Paddy fields play an essential role in producing food but also provide services like habitats for wildlife and managing water. The study focuses on how changing practices like consolidating or leaving paddy fields empty affect these services. By understanding these impacts, the researchers hope to improve and maintain the benefits that paddy fields offer beyond just food production. They found that these changes can harm the habitat and water regulation services of paddy fields. To protect these benefits, it is crucial to find ways to counteract the negative effects of consolidation and abandonment on the ecosystem services provided by paddy fields in Japan.