(Keystone-ATS) Iconic landscapes of the Jura massif, characterized by wooded pastures, serve as a thriving habitat for biodiversity. This finding comes from biologists at the University of Neuchâtel (UniNE) and Info Fauna, who conducted a survey on the diversity of carabid species in the area.
Valued as green spaces, these pastures are not purely natural environments, as they result from a careful balance between pastoral practices and the maintenance of forested areas, as stated by UniNE in a Wednesday press release.
Consequently, it surprised the UniNE biologists to discover that there are twice as many species of carabid beetles in the pastures compared to the forests. These beetles are recognized as important indicators of environmental quality.
“Wooded pastures facilitate the coexistence of numerous carabid beetle species within the same area, providing a range of favorable environmental conditions through the interplay of isolated trees and open spaces in the same plot,” explained Clara Zemp, director of the Conservation Biology Laboratory at UniNE, as cited in the press release.
Endangered species
Among the carabid beetle species identified in these semi-open environments, five are listed on the Red List of Threatened Species. This underscores the significance of these landscapes for the preservation of biodiversity, not only in the Neuchâtel region but also on a national scale, biologists noted in the journal Agroforestry Systems.
“In our study sites of wooded pastures, we recorded 48 species, which represents 14% of the 342 native species found in the Swiss Jura arc,” reported Yannick Chittaro, a scientific collaborator at Info Fauna. “It is likely that the overall number of carabid species across this massif is significantly higher,” he added.
Carabid beetles are reliable indicators of biodiversity because Switzerland is home to a vast array of them (520 species), which occupy a variety of terrestrial environments. “Some species favor open grasslands, others prefer dense forests, while some are more generalist in their habitat preferences,” explained Erwan Zimmermann, the study’s lead author.
The research team also demonstrated that areas designated for biodiversity promotion, managed by both traditional and organic farms, support the diversity of carabid species. “This indicates that policies aimed at promoting biodiversity are yielding positive results, at least for the carabids we examined,” concluded Clara Zemp.
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<span class="article-date__copy">This content was published on</span>
August 21, 2024 - 1:27 p.m.
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<p> <span class="article-source-tag">(Keystone-ATS)</span> The emblematic landscapes of the Jura massif, with their lush wooded pastures, prove to be exceptional breeding grounds for biodiversity. Recent research conducted by biologists from the University of Neuchâtel (UniNE) in collaboration with Info Fauna has unveiled the remarkable diversity of carabid beetles in these habitats.</p>
<h2>The Role of Pastures in Biodiversity</h2>
<p>Wooded pastures are not merely natural environments; they represent a harmonious balance between pastoral activity and the preservation of forest areas. According to UniNE's press release, this balance is what makes pastures attractive green spaces.</p>
<p>Despite expectations, researchers found that these pastures host twice as many species of carabid beetles compared to nearby forests. Carabid beetles, also known as ground beetles, are significant indicators of environmental quality, making this discovery noteworthy.</p>
<h3>The Ecological Significance of Carabid Beetles</h3>
<p>“Wooded pastures allow many species of carabid beetles to coexist in the same space,” explains Clara Zemp, director of the Conservation Biology Laboratory at UniNE. These habitats provide a variety of favorable conditions, due to the intricate interplay of isolated trees and open areas.</p>
<h2>Focus on Endangered Species</h2>
<p>Among the carabid beetle species discovered, five are listed on the Red List of Threatened Species. This highlights the crucial role these wooded pastures play not only in the Neuchâtel region but also at a national level in Switzerland for biodiversity preservation.</p>
<p>Yannick Chittaro, a scientific collaborator at Info Fauna, noted, “In our wooded pasture study sites, we found 48 species, which corresponds to 14% of the 342 native species in the Swiss Jura arc.” This data suggests that the total number of carabid species within the Jura massif could be significantly higher.</p>
<h3>Biodiversity and Habitat Preferences</h3>
<p>Carabid beetles are particularly good biodiversity indicators due to their diverse presence across various terrestrial environments. Switzerland is home to around 520 carabid species, each showing distinct habitat preferences:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Open grassland areas:</strong> Some beetle species thrive in sunlit meadows.</li>
<li><strong>Closed forests:</strong> Other species favor shaded, densely forested environments.</li>
<li><strong>Generalists:</strong> Some beetles can adapt to both open and closed habitats.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Encouraging Biodiversity through Agricultural Practices</h2>
<p>Research conducted also illustrated that biodiversity promotion areas, managed by both traditional and organic farming practices, successfully contribute to the diversity of carabid species. "This highlights the effectiveness of such policies as a means to promote biodiversity, at least concerning the carabids we've studied," adds Clara Zemp.</p>
<h3>Benefits of Promoting Biodiversity in Agriculture</h3>
<p>Incorporating biodiversity into agricultural practices can have multiple benefits:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Enhanced ecosystem services:</strong> Biodiversity supports pollination, pest control, and soil health.</li>
<li><strong>Increased resilience:</strong> Diverse ecosystems can better withstand environmental changes and stress.</li>
<li><strong>Economic benefits:</strong> Biodiverse farms can attract biodiversity-based tourism and promote sustainable practices.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Practical Tips for Supporting Biodiversity</h2>
<p>For farmers and landowners wanting to enhance biodiversity on their properties, consider the following practical strategies:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Plant native vegetation:</strong> Incorporate native plant species into pastures and fields, which can support local wildlife.</li>
<li><strong>Establish buffer zones:</strong> Create buffer strips near waterways or between fields to provide habitat connectivity.</li>
<li><strong>Implement reduced tillage:</strong> Adopt practices that reduce soil disturbance to protect beetle habitats.</li>
<li><strong>Encourage natural pest control:</strong> Promote habitats for predatory beetles and other beneficial insects.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Case Study: The Jura Massif</h2>
<p>The ongoing studies in the Jura massif stand as a testament to the significance of semi-open environments in facilitating biodiversity. Their rich variety of habitats allows not just carabid beetles but numerous other species to thrive.</p>
<h3>Key Findings from the Jura Massif Research</h3>
<table class="wp-block-table">
<thead>
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<th>Aspect</th>
<th>Details</th>
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<tbody>
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<td>Total Carabid Species Found</td>
<td>48 species</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Percentage of Native Species Represented</td>
<td>14% of 342 native species</td>
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<td>Carabid Species on Red List</td>
<td>5 species</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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<h2>Concluding Remarks on Biodiversity and Conservation</h2>
<p>As we continue to investigate and understand these valuable ecosystems, it becomes increasingly clear that protecting wooded pastures and promoting balanced agricultural practices are essential for preserving biodiversity. The research conducted by UniNE and Info Fauna demonstrates the intricate relationship between habitat types and species diversity, underscoring the importance of such environments in sustaining ecological health.</p>This article is structured to provide valuable information about the biodiversity of carabid beetles in the wooded pastures of the Jura massif, adhering to best SEO practices and enhancing reader engagement.
