Study

Woody species as landscape modulators: their effect on the herbaceous plants in a Mediterranean maquis

  • Published source details Agra H. & Ne’eman G. (2009) Woody species as landscape modulators: their effect on the herbaceous plants in a Mediterranean maquis. Plant Ecology, 205, 165-177.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Use wire fences within grazing areas to exclude livestock from specific forest sections

Action Link
Forest Conservation

Use clearcutting to increase understory diversity

Action Link
Forest Conservation
  1. Use wire fences within grazing areas to exclude livestock from specific forest sections

    A replicated, controlled study in 2005-2007 in Mediterranean-type shrubland in Israel (Agra & Ne'eman 2009) found no effect of cattle exclusion on herbaceous plant species richness. The number of herbaceous species/plot was similar between grazed and fenced under tree canopies (grazed: 19; fenced: 17) and in open areas (grazed: 82; fenced: 78). In April 2007 herbaceous species were monitored under tree canopies and in open areas in five plots where grazing had been excluded using wire fences (during December 2005) and five grazed plots (0.1 ha; 0.3 cows/ha).

     

  2. Use clearcutting to increase understory diversity

    A replicated, controlled, study in 2005-2007 in Mediterranean-type shrubland in Israel (Agra & Ne'eman 2009) found that clearcutting increased herbaceous species richness under tree canopies. Numbers of herbaceous species/0.1 ha plot was higher in clearcut (81) than in uncut plots (18). Ten uncut and ten clearcut plots (0.1 ha) were established in December 2005. In April 2007, herbaceous species were monitored in uncut and in clearcut plots in areas that were covered with tree canopy before treatment.

     

Output references
What Works 2021 cover

What Works in Conservation

What Works in Conservation provides expert assessments of the effectiveness of actions, based on summarised evidence, in synopses. Subjects covered so far include amphibians, birds, mammals, forests, peatland and control of freshwater invasive species. More are in progress.

More about What Works in Conservation

Download free PDF or purchase
The Conservation Evidence Journal

The Conservation Evidence Journal

An online, free to publish in, open-access journal publishing results from research and projects that test the effectiveness of conservation actions.

Read the latest volume: Volume 21

Go to the CE Journal

Discover more on our blog

Our blog contains the latest news and updates from the Conservation Evidence team, the Conservation Evidence Journal, and our global partners in evidence-based conservation.


Who uses Conservation Evidence?

Meet some of the evidence champions

Endangered Landscape ProgrammeRed List Champion - Arc Kent Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation Save the Frogs - Ghana Mauritian Wildlife Supporting Conservation Leaders
Sustainability Dashboard National Biodiversity Network Frog Life The international journey of Conservation - Oryx Cool Farm Alliance UNEP AWFA Bat Conservation InternationalPeople trust for endangered species Vincet Wildlife Trust