Habitat fragmentation and its lasting impact on Earth’s ecosystems
Фрагментация местообитаний и её длительное воздействие на экосистемы Земли
2015-03-06
SCID: 54.1/bfx26kpe
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biodiversity loss (13–75%)biomass declineecosystem function impairmentforest edge effectsfragment size and isolation effectsglobal forest cover analysishabitat fragmentationlandscape connectivitynutrient cycle alteration
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Abstract (AI)
We conducted an analysis of global forest cover to reveal that 70% of remaining forest is within 1 km of the forest's edge, subject to the degrading effects of fragmentation. A synthesis of fragmentation experiments spanning multiple biomes and scales, five continents, and 35 years demonstrates that habitat fragmentation reduces biodiversity by 13 to 75% and impairs key ecosystem functions by decreasing biomass and altering nutrient cycles. Effects are greatest in the smallest and most isolated fragments, and they magnify with the passage of time. These findings indicate an urgent need for conservation and restoration measures to improve landscape connectivity, which will reduce extinction rates and help maintain ecosystem services.
Key Findings
1
70% of remaining global forest is within 1 km of an edge and therefore exposed to fragmentation-related degradation
2
Fragmentation effects are strongest in the smallest and most isolated habitat fragments
3
Habitat fragmentation impairs key ecosystem functions by decreasing biomass and altering nutrient cycles
4
Improving landscape connectivity through conservation and restoration is urgently needed to reduce extinction rates and maintain ecosystem services
5
Negative fragmentation effects magnify over time, indicating long-term and increasing impacts
6
Synthesis of fragmentation experiments across biomes, five continents, and 35 years shows biodiversity declines of 13–75% due to fragmentation
Research Object
Habitat fragmentation of global forest ecosystems
Research Subject
Lasting impacts of fragmentation on biodiversity loss and key ecosystem functions (biomass reduction, altered nutrient cycles), including dependence on fragment size, isolation, and time since fragmentation
Publication Details
Publication Date
2015-03-06
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