How grassland management methods affect spider diversity

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to report the effect of shrub removal, mowing, and grazing as grassland management methods on spider diversity. Sampling was conducted in the Mátra Mountains and four disturbed main road verges in Hungary. Shrub removal and mowing positively affected diversity. Moderate grazing caused increasing diversity, but intensive grazing reduced spider diversity. The intensity of mowing maintenance had various effects on diversity depending on the landscape impact. It is worth reducing the intensity of the application of mosaic treatments and considering the long-term maintenance of edge habitats in these areas.

Keywords

• mowing
• shrub removal
• grazing
• mátra mountains
• main road verges