Anthropogenic ecosystem disturbance and the recovery debt.

摘要: Ecosystem recovery from anthropogenic disturbances, either without human intervention or assisted by ecological restoration, is increasingly occurring worldwide. As ecosystems progress through recovery, it important to estimate any resulting deficit in biodiversity and functions. Here we use data 3,035 sampling plots worldwide, quantify the interim reduction of functions during process (that is, 'recovery debt'). Compared with reference levels, recovering run annual deficits 46-51% for organism abundance, 27-33% species diversity, 32-42% carbon cycling 31-41% nitrogen cycling. Our results are consistent across biomes but not degrading factors. suggest that restored have less diversity than 'undisturbed' ecosystems, even if complete reached, an debt will accumulate. Under such circumstances, increasing quantity less-functional restoration offsetting inadequate alternatives ecosystem protection.