The effect of restoration of semi-natural grassland on arthropod populations

Abstract: Semi-natural grasslands are valuable ecosystems that have a high biodiversity. Unfortunately, a lot of this biodiversity is being lost as semi-natural grasslands are declining in both size and number. Restoration to reestablish semi-natural grasslands is often done by removing shrubs and trees and planting seeds. After this reinstalment of management such as mowing, and grazing is done to keep woody plants away. Grassland management and restoration have a proven positive effect on species richness and abundance regarding vascular plants. Yet little is known about the effects on insects and spiders. By reviewing scientific publications, I explored how insects and spiders are affected by management, as well as how local and landscape factors affect restoration. Grassland history and timing of restoration, as well as insect and spider’s dispersal ability, affects the possibility of a successful restoration. Larger habitats with good connectivity and surrounding supporting habitats are positive factors for viable insect and spider communities. By comparing different publications, some species benefit from intensive grazing and mowing, and some show a negative response. Long-term low to medium intensive management will favor a higher biodiversity compared to short-term intensive management. In conclusion, balancing conflicts and trade-offs is the real challenge when it comes to semi-natural grassland restoration. In general, to benefit as many insect and spider species as possible management should focus on variation in grass height and flower abundance. However, more research on how insect and spiders are affected by grassland restoration is something I believe would benefit future conservation projects.