Arthropod biodiversity associated to European sheep production systems

The rural territories linked to European sheep systems still cover wide areas and provide multiple ecosystems services although the current situation of associated biodiversity is not fully understood. In this study foliage arthropods (including pollinators), vegetation height, number flowers plant species richness were evaluated in 9 grazed lands from 5 EU countries with different livestock management strategies dominant vegetation. total abundance arthropods, Diptera Heteroptera, sward height higher more extensive than intensively managed farms. most orders highest mountain (MP) lowest improved pastures (IMP) whereas arthropod showed no differences pollinators was lower IMP MP (p < 0.01) semi-natural (SN, p 0.01). grass rest forb SN peaked significant differences. Sward correlated positively cover, richness, whole community, several like Araneae, or Homoptera, as well pollinator community. community composition fauna particular 0.05) differed between diverse groups under management. Both communities (total pollinators) also types less assemblages low abundant taxa grassland-forest (WP) both cases. A better understanding flora-fauna dynamics pasturelands essential for proper conservation other ecosystem services, maintenance sustainable relying on natural resources.