Farming and wildlife in Mediterranean agroecosystems

• Published in: Journal for nature conservation Vol. 21; no. 2; pp. 81 - 92
• Main Authors: Sokos, Christos K., Mamolos, Andreas P., Kalburtji, Kiriaki L., Birtsas, Periklis K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier GmbH 01.04.2013
• Subjects: agroecosystems; Biodiversity; birds; Birds and habitats directives; coasts; Common agricultural policy; crops; European Union; farming systems; Habitat use; humans; intercropping; Mammals; Protected areas; wildlife; wildlife habitats; wildlife management; Protected areas; Habitat use; Common agricultural policy; Birds and habitats directives; Biodiversity; Mammals
• ISSN: 1617-1381; 1618-1093
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2012.11.001

Mediterranean ecosystems are rich in wildlife species and habitats. In the last decades human pressure is increasing in lowland and coastal areas, while mountainous and island areas are being abandoned. These changes have substantial impacts on biodiversity protected by EU Directives. Recently agri-environmental schemes and wildlife habitat improvement measures have been taken to prevent biodiversity loss, although only a small proportion of their total budget is targeted directly at biodiversity conservation. Measures for wildlife are generally limited to restricted areas for a short-term period and in most cases have not been evaluated or properly applied. This review examines the influence of farming systems, agri-environmental and wildlife management measures on birds and mammals in Mediterranean agroecosystems. The conclusions are that in Mediterranean agroecosystems the most cost efficient and beneficial conservation measures for bird and mammal species are rotation, intercropping, and the selection of appropriate crops and farming practices. The increased biodiversity in the Mediterranean basin requires special management practices at local levels.