Designing optimal human-modified landscapes for forest biodiversity conservation

Introduction

Current land-use patterns have resulted in the rapid conversion of forests to human modified forest landscapes (HMFLs). This degradation of forest landscapes can threaten species diversity and disrupt the ecological functions and services they provide. As such, designing and implementing effective landscape conservation strategies that benefit biodiversity as well as promote human well-being is essential.

This paper reviews concepts on species responses to local and landscape variables such as % forest cover, number of forest patches and other metrics to generate an 'ideal HMFL' to guide conservation efforts

Conclusions & takeaways

According to the authors, an ideal mixed-use landscape should have at least 40% forest cover, with 10% occurring in a single large patch and the remaining in several smaller patches, including elements such as living fences and isolated trees. The authors iterate that the health and productivity of forests depend on the landscape it is embedded in; hence, land-use models should incorporate a landscape-scale approach.