Ranner, A. (2009): Artenliste der Vögel Österreichs. Avifaunistische Kommission von BirdLife Österreich: http://www.khil.net/AFK/Artenliste_Oesterreich_Jan2010.pdf [last accessed: Sept. 2009] Siriwardena, G.M., S.R. Baillie, S.T. Buckland, R.M. Fewster, J.H. Marchant & J.D. Wilson (1998): Trends in the abundance of farmland birds: a quantitative comparison of smoothed Common Birds Census indices. Journal of Applied Ecology 35: 24–43. Sparks, T.H.; T. Parish & S.A. Hinsley (1996): Breeding birds in field boundaries in an agricultural landscape. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 60: 1-8. Statistik Austria (2008): Anbau auf dem Ackerland; Agrarmarkt Austria (AMA), Auswertung der Mehrfachanträge-Flächen (Stand September 2008 – Lageprinzip). Statsoft, Inc. (2005): STATISTICA (Data Analysis Software System), Version 7.1.: www.statsoft.com. [last accessed: Sept. 2009] Teufelbauer, N. (2010): Der Farmland Bird Index für Österreich – erste Ergebnisse zur Bestandsentwicklung häufiger Vogelarten des Kulturlandes. Egretta 51: 35–50. Tews, J., U. Brose, V. Grimm, K. Tielbörger, M.C. Wichmann, M. Schwager & F. Jeltsch (2004): Animal species diversity driven by habitat heterogeneity/diversity: the importance of keystone structures. Journal of Biogeography 31: 79–92. Umweltbundesamt (2009): http://www.umweltbundesamt.at/en/umweltschutz/landwirtschaft/ umweltprogramme/ [last accessed: Sept. 2009] University of Cambridge (2006): Project to assess future options for set-aside. Final Report for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Van Buskirk, J. & Y. Willi (2004): Enhancement of farmland biodiversity within set-aside land. Conservation Biology 18: 987–994. Watson, A. & R. Rae (1997): Some effects of set-aside on breeding birds in northeast Scotland. Bird Study 44: 245–251. WKO (2009): http://wko.at/ooe/landesproduktenhandel/Rundschreiben/2007/RS_Dezember 2007/RS2007_5_internet.pdf [last accessed: Sept. 2009] 22 Appendix Appendix A: Total abundance (sum of maximum counts at all 22 study sites) of bird species in 2005 and 2009. Farmland bird species are printed bold. Nomenclature and taxonomic order according to RANNER (2009). English Name Great Cormorant Great Egret Grey Heron Black Stork White Stork Mallard Garganey Honey Buzzard Black Kite Marsh Harrier Hen Harrier Montagu´s Harrier Goshawk Sparrowhawk Common Buzzard Common Kestrel Eurasian Hobby Grey Partridge Common Quail Common Pheasant Common Moorhen Little Plover Northern Lapwing Common Sandpiper Black-headed Gull Common Gull Yellow-legged Gull Stock Pigeon Wood Pigeon Eurasian Collared Dove Turtle Dove Cuckoo European Bee-eater Hoopoe Eurasian Wryneck Grey-headed Woodpecker Green Woodpecker Black Woodpecker Great Spotted Woodpecker Middle Spotted Woodpecker Skylark Sand Martin Barn Swallow Latin Name Phalacrocorax carbo Casmerodius albus Ardea cinerea Ciconia niger Ciconia ciconia Anas platyrhynchos Anas querquedula Pernis apivorus Milvus migrans Circus aeruginosus Circus cyaneus Circus pygargus Accipiter gentilis Accipiter nisus Buteo buteo Falco tinnunculus Falco subbuteo Perdix perdix Coturnix coturnix Phasianus colchicus Gallinula chloropus Charadrius dubius Vanellus vanellus Actitis hypoleucos Larus ridibundus Larus canus Larus michahellis Columba oenas Columba palumbus Streptopelia decaocto Streptopelia turtur Cuculus canorus Merops apiaster Upupa epops Jynx torquilla Picus canus Picus viridis Dryocopus martius Dendrocopos major Dendrocopos medius Alauda arvensis Riparia riparia Hirundo rustica 23 Totals 2005 0 1 3 1 0 16 0 2 2 35 3 4 1 0 21 71 2 81 19 149 1 1 12 0 43 11 1 9 44 36 40 15 48 0 0 1 2 7 29 3 516 0 177 Totals 2009 2 1 4 0 2 25 3 0 2 18 2 4 0 1 22 51 2 86 23 146 0 2 17 6 91 34 0 15 87 60 42 21 69 1 1 2 3 5 44 0 605 18 88 House Martin Tree Pipit Meadow Pipit White Wagtail Wren Dunnock European Robin Nightingale Black Redstart Common Redstart Whinchat Stonechat Northern Wheatear Common Blackbird Fieldfare Song Thrush Grasshopper Warbler Marsh Warbler Icterine Warbler Barred Warbler Lesser Whitethroat Whitethroat Blackcap Wood Warbler Common Chiffchaff Willow Warbler Goldcrest Spotted Flycatcher Collared Flycatcher Long-tailed Tit Marsh Tit Blue Tit Great Tit Eurasian Nuthatch Golden Oriole Red-backed Shrike Eurasian Jay European Magpie Jackdaw Rook Carrion Crow European Starling House Sparrow Eurasian Tree Sparrow Chaffinch European Serin Greenfinch Goldfinch Linnet Hawfinch Yellowhammer Reed Bunting Delichon urbica Anthus trivialis Anthus pratensis Motacilla alba Troglodytes troglodytes Prunella modularis Erithacus rubecula Luscinia megarhynchos Phoenicurus ochruros Phoenicurus phoenicurus Saxicola rubetra Saxicola torquata Oenanthe oenanthe Turdus merula Turdus pilaris Turdus philomelos Locustella naevia Acrocephalus palustris Hippolais icterina Sylvia nisoria Sylvia curruca Sylvia communis Sylvia atricapilla Phylloscopus sibilatrix Phylloscopus collybita Phylloscopus trochilus Regulus regulus Muscicapa striata Ficedula albicollis Aegithalos caudatus Parus palustris Parus caeruleus Parus major Sitta europaea Oriolus oriolus Lanius collurio Garrulus glandarius Pica pica Corvus monedula Corvus frugilegus Corvus corone Sturnus vulgaris Passer domesticus Passer montanus Fringilla coelebs Serinus serinus Carduelis chloris Carduelis carduelis Carduelis cannabina Coccothraustes coccothraustes Emberiza citrinella Emberiza schoeniclus 24 14 11 56 25 2 5 49 56 20 1 30 16 3 104 4 41 0 13 8 0 1 40 156 5 15 7 1 4 3 0 7 42 119 18 31 36 9 13 4 81 114 613 59 220 122 59 88 61 30 10 173 1 9 4 11 18 0 1 41 68 37 0 35 26 1 115 0 42 1 26 18 1 2 50 209 5 16 6 1 7 7 16 13 60 133 18 37 35 7 22 12 93 127 405 77 286 131 47 70 52 38 10 235 2 Corn Bunting Total individuals Miliaria calandra 39 4046 33 4321 Appendix B: Results of Wilcoxon signed-rank tests testing for differences of absolute and relative abundances in abundant species (total ≥5 observed individuals in one year) between the years 2005 and 2009. Abundance change: + increase, − decrease, = no change. Farmland bird species and significant abundance changes printed in bold. Species are listed in alphabetic order. Species Absolute Abundance Relative Abundance Acrocephalus palustris Z = 1.25, p = 0.213; + Z = 1.25, p = 0.213 ; + Alauda arvensis Z = 3.04, p = 0.002; + Z = 0.86, p = 0.390; + Anas platyrhynchos Z = 1.42, p = 0.155; + Z = 0.82, p = 0.415; - Buteo buteo Z = 0.21, p = 0.836; + Z = 0.22, p = 0.823; - Carduelis cannabina Z = 0.98, p = 0.328; + Z = 1.01, p = 0.311; + Carduelis carduelis Z = 0.59, p = 0.557; - Z = 0.81, p = 0.420; - Carduelis chloris Z = 0.93, p = 0.352; - Z = 0.31, p = 0.756; - Circus aeruginosus Z = 1.61, p = 0.107; - Z = 1.65, p = 0.099; - Coccothraustes coccothraustes Z = 0.37, p = 0.715; = Z = 0.37, p = 0.715; + Columba oenas Z = 0.51, p = 0.612; + Z = 0.51, p = 0.612; + Columba palumbus Z = 2.42, p = 0.016; + Z = 1.85, p = 0.064; + Corvus corone Z = 0.14, p = 0.888; + Z = 0.05, p = 0.961; + Corvus frugilegus Z = 1.18, p = 0.237; + Z = 1.18, p = 0.237; + Coturnix coturnix Z = 0.49, p = 0.624; + Z = 0.23, p = 0.820; + Cuculus canorus Z = 1.16, p = 0.245; + Z = 0.81, p = 0.420; + Delichon urbica Z = 0.73, p = 0.465; - Z = 0.73, p = 0.465; - Dendrocopos major Z = 2.31, p = 0.005; + Z = 1.80, p = 0.071; + Dryocopus martius Z = 0.59, p = 0.554; - Z = 1.21, p = 0.208; - Emberiza citrinella Z = 2.73, p = 0.006; + Z = 2.00, p = 0.046; + Erithacus rubecula Z = 1.22, p = 0.222; - Z = 1.93, p = 0.053; - Falco tinnunculus Z = 2.02, p = 0.044; - Z = 2.39, p = 0.017; - Fringilla coelebs Z = 1.06, p = 0.290; + Z = 0.66, p = 0.507; - Garrulus glandarius Z = 0.27, p = 0.787; - Z = 0.14, p = 0.893; - Hippolais icterina Z = 2.20, p = 0.028; + Z = 1.96, p = 0.051; + Hirundo rustica Z = 0.46, p = 0.647; - Z = 0.28, p = 0.778; - Lanius collurio Z = 0.36, p = 0.721; - Z = 0.09, p = 0.925; - Luscinia megarhynchos Z = 1.29, p = 0.196; + Z = 0.28, p = 0.776; - 25 Merops apiaster Z = 1.07, p = 0.285; + Z = 0.54, p = 0.593; - Miliaria calandra Z = 0.35, p = 0.730; - Z = 0.51, p = 0.609; - Motacilla alba Z = 0.73, p = 0.463; - Z = 1.01, p = 0.311; - Oriolus oriolus Z = 1.18, p = 0.237; + Z = 0.53, p = 0.594; - Parus caeruleus Z = 1.22, p = 0.221; + Z = 0.72, p = 0.470; + Parus major Z = 1.46, p = 0.145; + Z = 0.68, p = 0.500; + Parus palustris Z = 1.35, p = 0.176; + Z = 1.18, p = 0.237; + Passer domesticus Z = 0.68, p = 0.499; + Z = 0.51, p = 0.612; + Passer montanus Z = 1.12, p = 0.263; + Z = 1.16, p = 0.244; + Perdix perdix Z = 0.66, p = 0.507; + Z = 0.33, p = 0.741; - Phasianus colchicus Z = 0.93, p = 0.926; - Z = 0.15, p = 0.884; - Phoenicurus ochruros Z = 1.44, p = 0.151; + Z = 0.98, p = 0.327; + Phylloscopus collybita Z = 0.68, p = 0.500; + Z = 0.00, p = 1.000; - Phylloscopus sibilatrix Z = 0.11, p = 0.917; = Z = 0.11, p = 0.916; - Phylloscopus trochilus Z = 0.37, p = 0.715; - Z = 0.94, p = 0.345; - Pica pica Z = 0.15, p = 0.124; + Z = 1.96, p = 0.051; + Saxicola rubetra Z = 0.67, p = 0.505; + Z = 0.78, p = 0.433; + Saxicola torquata Z = 1.48, p = 0.139; + Z = 1.60, p = 0.110; + Serinus serinus Z = 0.91, p = 0.364; - Z = 1.55, p = 0.121; - Sitta europaea Z = 0.17, p = 0.866; = Z = 0.42, p = 0.674; - Streptopelia decaocto Z = 1.96, p = 0.050; + Z = 1.68, p = 0.092; + Streptopelia turtur Z = 0.11, p = 0.917; + Z = 0.47, p = 0.642; - Sturnus vulgaris Z = 0.50, p = 0.615; - Z = 0.99, p = 0.322; - Sylvia atricapilla Z = 3.11, p = 0.002; + Z = 1.85, p = 0.064; + Sylvia communis Z = 1.41, p = 0.158; + Z = 1.04, p = 0.300; + Turdus merula Z = 0.80, p = 0.423; + Z = 0.24, p = 0.809; + Turdus philomelos Z = 0.34, p = 0.733; + Z = 0.26, p = 0.795; - Vanellus vanellus Z = 0.17, p = 0.866; + Z = 0.51, p = 0.612; + 26 Curriculum Vitae Persönliche Daten Name: Anschrift: Mag. Barbara Lukasch Hauffgasse 19/3/39 1110 Wien Telefon: +43676/ 53 56 720 Email: [email protected] Geboren: 07.01.1983 in Wien Staatsangehörigkeit: Österreich Ausbildung 1993-2001 2001-2008 2008 seit 2006 AHS im BRG 3 in Wien mit Matura Studium der Ernährungswissenschaften in Wien, Wahlschwerpunkt Ernährung und Umwelt, Diplomarbeit am Institut für Lebensmitteltechnologie in Wien (Thema: „Hochdruckbehandlung von Stärke und stärkereichen Lebensmitteln“) Erlangung des Magistertitels an der Universität Wien Studium der Agrarbiologie an der Universität für Bodenkultur Wien Sonstige Tätigkeiten: August 2004: Praktikum im mikrobiologischen Labor der Fa. Römerquelle (Keimidentifizierung, routinemäßige Untersuchung des Quellwassers, Herstellung von Nährböden) Juli 2005: Praktikum im Hygiene-Institut der Med. Universität Wien (Wasseruntersuchungen, Untersuchung von Säuglingsnahrung und Erneuerung der Stammsammlung) August und September 2007: Auslandspraktikum beim NABU im Wasservogelreservat Wallnau (Besucherbetreuung und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit, Landwirtschaft mit Rinder-, Pferdeund Schafhaltung, Gestaltung und Pflege des Naturschutzgebietes, wissenschaftliche Datenerhebungen, Hauswirtschaft) August und September 2008: Auslandspraktikum auf einer Vogelberingungsstation in Litauen (Aufstellung und Instandhaltung der Fangnetze, Bestimmung der Vogelarten, verschiedene Messungen, Beringung der Vögel, Datenerhebungen) Mai und Juni 2009: Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeit an einem Projekt über die Bodensamenbank von Ambrosia artemisiifolia an der Universität für Bodenkultur Wien, Institut für Botanik Juli und August 2009: Freiwillige Mitarbeit auf der Vogelberingungsstation vom Verein Auring in Ringelsdorf (Niederösterreich) September und Oktober 2009: Auslandspraktikum auf der Vogelberingungsstation Long Point, Ontario, Kanada (neben Vogelberingung auch Monitoring und Markierung von Monarchfaltern (Danaus plexippus)) Seit Dezember 2009: Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeit am Konrad Lorenz Institut für vergleichende Verhaltensforschung (Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften) Zusatzqualifikationen: Besondere Kenntnisse im Bereich der Ornithologie, breitgefächerte Grundkenntnisse in Botanik und Zoologie, B-Führerschein, sehr gutes Englisch in Wort und Schrift, sehr gute EDV Kenntnisse, gute Laborkenntnisse 27