Edge influence on forest structure and composition in fragmented landscapes
Edge influence on forest structure and composition in fragmented landscapes
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DOI：
10.1111/j.1523-1739.2005.00045.x
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发表时间：
2005-06-01
影响因子：
6.3
通讯作者：
Esseen, PA
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Harper, KA;Macdonald, SE;Esseen, PA
虽然森林边缘作为破碎化的重要结果已被广泛研究，但尚未形成统一的边缘影响理论。我们的目标是采取步骤，通过以下方式发展这样一个理论：(1)综合目前关于人为创造的森林边缘的森林结构和组成模式的知识；(2)考虑影响这些模式的生态过程，对边缘影响的幅度和距离提出假设；(3)确定未来研究的需求。我们收集了44篇已发表的关于边缘对北方、温带和热带森林结构和组成的影响的研究数据。森林边缘附近的非生物和生物梯度对边缘的形成产生了一系列的主要响应。这些主要响应和原始边缘梯度的间接影响使边缘影响永续存在，从而导致次要响应。植被的进一步变化会影响边缘环境，从而导致持续的边缘动态。我们认为，边缘影响的大小和距离是边缘两侧相邻群落结构和组成对比的直接函数。局部因子如气候、边缘特征、林分属性和生物因子影响斑块对比。区域因子定义了评估边缘影响（边缘生境与内部森林生境的差异程度）的生态意义的背景。我们的假设将有助于预测边缘对森林生态系统结构和组成的影响，这是保护的重要考虑因素。对于破碎景观中森林边缘的未来研究，我们鼓励对我们的假设进行检验，使用标准化的方法，对研究地点进行完整的描述，对其他类型边缘的研究，综合边缘对生态系统不同组成部分的影响，以及在景观背景下对边缘的调查。
Although forest edges have been studied extensively as an important consequence of fragmentation, a unifying theory of edge influence has yet to be developed. Our objective was to take steps toward the development of such a theory by (1) synthesizing the current knowledge of patterns of forest structure and composition at anthropogenically created forest edges, (2) developing hypotheses about the magnitude and distance of edge influence that consider the ecological processes influencing these patterns, and (3) identifying needs for future research. We compiled data from 44 published studies on edge influence on forest structure and composition in boreal, temperate, and tropical forests. Abiotic and biotic gradients near created forest edges generate a set of primary responses to edge creation. Indirect effects from these primary responses and the original edge gradient perpetuate edge influence, leading to secondary responses. Further changes in vegetation affect the edge environment, resulting in ongoing edge dynamics. We suggest that the magnitude and distance of edge influence are a direct function of the contrast in structure and composition between adjacent communities on either side of the edge. Local factors such as climate, edge characteristics, stand attributes, and biotic factors affect patch contrast. Regional factors define the context within which to assess the ecological significance of edge influence (the degree to which the edge habitat differs from interior forest habitat). Our hypotheses will help predict edge influence on structure and composition in forested ecosystems, an important consideration for conservation. For future research on forest edges in fragmented landscapes, we encourage the testing of our hypotheses, the use of standardized methodology, complete descriptions of study sites, studies on other types of edges, synthesis of edge influence on different components of the ecosystem, and investigations of edges in a landscape context.