LIVEMOUNT

Taxonomic: We will study the impact of grazing/climate change on the three taxa’s diversity patterns and community structure across the grazing/aridity gradient. We will use standard field methods (e.g. protocols, nested sampling) to set up a multi-taxa database and analyze the data using appropriate modelling methods (e.g. Generalized Linear or Additive Mixed-Effects Models).

Functional: We will study how ecosystem processes are altered by grazing under different aridity stress levels. We will sample and deliver a database of soil properties; chlorophyll fluorescence (including stress indicators) and gas exchange data for dominant plant species; plant traits of dominant plants and grazing capacity. We will employ structural equation models (SEMs) to analyze our data.

Synthesis: We will collect data of livestock capital (heads of cattle, sheep and goat), production (milk, meat) and substitutes on annual basis for Greece, using data repositories. We will deliver a sustainable grazing map of current suggested grazing intensity levels, to be also projected in the future, accounting for the aridity values increase. We will then link our scientific findings with conservation policy and practice, in the broader socio-economic and policy context at the national and EU level.