Aim In several ecosystems, the diversity of functional species traits has been shown to have a stronger effect on ecosystem functioning than taxonomic diversity alone. However, few studies have explored this idea at a large geographical scale. In a multisite experiment, we unravelled the relationship between ecosystem function and functional completeness of species assemblages using dung beetles as a model group, focusing on dung removal and secondary seed dispersal. Location Seventeen grassland locations across the Western Palaearctic. Methods We used a randomized block design with different exclosure types to control the dung and seed removing activities of individual functional groups of the local dung beetle assemblage. We classified dung beetle species according to resource specialization and into functional groups based on dung processing behaviour (dwellers, tunnellers, rollers) and body size (small, large). Additionally, we assessed the role of other soil macro‐invertebrates. By sampling the dung beetle community and measuring the remaining dung and seeds after the experiment, the impact of each functional group was estimated. Results Dung beetle assemblages differed along a north–south and east–west gradient. Dwellers dominated northernmost sites, whereas at lower latitudes we observed more tunnellers and rollers indicating a functional shift. Resource specialists were more abundant in southern and eastern areas. Overall, functional group diversity enhanced dung removal. More dung (+46.9%) and seeds (+32.1%) were removed in the southern sites and tunnellers and rollers were more effective. At the northernmost sites, where tunnellers were scarce or absent, other soil macro‐invertebrates removed the majority of dung. Main conclusions The conservation of functionally complete dung beetle assemblages is crucial to maintain the ecosystem functions provided by dung beetles. Given the latitudinal variation in functional group diversity, it is reasonable to expect compositional changes due to climate change. These changes could lead to increased dung removal and a higher secondary seed dispersal rate in northern regions.

Questions Effects of climate on flowering performance are often investigated independently of plant size. We ask how temperature and precipitation impact flowering probability and flower production: via direct effects, size‐dependent indirect effects, changes in minimum size for flowering and/or changes in reproductive investment. Location Twelve calcareous grasslands in western Norway (4°50′–8°45′ E, 60°20′–61°50′ N). Methods The investigations were carried out at the rear temperature edge of alpine plants and at the leading temperature edge of lowland plants to capture the variety of climate responses occurring in different parts of species climate niches within our study landscape. The study was conducted within a natural ‘climatic grid’ consisting of temperature gradients replicated along a precipitation gradient. In each study site, we sampled populations of two alpine (Viola biflora, Veronica alpina) and two lowland (Viola palustris, Veronica officinalis) species. The relative importance of each effect was assessed under a 2 °C increase in mean summer temperature and a 10% increase in annual precipitation. Results Flowering was climate‐ and size‐dependent in all species except Viola palustris. Both direct climate effects and climate‐driven variation in reproductive investment were detected for the three other species. Indirect climate effects were detected for Veronica officinalis, and climate‐driven variation in minimum size for flowering in Viola biflora. Climatic responses were not consistent within or between distributional types (alpine vs lowland) or genera. A temperature increase of 2 °C was predicted to increase flower production by 22% for Veronica alpina and by 74% for Veronica officinalis. A precipitation increase of 10% had a limited impact on Viola biflora flowering probability (0.08% increase) and increased Veronica officinalis flower production by 1.7%. Conclusions Our study shows that climate affects flowering performance both directly and through size dependence. Understanding such size‐dependent responses to climate is important for our understanding of how climate change will affect flowering performance and recruitment in plant populations.

Protected Areas are a key component of nature conservation. They can play an important role in counterbalancing the impacts of ecosystem degradation. For an optimal protection of a Protected Area it is essential to account for the variables underlying the major Ecosystem Services an area delivers, and the threats upon them. Here we show that the perception of these important variables differs markedly between scientists and managers of Protected Areas in mountains and transitional waters. Scientists emphasise variables of abiotic and biotic nature, whereas managers highlight socio-economic, cultural and anthropogenic variables. This indicates fundamental differences in perception. To be able to better protect an area it would be advisable to bring the perception of scientists and managers closer together. Intensified and harmonised communication across disciplinary and professional boundaries will be needed to implement and improve Ecosystem Service oriented management strategies in current and future Protected Areas.

Abstract. 1. Fire is a widespread management practice used in the maintenance of European heathland. Frequent prescribed burns in small patches have been shown to benefit carabid communities; however, how fire favours specific lifehistory traits is poorly understood.2. In this study, we identify characteristic species of the successional stages within heathlands, and find the traits which are characteristic of species in burnt areas versus areas dominated by older heath stands.3. We identify 10 species as indicator species for heathland in the pioneer stage (0-5 years old); Amara lunicollis, Bembidion lampros, Calathus fuscipes, Carabus problematicus, Cicindela campestris, Nebria salina, Notiophilus aquaticus, Poecilus cupreus, P. lepidus and P. versicolor. Dyschirius globosus is identified as an indicator for the building stage (6-14 years old), and Carabus violaceus as an indicator for the mature stage (15-25 years old).4. Moisture preference and diet are identified as traits that determine species response to prescribed fire. Collembolan specialists and species with no moisture preference are shown to be most abundant in burnt patches, whereas generalist predators and species with a high moisture preference are less tolerant of fire.5. Knowledge of species sorting along a prescribed fire gradient can provide valuable information for heathland conservation.

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