Landscape modification and habitat fragmentation: a synthesis

TLDR

Landscape modification and habitat fragmentation drive global species loss by causing habitat loss, degradation, isolation, and altered species interactions, with human‑perceived patterns such as native vegetation amount, edge prevalence, connectivity, and heterogeneity correlating with assemblages, and low native cover and connectivity heightening extinction cascades, especially when keystone species or functional groups are lost. The review seeks to understand the effects of landscape modification by integrating species‑oriented and pattern‑oriented approaches, clarifying their links and establishing consistent terminology. The authors synthesize species‑oriented and pattern‑oriented studies, linking interconnected themes and standardizing terminology. The review outlines tangible research and management priorities that can benefit native species conservation in modified landscapes worldwide.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Landscape modification and habitat fragmentation are key drivers of global species loss. Their effects may be understood by focusing on: (1) individual species and the processes threatening them, and (2) human‐perceived landscape patterns and their correlation with species and assemblages. Individual species may decline as a result of interacting exogenous and endogenous threats, including habitat loss, habitat degradation, habitat isolation, changes in the biology, behaviour, and interactions of species, as well as additional, stochastic threats. Human‐perceived landscape patterns that are frequently correlated with species assemblages include the amount and structure of native vegetation, the prevalence of anthropogenic edges, the degree of landscape connectivity, and the structure and heterogeneity of modified areas. Extinction cascades are particularly likely to occur in landscapes with low native vegetation cover, low landscape connectivity, degraded native vegetation and intensive land use in modified areas, especially if keystone species or entire functional groups of species are lost. This review (1) demonstrates that species‐oriented and pattern‐oriented approaches to understanding the ecology of modified landscapes are highly complementary, (2) clarifies the links between a wide range of interconnected themes, and (3) provides clear and consistent terminology. Tangible research and management priorities are outlined that are likely to benefit the conservation of native species in modified landscapes around the world.