Distribution and Causes of Global Forest Fragmentation

Wade, Timothy G.; Riitters, Kurt H.; Wickham, James D.; Jones, K. Bruce

doi:10.5751/es-00530-070207

Cited by 196 publications

(159 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…This is in line with a recent shift away from a species-centric view of biodiversity in BEF studies, towards more multifaceted metrics such as functional and phylogenetic diversity (Díaz et al 2007, Mokany et al 2008, Cadotte et al 2009, Lavorel 2013. One possible reason for conflicting results is that, thus far, studies investigating forest biodiversity and ecosystem function have largely ignored the issue of landscape structure (the composition, configuration, and proportion of different habitat types across a landscape), despite the ubiquity of fragmentation in temperate forests (Wade et al 2003) and the potential for habitat fragmentation to impact landscape structure and thereby alter ecosystem function. Fragmentation can impact function through turnover in species composition from patch to patch, and spatial variation in diversity (e.g., species richness) among patches ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 61%

Functional diversity and management mediate aboveground carbon stocks in small forest fragments

2013

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Citation: Ziter, C., E. M. Bennett, and A. Gonzalez. 2013. Functional diversity and management mediate aboveground carbon stocks in small forest fragments. Ecosphere 4(7):85. http://dx.doi.org/10.1890/ES13-00135.1Abstract. Improved landscape connectivity is increasingly considered a viable management strategy to maintain biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and services. How landscape structure affects biodiversity, ecosystem services, and their relationship, however, is still unclear in many cases, including the service of climate regulation. The effects of forest fragmentation on carbon storage remain largely unknown, compounded by uncertainty in both the direction and magnitude of the relationship between carbon storage and biodiversity. We investigated the effects of forest fragmentation and management on carbon stocks and biodiversity in the Montérégie, QC. We quantified total aboveground carbon stocks in 24 small forest fragments of two sizes (;10 ha, ;100 ha), and two levels of connectivity, using a combination of satellite data, field-based methods, and allometry. We correlated this data with both woody plant species richness and functional dispersion to determine the relationship between biodiversity and carbon stocks in these forest fragments. We found functional dispersion was a significant predictor of aboveground carbon stocks, interacting with forest management and connectivity in this fragmented forest system. Both synergies and tradeoffs between biodiversity and carbon stocks were observed. Unmanaged forest stands stored less carbon on average than managed, but demonstrated a significant positive relationship between functional dispersion and aboveground carbon stocks, corroborating the results of biodiversity-ecosystem function experiments. The slope of the relationship was significantly greater in connected fragments than isolated, suggesting improved forest connectivity may strengthen the relationship between biodiversity and aboveground carbon stocks in this region. Managed stands exhibited a significant negative relationship, demonstrating that anthropogenic influence can alter the link between biodiversity and carbon stocks in natural systems. Our results suggest that considering management, connectivity, and functional diversity may increase accuracy in estimating landscape level carbon stocks. Additionally, the significant contributions of small forest fragments to regional diversity and service provision emphasizes the important role these fragments can play in conservation efforts.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 61%

Functional diversity and management mediate aboveground carbon stocks in small forest fragments

2013

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“…However, these ecosystems are also among those most impacted by human activities. Deforestation continues at a rapid rate in many parts of the world as humans convert vast areas to agricultural and urban uses (Wade et al 2003;Kowero et al 2006). Forests and savannas that remain are often fragmented, reducing effective population sizes, increasing extinctions, and reducing or halting migration (Saunders et al 1991;Cushman 2006;Aguilar et al 2006).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Anthropogenic effects on interaction outcomes: examples from insect-microbial symbioses in forest and savanna ecosystems

et al. 2011

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The influence of humans on ecosystem dynamics has been, and continues to be, profound. Anthropogenic effects are expected to amplify as human populations continue to increase. Concern over these effects has given rise to a large number of studies focusing on impacts of human activities on individual species or on biotic community structure and composition. Lacking are studies on interactions, particularly mutualisms. Because of the role of mutualisms in ecosystem stability, such studies are critically needed if we are to begin to better understand and predict the responses of ecosystems to anthropogenic change. Most organisms are involved in at least one mutualism, and many in several. Mutualisms facilitate the ability of partners to exploit particular habitats and resources, and play a large role in determining ecological boundaries. When change disrupts, enhances, or introduces new organisms into a mutualism, the outcome and stability of the original partnership(s) is altered as are effects of the symbiosis on the community and ecosystem as a whole. In this paper, using examples from six microbe-insect mutualisms in forest and savanna settings, we showcase how varied and complex the responses of mutualisms can be to an equally varied set of anthropogenic influences. We also show how alterations of mutualisms may ramify throughout affected systems. We stress that researchers must be cognizant that many observed changes in the behaviors, abundances, and distributions of organisms due to human activities are likely to be mediated by mutualists which may alter predictions and actual outcomes in significant ways.

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“…Those global ecosystems experiencing the most widespread increases in artificial light are already localized and fragmented [39], and may be of particular conservation importance due to high diversity, high levels of endemism and rarity. They are often at risk from a range of other pressures associated with urban encroachment, habitat loss and fragmentation, resource extraction and disturbance [28,40].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Global Trends in Exposure to Light Pollution in Natural Terrestrial Ecosystems

et al. 2015

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Abstract:The rapid growth in electric light usage across the globe has led to increasing presence of artificial light in natural and semi-natural ecosystems at night. This occurs both due to direct illumination and skyglow -scattered light in the atmosphere. There is increasing concern about the effects of artificial light on biological processes, biodiversity and the functioning of ecosystems. We combine intercalibrated Defense Meteorological Satellite Program's Operational Linescan System (DMSP/OLS) images of stable night-time lights for the period 1992 to 2012 with a remotely sensed landcover product (GLC2000) to assess recent changes in exposure to artificial light at night in 43 global ecosystem types. We find that Mediterranean-climate ecosystems have experienced the greatest increases in exposure, followed by temperate ecosystems. Boreal, Arctic and montane systems experienced the lowest increases. In tropical and subtropical regions, the greatest increases are in mangroves and subtropical needleleaf and mixed forests, and in arid regions increases are mainly in forest and agricultural areas. The global ecosystems experiencing the greatest increase in exposure to artificial light are already localized and fragmented, and often of particular conservation importance due to high levels of diversity, endemism and rarity. Night time remote sensing can play a key role in identifying the extent to which natural ecosystems are exposed to light pollution.

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Distribution and Causes of Global Forest Fragmentation

Cited by 196 publications

References 24 publications

Functional diversity and management mediate aboveground carbon stocks in small forest fragments

Functional diversity and management mediate aboveground carbon stocks in small forest fragments

Anthropogenic effects on interaction outcomes: examples from insect-microbial symbioses in forest and savanna ecosystems

Global Trends in Exposure to Light Pollution in Natural Terrestrial Ecosystems

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