The grey partridge and AESs in Sweden: setting up an experimental restoration of the grey partridge and associated farmland biodiversity in Sweden.

Abstract

The grey partridge Perdix perdix has suffered a severe decline in numbers and contraction in range during the last half century. The loss of landscape heterogeneity through agricultural intensification has often been indicated as a cause. By preserving and managing small biotopes and creating uncropped border zones, some ecological heterogeneity is maintained and recreated with the aid of agri-environmental subsidies in Sweden. However, the Swedish range of options is poor in comparison with the British one, thus making it difficult to integrate conservation efforts with regular land use by farming. This project aims to show how relatively simple methods can be used to increase the biodiversity of the agricultural landscape by focusing on the grey partridge. In a large-scale experiment we investigate the effect of newly created wildlife strips on the grey partridge and other species. We will use the results to influence future AESs in Sweden and make them more user-friendly.