Gestion de la biodiversité dans une région d'élevage bovin : les prairies permanentes du Pays d'Auge, France

The analysis of grassland vegetation in the Pays d'Auge (France) is done from several standpoints: botany, ecology and agronomy. A description of the grassland habitats and of the landscape as a function of the physical environment is performed. The agroecological approach, taking the diversity of farming practices into account, points out the effects of those practices on plant species richness and composition in different habitats. Field experiment on abandonment and extensification leads to new questions on their efficiency to restore floristic diversity. Remote sensing provides a global image of the region consistent with the previous approaches. In conclusion the authors emphasize the interdisciplinary and multi—level approach which is needed for a better assessment and management of grassland plant diversity at the regional scale.