Increasing biodiversity in wood-pastures by protecting small shrubby patches

摘要: Abstract Wood-pastures are grazed systems, widespread across Europe, where natural and economic values often co-exist. Social changes in Europe generate both threats opportunities to these calling for new or improved management strategies. We studied the potential of increasing biodiversity wood-pastures through promotion small-scale habitat diversification. More specifically, we evaluated impact protecting very small shrubby patches within large Mediterranean wood-pastures. sampled species assemblages plants, lichens coleopterans 13 (252–3000 m2) with a well developed shrub layer, 11 plots adjacent matrix virtually free wood-pasture. Despite their size, had clearly distinct all taxa presence greatly enhanced richness wood-pasture landscapes. The increased by 42% 27% 29% (average over two study areas), substantial gain considering that covered less than 0.5% Our results indicate protection even is promising low-cost nature-based strategy increase value landscapes, without substantially affecting this silvopastoral system, which an old important part cultural heritage Europe.