Epigeal spider assemblage responses to vegetation structure under contrasting grazing management in upland calcareous grasslands

Lyons, Ashley and Powell, I and Ashton, P.A. and Oxbrough, A (2018) Epigeal spider assemblage responses to vegetation structure under contrasting grazing management in upland calcareous grasslands. Insect Conservation and Diversity, 11 (4). pp. 383-395. ISSN 1752-458X

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Abstract

1. Calcareous grassland is one of the most species rich and diverse
habitats within Europe, but has faced decline due to agricultural intensification
and abandonment. In recent years, conservation organisations have altered
grazing practices in an attempt to maintain floristic components. However,
there has been little consideration of the effects of changes in grazing practices
on invertebrates. This study determines the impacts of commonly used grazing
practices in upland calcareous grasslands on spiders in relation to vegetation
structural complexity.
2. Typical grazing management regimes were examined in three regions of
upland calcareous grassland in Britain. Spiders were sampled from April to
August 2014 and vegetation structural complexity was recorded in 2 9 2 m
quadrats paired with pitfall traps sequentially throughout the sample period.
3. There were three distinct spider assemblages among the grazing regimes;
ungrazed, heavy sheep grazed and one shared between cattle and light sheep
(which had a comparable grazing intensity). The distinct spider assemblages
among grazing regimes can be attributed to the interaction of grazing and habitat
structure.
4. Increased vegetation structural complexity in ungrazed regimes resulted in
an assemblage dominated by ‘sheet web weavers’ (dominated by Linyphiidae).
In contrast, reduced vegetation structural complexity and homogeneity in heavy
sheep grazing resulted in an assemblage dominated by ‘other hunters’ (including
Oedothorax and Erigone genera).
5. Grazing regime alters vegetation structural complexity and is important in
supporting distinct spider assemblages. This research indicates that low intensity
conservation grazing regimes, in addition to no grazing, should be promoted
across upland calcareous grassland landscapes to maintain heterogeneity.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information and Comments:	This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Lyons, Ashley, Ashton, Paul, Powell, Ian and Oxbrough, Anne (2018) Epigeal spider assemblage responses to vegetation structure under contrasting grazing management in upland calcareous grasslands. Insect Conservation and Diversity, 11 (4), pp 383-395, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/icad.12287 This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.
Faculty / Department:	Faculty of Human and Digital Sciences > School of Computer Science and the Environment
Depositing User:	Ashley Lyons
Date Deposited:	22 Mar 2019 14:56
Last Modified:	14 Jan 2025 09:55
URI:	https://hira.hope.ac.uk/id/eprint/2794

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