Traditional ‘pre-grazing’ as a new approach to increasing biodiversity

The conservation of endangered species and biotopes is at the heart of modern nature conservation strategies. Flat moors and dry grasslands, which are home to many specialised species, require particularly tailored management. Despite intensive efforts, the condition of many of these habitats has deteriorated in recent decades, and threatened species are often experiencing declining populations.

A large-scale study in six Swiss cantons and Liechtenstein is now investigating whether additional spring use – for example, through mowing or grazing – can have a positive effect on these valuable habitats. The initial results have now been published in N+L Inside. The principle is based on a centuries-old tradition: ‘early grazing’, in which grazing livestock ate the first growth in spring. Supported by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), we started the project in 2021, which will run until 2025.

Initial results: light and space for endangered species

Exciting observations were made after just one season of spring use::

• Vegetation height was reduced by an average of 25%, which increased the amount of light and the temperature near the ground.
• Species that depend on nutrient-poor sites benefited visibly. At the same time, dominant plants such as upright brome (Bromus erectus) and purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea) were suppressed.
• Areas used in spring had almost twice as many flowers in midsummer, which is an important factor for insects and other animals.Die Vegetationshöhe wurde um durchschnittlich 25 % reduziert, was das Lichtangebot und die Temperatur in Bodennähe erhöhte.

Winners and losers among species

However, individual plant species reacted very differently. While plants such as the marsh pea (Lathyrus palustris) and the marsh gentian (Gentiana pneumonanthe) benefited, the effect on some orchid species was initially negative. Studies on insect activity and invertebrate fauna are currently ongoing in order to obtain a more complete picture..

Long-term prospects

Spring harvesting does not replace conventional maintenance, but could be a valuable addition. The aim is to create a greater variety of ecological niches and improve the living conditions of endangered species by combining different management strategies. The study shows how innovative approaches, in combination with traditional methods, can open up new opportunities for species conservation.

Read the whole article here: Does prior use promote biodiversity?