Abstract
The main goal of this project is to: (1) investigate whether agricultural intensification actually cause farmland bird populations to decline in all regions of Sweden, (2) test whether landscape heterogeneity may buffer possible negative effects of agricultural intensification and (3) find solutions to how to restore farmland bird diversity by set-asides in a landscape perspective. This will be achieved by analyses on long-term population trends (1976-2003) in Sweden and by field studies. By using the rotation of crops we will test the direct effects of different crops on breeding abundance and population change of farmland birds. By investigating land-use changes in a landscape gradient covering small- to large-scaled farming we will separate the effects of local habitats from landscape heterogeneity on changes in farmland bird abundance. Last, by investigating set-asides in a landscape gradient covering forest-dominated to agricultural-dominated landscapes we will test whether the effects of set-aside on bird diversity depends on landscape heterogeneity. Our results will have implications for conservation strategies (e.g. by subsidies) and highlights the need to include a landscape perspective when such strategies are outlined.
Sweden