Habitat fragmentation in the temperate zone: a perspective for managers

Abstract

Habitat fragmentation occurs when a large, fairly continuous tract of vegetation is converted to other vegetation types such that only scattered fragments of the original type remain. Problems associated with habitat fragmentation include overall habitat loss, increase in edge habitat and edge effects (particularly higher parasitism and nest predation rates), and isolation effects. Birds show variable responses to fragmentation, with the most conservation concern focused on so-called "area sensitive" species that remain only on large habitat fragments. Management responses to fragmentation include preservation of large tracts of habitat with minimal amounts of edge.

Parent Publication

• Status and management of neotropical migratory birds

Citation

Faaborg, John; Brittingham, Margaret; Donovan, Therese; Blake, John. 1993. Habitat fragmentation in the temperate zone: a perspective for managers. In: Finch, Deborah M.; Stangel, Peter W. (eds.). Status and management of neotropical migratory birds: September 21-25, 1992, Estes Park, Colorado. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-229. Fort Collins, Colo.: Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service: 331-338