Does the type of matrix matter? A quantitative review of the evidence

Abstract

It has been increasingly recognized that the type of matrix surrounding habitat patches can affect biodiversity in landscapes, but there were only qualitative reviews of the subject focused on particular taxonomic groups. We present a quantitative review of studies from 1985 to 2008 that compared effects of different matrix types on individuals, populations and communities. We compiled 104 studies, most on animals, covering a broad range of landscape types and spatial scales. Most studies were empirical, focused on individuals and communities, and evaluated abundance/richness in the patch as the dependent variable. The type of matrix surrounding habitat patches influenced the studied parameters in 95% of the studies, but such effects were overall smaller compared to patch size or isolation effects. Matrix type effects were strongly species-specific, with different species responding differently to matrix type in 96% of studies comparing species or group of species. In 88% of studies, matrix types more similar in structure to the patch had higher quality for the studied organisms from the point of view of functional connectivity. Overall, the type of matrix is important, but patch size and isolation are the main determinants of ecological parameters in landscapes. Matrix quality generally increases with increasing structural similarity with habitat patches, a pattern that could be used as a general guideline for management of the matrix in fragmented landscapes.

The Influence of Different Cover Types on American Robin Nest Success in Organic Agroecosystems

“…Our results present a clear example of patch-matrix interaction [44]. In particular, these data suggest that the choice of crop in the matrix may be as important as the non-crop habitat patch to daily nest survival rate of American Robins.…”

Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity conservation: key findings and future challenges

“…The relative similarity or dissimilarity between habitat and non-habitat areas (''edge contrast'') and matrix quality in an absolute sense can affect both individual organisms and material fluxes (Ricketts 2001;Prevedelo and Vieira 2010). Further, fragmented landscapes can allow for the persistence of a metacommunity, or a set of local communities that are connected through the processes of dispersal and extirpation (Gilpin and Hanski 1991;Wilson 1992;Holyoak et al 2005).…”

Effects of disturbances on scuttle flies (Diptera: Phoridae) in Pine Forests

“…3 years after disturbance) may affect the open-area species in a similar way. Due to this conclusion, similar preferences for disturbed habitats could be explained by a similar matrix structure of the inhabited areas (De Deyn and Van der Putten 2005;Prevedello and Vieira 2010).…”