The Potential of Vegetation for Assessing the Benefits and Risks of Protective Measures for the Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus L.) on Arable Land

Generally, all European countries have reported a decreasing number of field birds. The cause of this trend is the intensification of agriculture, including inconsiderate landscape and drainage measures. Northern Lapwings (Vanellus vanellus L.) can be protected using targeted agri-environmental climatic measures (AECMs). The goal of our research was to verify whether the vegetation composition on arable land areas intended to protect field birds creates space for the promotion of other organisms. Understanding the significance of AECMs in supporting biodiversity on arable land will help guide the development of ecosystems in agricultural landscapes. The research was conducted in two regions of the Czech Republic (CR): Southern Bohemia (six sites) and Eastern Bohemia (six sites), and 76 plant taxa were identified in areas of arable land intended for the protection of Northern Lapwing. The vegetation of arable land managed to protect the Northern Lapwing was statistically shown to exhibit a plant species richness approximately four times greater than crop land. Measures focused on the protection of one species create a living space that can be used by other species. AECMs can be used to maintain or increase biodiversity and heterogeneity in agricultural landscapes. Our findings emphasize the need for a holistic approach to conservation in agricultural settings, where the protection of one focal species can lead to cascading benefits for the entire ecosystem. This research provides valuable insights into how AECMs can be a pivotal tool in mitigating the detrimental impacts of agricultural intensification on field birds and broader biodiversity in Europe.