Keywords
landscape modelling, cyclic disturbance, management costs, shifting mosaic of habitat quality, integrated modelling
Start Date
1-7-2004 12:00 AM
Abstract
The aim of the MOSAIK-project is to test alternative management systems regarding theirefficiency in maintaining the characteristic species composition of dry grasslands. We present an integratedlandscape model approach to test an alternative management system for applicability in preserving drygrasslands. By rototilling, i.e. cyclic, massive disturbance in the vegetation cover, we established a controlledmosaic cycle comprising a successional series from heavily disturbed areas to grassland and shrubs. Thedisturbance regime affects the landscape on different temporal and spatial scales. The resulting shiftingmosaics determine the habitat qualities for plant and animal species. Changes in habitat quality may reducethe survival of local or regional populations. To predict the local and regional risk of extinction of specificplant and animal functional types, we apply modelling approaches on different scales and levels of hierarchy.We achieve to integrate different modules regarding abiotic and biotic state variables, processes and complexinteractions in a spatially explicit way into the MOSAIK landscape model, implementing static as well asdynamic model approaches. The parameters and data necessary for reliable modelling were determinedempirically in two study sites in Germany. Subsystems of the overall model are empirically parameterized andvalidated by means of extensive field surveys. The MOSAIK landscape model is still in development. In thispaper we give an overview on the proposed landscape model approach and show the general structure of theMOSAIK landscape model. Preliminary results are exemplified in respect to habitat modelling and economicmodelling of two simple management scenarios.
Assessing management systems for the conservation of open landscapes using an integrated landscape model approach
The aim of the MOSAIK-project is to test alternative management systems regarding theirefficiency in maintaining the characteristic species composition of dry grasslands. We present an integratedlandscape model approach to test an alternative management system for applicability in preserving drygrasslands. By rototilling, i.e. cyclic, massive disturbance in the vegetation cover, we established a controlledmosaic cycle comprising a successional series from heavily disturbed areas to grassland and shrubs. Thedisturbance regime affects the landscape on different temporal and spatial scales. The resulting shiftingmosaics determine the habitat qualities for plant and animal species. Changes in habitat quality may reducethe survival of local or regional populations. To predict the local and regional risk of extinction of specificplant and animal functional types, we apply modelling approaches on different scales and levels of hierarchy.We achieve to integrate different modules regarding abiotic and biotic state variables, processes and complexinteractions in a spatially explicit way into the MOSAIK landscape model, implementing static as well asdynamic model approaches. The parameters and data necessary for reliable modelling were determinedempirically in two study sites in Germany. Subsystems of the overall model are empirically parameterized andvalidated by means of extensive field surveys. The MOSAIK landscape model is still in development. In thispaper we give an overview on the proposed landscape model approach and show the general structure of theMOSAIK landscape model. Preliminary results are exemplified in respect to habitat modelling and economicmodelling of two simple management scenarios.
