The VIAPOL project investigates the role of livestock routes (vías pecuarias) as key elements in ecological connectivity and biodiversity conservation, with a particular focus on pollinators.
Main Objectives
- Assess the function of livestock trails as ecological corridors in Mediterranean agricultural landscapes.
- Analyze their contribution to pollinator diversity and abundance.
- Propose management and restoration strategies to enhance their role as green infrastructure, integrating them into conservation policies and land-use planning.
Methodology
- Study of different types of livestock trails across various agricultural landscapes.
- Sampling of pollinator communities and analysis of their relationship with vegetation structure and management.
- Identification of key factors that promote pollinator presence and functionality in these corridors.
VIAPOL highlights the importance of livestock routes not only as historical and cultural assets but also as critical elements for ecological connectivity and the resilience of agroecosystems in the face of global change.
The VIAPOL project is funded by the Community of Madrid through the direct grant agreement for the promotion and support of research and technology transfer at the Autonomous University of Madrid.
RESEARCHERS
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
- Violeta Hevia Martín
- José A. González
- Marina García Llorente
- Francisco M. Azcárate
- Paloma Alcorlo
