Skip to main content
Dryad

Data from: Farmland biodiversity benefits from small woody features

Vallé, Clément1; Le Viol, Isabelle1; Kerbiriou, Christian1; Bas, Yves1; Jiguet, Frédéric1; Princé, Karine1

Published Jun 01, 2026 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.6wwpzgn3v

Data files

Jun 01, 2026 version files 3.81 MB

Click names to download individual files

Abstract

Although positive effects on biodiversity of woody features in agricultural landscapes are widely recognized, questions remain on where to prioritize their implementation and in which proportion. To investigate the response of farmland biodiversity to small woody features (SWF) density in different landscape compositions (cropland, grassland, mixed), we analyzed fine-resolution data from standardized monitoring schemes on 111 common birds, 22 bats, and 25 bush crickets species, at national scale (relying on 3772, 834, and 727 monitoring points). We used Generalized Additive Mixed Models to model population and community responses, through different metrics (i.e., abundance, species diversity, and functional composition). We found that the three taxa exhibited a positive response to SWFs, and more especially in cropland, where the SWF density is the lowest relative to grassland and mixed landscapes. Also, our results suggested a non-linear response common to the three taxa, with an increased benefit up to at least 6% of SWF density in cropland, and beyond for most of the metrics but to a lesser extent (e.g., maximum abundance reached at 7-12% SWF). We note, however, that some particular species among farmland bird specialists do not benefit from these SWFs. Overall, we emphasize the benefits to promote woody features in agricultural landscapes, notably in cropland, to support farmland biodiversity and its associated ecosystem functions. Our study results provide crucial empirical evidence to the recommendations of previous studies and the relevance of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 to dedicate at least 10% of farmland to high-diversity landscape features.