Lili Jakabffy, a student of conservation engineering at the University of Sopron, conducted research focusing on the role of agricultural habitats in the conservation of bird diversity. Lili was successful in her application and was awarded a grant for her research by our Foundation. The results of the study have resulted in a thesis, a TDK place and an OTDK nomination. Our heartfelt congratulations to the student and her supervisor, Dr. Sándor Flóris Kalmár!
The role of agricultural habitats in conserving bird diversity (Importance of agricultural habitats in the conservation of bird fauna diversity)
By Lili Jakabffy, supervisor: Dr. Sándor Flóris Kalmár
I have long been deeply concerned about the complex relationship between nature conservation and agriculture. We cannot look at natural systems without considering the role of humans, and social and environmental problems need to be addressed together. Today, a large part of Hungary's territory is under agricultural cultivation. In addition to intensive agriculture, which has clear negative environmental impacts, there are promising alternatives that allow production in harmony with nature. There are species of flora and fauna of conservation importance that are specifically linked to human activities. Just think of the unique wildlife of traditional mown grasslands, wooded pastures and extensive orchards. These areas, created, maintained and used by humans, maintain a huge biodiversity and provide habitats for rare and endangered species. In recent years, many movements have been launched with the common aim of rebuilding a culture of farming in harmony with nature.
My thesis topic gave me the opportunity to join the MME's Bird Friendly Farming programme. We want to get a comprehensive picture of the environmental impact of farms through a bird-friendly assessment. The aim is to develop a standardised monitoring system that can be used to assess the nature-friendliness of any farm and to monitor changes in the various natural and farming elements that affect biodiversity. My task will be to establish the baseline ecological status of the four sample farms selected by the Programme and, before that, to develop the survey methodology.
Within the framework of my thesis I made a baseline ecological characterisation of four sample farms of the Bird Friendly Farms Programme of the Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society. During my work, I examined several variables of conservation importance, with bird species being the main indicators of biodiversity and local ecosystem condition. For the bird call-based point recording, I used the Merlin Bird ID phone application in an innovative way, which could help to actively involve farmers in the monitoring process in the future. I compiled a habitat categorisation system applicable to agricultural areas, based on which I produced a habitat map for each site. I also assessed the biodiversity drivers and bird conservation tools present on the sample farms. Based on interviews with farmers, I identified methods and principles that can be used to manage in harmony with nature.
The four sample farms in the present study were already considered bird-friendly at the time of the survey, representing different agricultural sectors. They include a permaculture vegetable garden, an eco-fruit farm, a dairy farm and a family subsistence farm. Geographically, they are located in different parts of the country, which means that the environmental conditions in each area are very different. The literature traces a long series of environmental problems back to the development and spread of modern agriculture. The dilemma posed by the negative effects of intensive farming on wildlife is answered in a positive way by nature and bird-friendly farming.
The results of this thesis provide a multifaceted view of how farmers' activities affect the local ecosystem as a whole. Changes can be observed at multiple levels of the system, with the condition of the more difficult to detect clearly indicated by more easily observed species. Mapping the avifauna of the sample farms has provided useful knowledge. It has been shown that mosaic land use clearly increases the diversity of wildlife. The data show that diverse habitats introduce many new species into the ecosystem of a given area, making it increasingly complex and functionally well-functioning. The results of the field surveys and interviews have confirmed the suitability of the recording methods, and have also recorded the current state of nature of the sample farms. This could form the basis for future development of the Bird Friendly Farms Programme.
Figure 1: Habitat map of Valaha farm (1), Habitat map of Parasztsajt farm (2), Habitat map of Pallagvölgyi Biokert (3) and Habitat map of Élő-hely farm
Cover photo by Márk Gschwindt
