engleski

Larks, cattle and people – coexistence on Krka National Park

Grasslands management in protected areas is bound to understanding the complex relations of grassland uses and endangered species that inhabit those grasslands. The goal of our research is to describe the influence of the existing grassland agriculture practice on particular indicatory groups: birds, invertebrates and flora. Area of research covers 308 ha of grasslands. Qualitative and quantitative research of vegetation and grassland nesting birds have been implemented in 2011 on 82 points distributed on 6 locations with different usage intensity. Succession phase is described as density of woody plants and shrubs per area unit and the presence of drywalls, overgrown parts of grassland and trees has been used as a measure of habitat fragmentation. Land use and cattle breeding activity data have been collected through the questionnaire given to the local residents. The analysis shows specific successional responses of grasslands on a specific management type. The presence of calandra lark (Melanocorypha calandra) and greater short-toed lark (Calandrella brachydactyla) breeding pairs is positively correlated to open pastures. These results from one year study are part of comprehensive research which will go on in the next few years and help in defining measures for grassland restoration and protection, but also serve as an example for optimal management planning in similar protected areas.

grassland management; protected area; Melanocorypha calandra; Calandrella brachydactyla; succession

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