European farm scale habitat descriptors for the evaluation of biodiversity
Abstract
Habitat descriptors are cost effective biodiversity indicators demanded by stakeholders and required for
regional and global biodiversity monitoring. We mapped 195 farms of different types in twelve case study
regions across Europe and tested 18 habitat descriptors for scientific validity, information content and
ease of interpretation. We propose a core set consisting of (i) four descriptors to measure structural composition
and configuration of farms (Habitat Richness, Habitat Diversity, Patch Size, and Linear Habitats),
(ii) three descriptors addressing specific habitat types (Crop Richness, Shrub Habitats, and Tree Habitats)
and (iii) one interpreted descriptor (Semi-Natural Habitats). As a set, the descriptors make it possible
to evaluate the habitat status of a farm and to track changes occurring due to modified land use and/or
management, including agri-environmental measures. The farm habitat maps can provide ground truth
information for regional and global biodiversity monitoring.
