Effects of changes in land use on game species in southern Spain: implications for game management

Abstract

Acevedo, P., Delibes-Mateos, M.  (2013). Effects of changes in land use on game species in southern Spain: implications for game management. Ecosistemas 22(2):33-39. Doi.: 10.7818/ECOS.2013.22-2.06

In recent decades society has become increasingly concerned about global change, especially with respect to land use and climate changes. While the planet is constantly changing, current transformation rates are higher than usual, and they have had significant effects on biodiversity. Here we review and describe land use changes since 1960 in southern Spain in order to understand their effects on the distribution and abundance of the main game species in this area. In general, there has been an increase in favorable areas for big game species. This is especially evident in mountain areas where, on the contrary, favorable areas for small game species have declined significantly. In the light of these findings, we discuss the most suitable management strategies for each game species.