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Potential negative ecological effects of corridors.
Nick M Haddad1, Lars A Brudvig, Ellen I Damschen
1Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, U.S.A.
Summary
Habitat corridors facilitate species dispersal and increase biodiversity. Despite concerns, this review found no evidence that corridors increase negative impacts like invasive species or disturbances, suggesting benefits outweigh potential risks.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- Landscape Ecology
Background:
- Landscape corridors are designed to enhance species dispersal and richness.
- Concerns exist regarding potential negative consequences of corridors, such as increased spread of antagonists, edge effects, invasive species, and disturbances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence of potential negative effects associated with landscape corridors.
- To synthesize existing research on the unintended consequences of habitat corridors.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a comprehensive literature review.
- Performed a meta-analysis to quantify the effects of corridors on various ecological factors.
Main Results:
- No evidence found that corridors increase unwanted disturbances or non-native species invasion.
- Effects of corridors on antagonists and population synchrony were inconsistent, with mean effect sizes near zero.
- Edge effects on target species abundance were as likely to be positive as negative.
Conclusions:
- Overall, concerns about widespread negative consequences of habitat corridors are not supported by current evidence.
- Positive effects of corridors on dispersal and native species diversity appear to outweigh potential negative impacts.
- Future research should focus on natural corridors at larger scales and targeted hypotheses regarding management concerns.
Keywords:
Conectividadconnectivitydispersaldispersióndisturbancediversidaddiversityedge effectsefecto de bordeespecies invasorasfragmentaciónfragmentationinvasive speciesperturbaciónMore Related Videos
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