2025/11/25 by Noé Tarcy, Jérémy S. P. Froidevaux, Christian Kerbiriou +2 · 1 voice
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Environmental Science · #Bat Biology and Ecology Studies #Species Distribution and Climate Change #Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
paper · pdf · doi:10.1111/1365-2664.70205
openalex publication_date 2025/11/25 · openalex created_date 2025/11/27 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
Abstract Hedgerows are key semi‐natural elements in European agricultural landscapes supporting diverse wildlife, including bats, that depend on these linear elements for foraging and commuting. Despite replanting initiatives, many hedgerows remain degraded due to intensive management practices such as overtrimming. To develop effective and generalisable conservation guidelines, more research is needed to understand how both management practices and intrinsic hedgerow characteristics influence bat species with different foraging strategies. We conducted passive acoustic monitoring across 448 hedgerows to assess the influence of six characteristics on bat activity: trimming method, height, width, foliage density, connectivity and woody plant diversity. We examined responses for two species associated with hedgerow landscapes ( Barbastella barbastellus , Rhinolophus ferrumequinum ) and three echolocation guilds: short‐, mid‐ and long‐range echolocators (SRE, MRE, LRE), corresponding to clutter, edge and open‐space foragers, respectively. Pollarding consistently increased bat activity, especially for tree‐dwelling species, likely by maintaining mature trees with larger crowns and diversified microhabitats. Coppicing generally reduced activity for SRE, B. barbastellus and R. ferrumequinum , while increasing LRE activity. Taller, tree‐filled hedgerows generally supported higher bat activity, whereas width and foliage density had more limited effects. Finally, uninterrupted hedgerow segments enhanced SRE and MRE activity, highlighting the importance of local habitat continuity in creating effective corridors for bat movement. Woody plant diversity was also positively associated with SRE activity. These results were mostly consistent across simplified open croplands and structurally complex bocage landscapes. Synthesis and applications . Our findings underscore the value of extensive hedgerow management in promoting on‐farm bat activity and support the integration of simple hedgerow quality assessment protocols into agri‐environment schemes. Consistent with previous research, we confirm the importance of tall, tree‐filled hedgerows and emphasise the need to preserve mature trees. We also provide novel insights: hedgerow continuity and low‐intensity trimming methods can further improve habitat suitability, particularly for tree‐dwelling bats. Our management recommendations align with evidence from other taxonomic groups, including birds and invertebrates, and can contribute to broader biodiversity conservation strategies.