Does organic farming enhance biodiversity in Mediterranean vineyards? A case study with bats and arachnids

摘要: Abstract The effectiveness of organic farming for promoting biodiversity has been widely documented, yet most studies have undertaken in temperate agroecosystems with a focus on birds, insects and plants. Despite the Mediterranean basin being hotspot conservation priorities, potential benefits there received little attention. Here, we assessed effect system, landscape characteristics habitat structure vineyards using two taxa different functional traits (in terms mobility, dispersal ability home range size): bats arachnids. We also tested “intermediate landscape-complexity” hypothesis, which predicts that local measures greatest success landscapes intermediate complexity. Our study design involved pairs matched conventional vineyard plots south France situated along complexity gradient. Abundance arachnids were higher vineyards, although arachnid species richness was positively associated amount ground vegetation cover. Organic ineffective its own to enhance bat activity regardless context. Rather, our results suggested features more important than management, significantly recorded located at close proximity hedgerows rivers. When designing strategies farmlands, strongly recommend implementation multi-scale approach assure wide species.