Uni GöttingenHow to protect the hidden diversity in grass shoots? Stop mowing!
In every blade of grass, there is a treasure trove of biodiversity: tiny wasps, midges, flies, beetles and other insects. Researchers at our Uni and #HUN-REN measured, investigated and searched for insects in over 23,000 shoots of grass. They found 255 species in year-round grass species, but not one in the short-lived, annual grass species.
Their conclusion is that grassland should not be mown for several years: stable insect populations need undisturbed refuges with intact shoots of grass to live: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/3240.html?id=8089
Research in #BasicandAppliedEcology: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.baae.2026.01.004
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