By Jamie Martin
A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign highlights the important role forested riparian buffers play in supporting wildlife near farmland. These buffers, located along streams and rivers, are often planted by farmers to protect soil and water. Researchers now show that they also help increase terrestrial biodiversity in agricultural regions.
“We found raccoon and common snapping turtle DNA all over the place,” said senior study author Eric Larson, associate professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES), part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at Illinois. “But the fact that we found bobcats and big brown bats with our sampling method was exciting, and shows just how much is going on in those riparian buffers.”
The research team used environmental DNA metabarcoding, a technique that identifies animals by the DNA they leave behind in water. By sampling stream water next to agricultural land at 47 sites, they identified many species that lived or moved near these riparian buffers. This technique helps detect rare species without capturing or disturbing them.
The findings showed that more forest cover leads to a greater number of terrestrial species. For every 10 percent increase in forest cover, one additional species was detected. Sites with full forest cover supported three times more vertebrate species compared to areas lacking trees. The samples revealed a wide range of animals, including raccoons, snapping turtles, bobcats, big brown bats, salamanders, hummingbirds, and river otters.
The study also showed how animal communities shifted across the landscape. Areas with limited tree cover mostly supported grassland animals such as killdeer, mice, and ground squirrels. Heavily forested areas supported species that depend on shaded and stable habitats.
Some farmers are hesitant to adopt riparian buffers because they fear they might attract unwanted animals. However, the study shows that many species, like bats, help control pests and benefit farms. Buffers also reduce erosion and protect water quality, supporting long-term agricultural sustainability.
The researchers hope their findings encourage more farmers and policymakers to support forested riparian buffers. The study received USDA support through Hatch and McIntire-Stennis programs.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-paul-hartley
Categories: National