Beyond fragmentation: the continuum model for fauna research and conservation in human-modified landscapes
Beyond fragmentation: the continuum model for fauna research and conservation in human-modified landscapes
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DOI：
10.1111/j.0030-1299.2006.14148.x
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发表时间：
2006-02-01
期刊：
影响因子：
3.4
通讯作者：
Lindenmayer, DB
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Fischer, J;Lindenmayer, DB
人类改造景观中的动物分布模式通常是从“碎片化模型”的基础上进行研究的，该模型识别位于不适宜居住的基质中的栖息地斑块。破碎化模型可以建立景观格局和动物分布格局之间的相关性。然而，它在对物种分布模式产生基于过程的理解方面的能力有限。在这里，我们提出了一个基于过程的概念景观模型。“连续体模型”源自连续体理论，并承认与空间有关的生态变量以及其他因素的重要性，如适当的食物、住所和气候条件的可用性。连续体模型允许这些变量在空间中逐渐变化，并假设物种对环境的反应是个体化的。我们对比了连续模型与碎片模型，并概述了它如何可以用来解释和设计实证研究。虽然破碎化模型可以提供一个令人满意的生态模式，许多物种被限制在人类定义的“补丁”，连续模型可以帮助建立基本的生态过程和个体物种分布模式之间的联系。从破碎化模型产生的保护准则将强调大型和连接良好的预先定义的“栖息地”补丁的重要性。相反，连续体模型认识到不同物种的生态需求之间可能存在巨大差异。因此，从连续体模型产生的保护准则将集中在多个空间尺度上的栖息地异质性，以增加不同物种的生态位数量。
Animal distribution patterns in human-modified landscapes are often examined from the basis of the "fragmentation model", which recognises habitat patches located within an inhospitable matrix. The fragmentation model can establish correlations between landscape pattern and animal distribution patterns. However, it is limited in its ability to generate a process-based understanding of species distribution patterns. Here we propose a process-based conceptual landscape model. The "continuum model" is derived from continuum theory, and recognises the importance of space-related ecological variables alongside other factors, such as the availability of suitable food, shelter, and climatic conditions. The continuum model allows for gradual changes in these variables through space, and assumes species respond individualistically to their environment. We contrast the continuum model with the fragmentation model, and outline how it can be used to interpret and design empirical studies. While the fragmentation model may provide a satisfactory description of ecological patterns where many species are confined to human-defined "patches", the continuum model can help to establish links between fundamental ecological processes and individualistic species distribution patterns. Conservation guidelines arising from the fragmentation model will emphasise the importance of large and well-connected pre-defined "habitat" patches. Conversely, the continuum model recognises potentially large discrepancies between different species' ecological requirements. Conservation guidelines arising from the continuum model therefore will focus on habitat heterogeneity at multiple spatial scales to enhance the number of niches available to different species.