Habitat Fragmentation

Question 1

What is landscape diversity?

Answer 1

Spatial heterogeneity of natural ecosystems in relation to its physical structure. Two components:
- Non-spatial richness
- Spatial complexity

Question 2

What is habitat fragmentation?

Answer 2

The breakup of previously connected patches of habitat. Causes a reduction in connectivity - the degree to which a landscape facilitates or impedes movement of organisms among patches.

Question 3

What is the process of fragmentation leading to extinction?

Answer 3

Smaller fragments = More local extinction events = Extinction

More isolated fragments = Lower recolonisation rates = Extinction

Question 4

What are some strategies to increase landscape connectivity?

Answer 4

Conservation corridors
Matrix enhancement
Linkage points

Question 5

When can landscape connectivity effectively offset the fragmentation extinction risk?

Answer 5

Below the fragmentation threshold, or around the percolation threshold.

Question 6

What is percolation?

Answer 6

Concerns the movement and filtering of organisms through a porous landscape.

Provides random expectations for the aggregation of patches and movement of animals or disturbances through a landscape.

Question 7

What is functional connectivity?

Answer 7

The rate of dispersal through a porous landscape:
- The capacity of different species to use landscape linkages.
- Capacity of different species to traverse the matrix

Question 8

What is the SLOSS debate?

Answer 8

If only a limited amount of habitat can be protected, which strategy is better:

a single large or several small reserves?

Corridors make matrix area easier for dispersal.

Buffers compensate for edge effects.

Depends on:
- Species
- Resources available