Monitoring nature conservation in cultural habitats: A practical guide and case studies

Abstract

Over the past 50 years, changing management practices have led to large-scale habitat degradation and loss in Europe. Monitoring has an important role to play in restoring the conservation interest of these habitats, many of which have a history of cultural land use. This book highlights the need for effective communication between ecologists, conservationalists and land managers, and for well-informed conservation management decisions. Initially, it outlines the decision-making process involved in setting measurable conservation goals, and then describes how to develop efficient and reliable monitoring projects that feed back into management. The case study sites cover a variety of habitats and species, including several protected by Natura 2000 legislation, and conservation areas ranging from only a few hectares to many thousands of hectares. The same basic approach was used regardless of the habitat, species or size of area being monitored.