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ENV510 Landscape Ecology and GIS
Definitions
& descriptions |
Structure
& pattern | Function
& process | Change
& dynamics | Management
implications
Importance
| Processes | Instigators
| Disturbance |
Spatial Causes
| Attributes
| Clearance
| Fragmentation | Variegation
Causes
of fragmentation
Problems associated
with fragmentation
Natural
as well as human processes can cause fragmentation.
Human activities,
such as land clearance, logging and suburbanisation are largely responsible
for causing much of the landscape fragmentation that is visible in cultural
landscapes today.
Other activities,
such as severe degradation due to overgrazing, can change the landscape without
causing fragmentation.
Fragmentation
has been described as 'the breaking up of large habitat units into smaller parcels
of land' (Forman,
1995). Problems arise from fragmenting the landscape because many species
cannot maintain viable populations
in small habitat patches. In these cases, fragmentation can result in the eventual
extinction of some species and an overall loss of biodiversity.
Fragmentation
also brings about changes in other ecosystem
processes that can be detrimental in the long term for the local biodiversity.
Read
Saunders, Hobbs and Margules,1991 'Biological consequences of ecosystem fragmentation'.
Do This - Comparing regional fragmentation - Why?
- Has fragmentation occurred in these two regions, Kellerberrin and New England?
- Identify the causes of fragmentation (if possible) in each area.
- List the problems associated with fragmentation (if possible) in each area
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