Prey, management and landscape requirements of an endangered population of the Woodlark Lullula arborea in Southwest Germany

Abstract Vineyards can be valuable habitats for biodiversity conservation. For example, in Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany) over a third of the state’s critically endangered Woodlark ( Lullula arborea ) population breeds vineyards along western margin Upper Rhine Valley. We here aim to elucidate how local ground cover management, food availability and proximity settlements affect territory selection by this bird species region. As climate, site conditions management differ greatly from more continental or Mediterranean wine-growing areas, conservation may as well. compared 26 territories with nearby reference areas which Woodlarks were absent. recorded vineyard inter-rows (% cover) well vegetation height composition (forbs vs. grasses). Arthropods sampled using pitfall traps, since they are main resource during breeding season. In addition, distance built-up was measured. The shorter (mean 14.2 19.6 cm) dominated forbs (39% 27% than absence areas. had no effect on presence absence. also favoured higher abundance arthropods 69.1 57.5) greater 554 373 m). conclude that promote short, forb-rich swards should created, facilitating arthropod detectability. This is likely require low levels nitrogen fertilization fertilizers favour tall-growing grasses outcompete forbs. Pesticide applications kept at minimum enhance source their chicks. expansion into avoided.