Low uptake of biodiversity friendly agricultural practices in steppe bird diversity hotspots

Steppe birds are among the most endangered bird groups in Europe, primarily due to the intensification of agricultural activities. Spain is a key European stronghold for steppe birds, where many declining species currently live outside protected areas. The 2023–2027 Spanish CAP Strategic Plan (PEPAC) includes eco-schemes and rural development agri-environmental measures aimed at curbing farmland bird declines, with a particular focus on steppe birds. Here we assess whether PEPAC conservation measures are implemented effectively on areas of high conservation value for steppe birds. To this end, we evaluated the degree of spatial alignment between areas of high steppe bird diversity (hotspots) and the adoption of PEPAC measures. Steppe bird hotspots were selected based on the combined taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of 26 steppe bird species in peninsular Spain. Uptake of the ‘Biodiversity Areas’ eco-scheme and the ‘Protection of Birds’ rural development measures were taken from official sources. Uptake was significantly higher in steppe bird hotspots than in non-hotspot areas, within land covers suitable for steppe birds (17.3 ± 14.1% vs 7.2 ± 10.8% for the eco-scheme and 0.8 ± 4.2% vs 0.3 ± 2.9% for the rural development measures, respectively; mean ± SD). Overall uptake was very low and well below the 30% target of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Results highlight an urgent need for more effective strategies to engage farmers and drive the adoption of biodiversity-oriented initiatives, using existing biodiversity maps and spatial analysis to guide CAP planning to safeguard key steppe bird areas.