Suitable methods for monitoring HNV farmland using bird species

Abstract

In this chapter we summarize a list of technical and statistical approaches, useful for studying High Nature Value (HNV) farmlands, and biodiversity components. We also focus on the use of suitable frameworks to monitor HNV farmland using bird species, providing some information about bird data collection in the field. The concept of bioindicators and the use of bird species as environmental surrogates are briefly described, as well as the most common diversity metrics used to describe bird communities (taxonomic diversity, functional diversity and phylogenetic diversity). Finally, we provide some suggestions about statistical methods that can be followed in order to link the study of HNV farmlands to biodiversity patterns and environmental characteristics of farmlands.