Supporting Bird Diversity in Managed Grassland and Forest Systems

This research article investigates the relationship between management practices in grassland and forest ecosystems and bird diversity. It utilizes standardized bird monitoring data collected over six years across various regions in Germany, Central Europe. The study combines this data with information on ecological, behavioral, and acoustic traits of bird species, as well as local land use management practices. The findings indicate that management decisions significantly influence bird diversity and community composition. In forests, factors such as tree species and stand age were found to affect bird diversity, while in grasslands, increased land use intensity correlated with a decline in bird species richness and functional diversity. The results underscore the necessity of considering regional ecological contexts and the importance of integrating conservation actions into broader management strategies to support bird diversity and ecosystem functions. The study highlights the need for collaboration between biologists and land managers to enhance biodiversity in production landscapes.