Work

Optimal sheep grazing intensity for bumblebee Bombus species richness and abundance on traditional Norwegian summer farms

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Semi‐natural grasslands are recognized as important habitat for bumblebees in Fennoscandia. These grasslands are maintained by free‐ranging sheep, but it is unclear which sheep intensities are most beneficial to bumblebees. We will compare bumblebee species richness and abundance with Bayesian mixed models at varying levels of disturbance by sheep to test the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis, while considering other important habitat variables: distance to forest, meadow size, sward height, and availability of flowers, litter and bare soil. Practical Implication: Results of this investigation will provide valuable information to land managers setting limits for the number of free‐ranging sheep released on semi‐natural grasslands within the coniferous boreal landscape to benefit bumblebee conservation.

Source: Ecological Solutions and Evidence

DOI: 10.1002/2688-8319.70054

Authors: Sarah Lou Malick‐Wahls, Silje Maria M. Høydal, Olivier Devineau, Morten Tofastrud

Institutions: University of Inland Norway, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research

Language: English

Topic: Plant and animal studies

Subfield: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,330