Habitat translocation and its effect on species preservation

Habitat translocation is a method of saving habitats that are inevitably destroyed during construction projects. To evaluate large-scale turf translocation of wet meadows to the derelict land and to examine the effects of surrounding area on the translocated habitats, we compared three vegetation patches of salved Molinion meadows to three reference meadows near a donor site and to variable plots in a recipient site in terms of vegetation and invertebrates at different motility and food levels. Pollinators (wild bees, butterflies), grasshoppers, ants, and soil mesofauna with a focus on springtails were identified to species. For springtails, the lower soil porosity was a clear disadvantage. Mobile animals with high food specificity responded dynamically to habitat. We observed lower number of springtails, and higher of grasshoppers at the translocated plots than reference ones. Sites maintained their biodiversity, but the influx of cosmopolitan species was noticeable, especially for plants and pollinators, and even springtails. A few sensitive species declined. The habitat translocation to derelict land is bound with lowering the ecological status of the habitat, and if possible, natural habitats should be preserved where they are. However, in case of destruction, the translocation is better than nothing; translocated meadows are a valuable place for local pollinators and for other animals, and in this particular case contribute to the revitalization of the site that was destroyed some time ago.