Reduced Sheep Grazing and Biodiversity: A Novel Approach to Selecting and Measuring Biodiversity Indicators

• DOI: 10.2111/rem-d-11-00123.1
• Publication Date: 2013-07-24T15:05:04Z
• Authors: M.L. Pollock; J.P. Holland; C. Morgan-Davies; J. Morgan-Davies; A. Waterhouse
• Keywords: 2. Zero hunger; 0106 biological sciences; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences

Abstract Traditional upland livestock grazing is declining worldwide, leading to concerns about possible impacts on biodiversity. Although monitoring of protected areas often focuses on rare species, management changes also affect currently common species and vegetation structure. “Biodiversity” is a concept rather than a simple variable, and monitoring it requires indicators that are widely applicable and appropriate to context. This paper presents a novel knowledge-driven approach to developing a selection of biodiversity indicators that can then be rapidly and objectively measured within rangeland environments. Stakeholder and professional opinion on likely changes in biodiversity following reductions in sheep grazing was elicited using a workshop-based process. Potential variables suitable for use as biodiversity indicators were developed and professional opinion on their usefulness sought. A number of indicators were then tested in a natural experiment field study on the impact of reduced sheep grazi...