Conservation of european farmland birds: abundance and species diversity
نویسندگان
چکیده
Farmland ecosystems have evolved through the development of agriculture, becoming almost uniquely characteristic plant and animal communities (Potts 1991). However, rapid changes in farming methods in the second half of the 20 century resulted in the partial collapse of this ecosystem (Potts 1997). Throughout most of Europe, farmland birds have declined as a result of simplification of farming systems and increased use of external inputs (Tucker & Heath 1994, Fuller 2000). 43% of bird species associated with arable habitats now have an unfavourable conservation status (Tucker 1999). Such responses to agricultural intensification are particularly well documented in northern Europe, but in southern Europe, abandonment of agricultural land has also caused Ornis Hungarica 12-13: 33-40. 2003
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