Abstract
We studied the impacts of mowing on an isolated Isophya costata population at a fine scale on a study area of 5 ha established in Balaton Uplands (Hungary). Of the examined hayfield sites, 1 hectare was ploughed one season five years ago. In 2021, ~ 27% of the continual hayfield and 18% of the formerly ploughed grassland were unmowed. The size of the local population (~ 1,700 specimens) was similarly calculated based on the measured density and the mark-release-recapture method data. According to our results, collected in 200 5 × 5 m quadrats in 2022, a magnitude difference in the mean density per quadrats was observed between sites mowed (M) and unmowed (UM) in the previous year and between sites ploughed five years ago (RG) and not (HF)(HFUM: 1.95 ± 0.21, HFM: 0.23 ± 0.05, RGUM: 0.88 ± 0.14, RGM: 0.09 ± 0.03). Further, we show that mowing the hayfields in an economically optimal time causes significant (min. 40%) damage (mostly lethal) to Isophya costata individuals. Due to the high incidence of females at the end of May and beginning of June, the detected mortality can significantly reduce the success of egg laying, and thus the development of the following generation. However, mowing on hayfields is essential for maintaining habitat structure optimal to Isophya costata and against the ecological succession and dispersion of invasive plant species. Specific conservation measures can dissolve the above contradiction.
Implications for conservation
In every hayfield habitat where Isophya costata is present, mosaic mowing is recommended, with at least 1 ha of uncut patches of good natural condition without invasive plant species (e.g. Solidago gigantea, Asclepias syriaca). Our findings underline the importance of continuity of land use in hayfields without short-timed divergences from the traditional mowing regime. In addition, to protect the individuals during the treatment, we suggest using bar mowers in Isophya costata habitats and cutting with high stubble (min. 10–15 cm). In arid years with a warm spring, abandonment of mowing over the year is highly recommended (climate change adapted land use).
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Kenyeres, Z., Varga, S. Effects of mowing on Isophya costata, Natura 2000 species (Orthoptera), by direct mortality and management history. J Insect Conserv 27, 305–313 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-023-00456-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-023-00456-0