Assessing management systems for the conservation of open landscapes using an integrated landscape model approach

The aim of the MOSAIK-project is to test alternative management systems regarding their efficiency in maintaining the characteristic species composition of dry grasslands. We present an integrated landscape model approach to test an alternative management system for applicability in preserving dry grasslands. By rototilling, i.e. cyclic, massive disturbance in the vegetation cover, we established a controlled mosaic cycle comprising a successional series from heavily disturbed areas to grassland and shrubs. The disturbance regime affects the landscape on different temporal and spatial scales. The resulting shifting mosaics determine the habitat qualities for plant and animal species. Changes in habitat quality may reduce the survival of local or regional populations. To predict the local and regional risk of extinction of specific plant and animal functional types, we apply modelling approaches on different scales and levels of hierarchy. We achieve to integrate different modules regarding abiotic and biotic state variables, processes and complex interactions in a spatially explicit way into the MOSAIK landscape model, implementing static as well as dynamic model approaches. The parameters and data necessary for reliable modelling were determined empirically in two study sites in Germany. Subsystems of the overall model are empirically parameterized and validated by means of extensive field surveys. The MOSAIK landscape model is still in development. In this paper we give an overview on the proposed landscape model approach and show the general structure of the MOSAIK landscape model. Preliminary results are exemplified in respect to habitat modelling and economic modelling of two simple management scenarios.