Seasonal use of different tree strip variants within a modern silvoarable agroforestry system by large and medium-sized mammals

Abstract

Silvoarable agroforestry systems (AFS) with short rotation coppice strips (CS) combine fast-growing trees with croplands, offering potential biodiversity benefits in agricultural landscapes. However, their actual impact on biodiversity remains underexplored. This study investigated the use of CS within a modern silvoarable AFS in northern Germany by large and medium-sized mammals in different seasons (winter, summer) and various tree strip variants (Conventional, Aspen, Ecological). A total of ten species were detected during camera trapping surveys, including farmland (European hare) and forest species (e.g. pine marten, wildcat) along with generalists (e.g. beech marten, raccoon). The European hare showed the highest activity (detected on nearly 90% of days in winter and on all days in summer), followed by roe deer (almost 40% of days in winter and 80% in summer) and red fox (about 60% resp. 40% of days in winter/summer), while most other species were detected sporadically or only in one season. Mammal activity was higher in summer than in winter, with minor differences between the tree strip variants in both seasons. The results indicate that CS in modern AFS are used by a wide range of mammal species and could especially benefit the threatened European hare, while potentially supporting forest species like the strictly protected wildcat with regard to woodland connectivity. However, this study does not provide information on the habitat function and quality of CS compared to other habitats like hedgerows. Therefore, and due to the spatial and temporal limitations of the study, there is a great need for further research on the use of CS by mammals.