Methods for the investigation of patterns and processes in large-scale grazing Systems

The article gives an overview of new research methods based on Geographic Information Systems. Aerial photography series taken several times a year provide an important database for continuous change detection in grazing Systems. This information is combined with observations of cattle behaviour and density. Interpolations allow for analysis of cattle movement. It is thereby possible to identify correlations between cattle, habitat strueture, the dynamic character of the pasture and selected target species (Milvus milvus, Anthus pratensis, Zygaenidae).