Abstract
Habitat loss and fragmentation are global threats to biodiversity and major research topics in ecology and conservation biology. We conducted a systematic review to assess where – the geographic locations and habitat types - and how – the study designs, conceptual underpinnings, landscape metrics and biodiversity measures - scientists have studied fragmentation over the last two decades. We sampled papers from 1994 to 2016 and used regression modelling to explore changes in fragmentation research over time. Habitat loss and fragmentation studies are geographically and taxonomically biased. Almost 85% of studies were conducted in America and Europe, with temperate forests and birds the most studied groups. Most studies use a binary conceptual model of landscapes (habitat versus non-habitat) and static measures of biodiversity. However, research on fragmentation is slowly shifting from a focus on coarse patterns to more nuanced representations of biodiversity and landscapes that better represent ecological processes. For example, empirical research based on gradient or continuum models, that offer new insights into landscape complexity and species-specific responses to habitat fragmentation, are increasing in prevalence. We recommend that fragmentation research focuses on developing knowledge on underlying mechanisms and processes of how species respond to landscape changes, and that fragmentation studies be conducted in the full range of habitats currently experiencing high rates of landscape modification. This is crucial if we are to understand relationships between biodiversity and ecosystems and to develop effective management strategies in fragmented landscapes.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 130-138 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Biological Conservation |
| Volume | 212 |
| Issue number | Part A |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Aug 2017 |
Keywords
- Biodiversity
- Connectivity
- Continuum model
- Global change
- Landscape mosaic
- Taxonomic bias
Cite this
}
A systematic review reveals changes in where and how we have studied habitat loss and fragmentation over 20 years. / Fardila, Dini; Kelly, Luke T.; Moore, Joslin L; McCarthy, Michael Andrew.
In: Biological Conservation, Vol. 212, No. Part A, 01.08.2017, p. 130-138.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review Article › Research › peer-review
TY - JOUR
T1 - A systematic review reveals changes in where and how we have studied habitat loss and fragmentation over 20 years
AU - Fardila, Dini
AU - Kelly, Luke T.
AU - Moore, Joslin L
AU - McCarthy, Michael Andrew
PY - 2017/8/1
Y1 - 2017/8/1
N2 - Habitat loss and fragmentation are global threats to biodiversity and major research topics in ecology and conservation biology. We conducted a systematic review to assess where – the geographic locations and habitat types - and how – the study designs, conceptual underpinnings, landscape metrics and biodiversity measures - scientists have studied fragmentation over the last two decades. We sampled papers from 1994 to 2016 and used regression modelling to explore changes in fragmentation research over time. Habitat loss and fragmentation studies are geographically and taxonomically biased. Almost 85% of studies were conducted in America and Europe, with temperate forests and birds the most studied groups. Most studies use a binary conceptual model of landscapes (habitat versus non-habitat) and static measures of biodiversity. However, research on fragmentation is slowly shifting from a focus on coarse patterns to more nuanced representations of biodiversity and landscapes that better represent ecological processes. For example, empirical research based on gradient or continuum models, that offer new insights into landscape complexity and species-specific responses to habitat fragmentation, are increasing in prevalence. We recommend that fragmentation research focuses on developing knowledge on underlying mechanisms and processes of how species respond to landscape changes, and that fragmentation studies be conducted in the full range of habitats currently experiencing high rates of landscape modification. This is crucial if we are to understand relationships between biodiversity and ecosystems and to develop effective management strategies in fragmented landscapes.
AB - Habitat loss and fragmentation are global threats to biodiversity and major research topics in ecology and conservation biology. We conducted a systematic review to assess where – the geographic locations and habitat types - and how – the study designs, conceptual underpinnings, landscape metrics and biodiversity measures - scientists have studied fragmentation over the last two decades. We sampled papers from 1994 to 2016 and used regression modelling to explore changes in fragmentation research over time. Habitat loss and fragmentation studies are geographically and taxonomically biased. Almost 85% of studies were conducted in America and Europe, with temperate forests and birds the most studied groups. Most studies use a binary conceptual model of landscapes (habitat versus non-habitat) and static measures of biodiversity. However, research on fragmentation is slowly shifting from a focus on coarse patterns to more nuanced representations of biodiversity and landscapes that better represent ecological processes. For example, empirical research based on gradient or continuum models, that offer new insights into landscape complexity and species-specific responses to habitat fragmentation, are increasing in prevalence. We recommend that fragmentation research focuses on developing knowledge on underlying mechanisms and processes of how species respond to landscape changes, and that fragmentation studies be conducted in the full range of habitats currently experiencing high rates of landscape modification. This is crucial if we are to understand relationships between biodiversity and ecosystems and to develop effective management strategies in fragmented landscapes.
KW - Biodiversity
KW - Connectivity
KW - Continuum model
KW - Global change
KW - Landscape mosaic
KW - Taxonomic bias
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85020751462&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.biocon.2017.04.031
DO - 10.1016/j.biocon.2017.04.031
M3 - Review Article
VL - 212
SP - 130
EP - 138
JO - Biological Conservation
JF - Biological Conservation
SN - 0006-3207
IS - Part A
ER -