Prospects for biodiversity conservation in the Atlantic Forest: Lessons from aging human-modified landscapes

摘要: Recent global assessments have shown the limited coverage of protected areas across tropical biotas, fuelling a growing interest in potential conservation services provided by anthropogenic landscapes. Here we examine geographic distribution biological diversity Atlantic Forest South America, synthesize most conspicuous forest biodiversity responses to human disturbances, propose further initiatives for this biota, and offer range general insights into prospects species persistence human-modified landscapes worldwide. At biome scale, extensive pre-Columbian habitats ranged elevations below 800 masl, which still concentrate within major centers endemism. Unfortunately, up 88% original habitat has been lost, mainly these low intermediate elevations, whereas are clearly skewed towards high above 1200 masl. landscape remaining cover is embedded dynamic agro-mosaics including elements such as small fragments, early-to-late secondary patches exotic tree monocultures. In sort aging or long-term modified landscapes, fragmentation appears effectively drive edge-dominated portions fragments an early-successional system, greatly limiting forest-obligate forest-dependent species. However, extent approach systems, thereby threatening bulk biodiversity, depends on both past present configuration. Many (e.g. early-secondary forests monocultures) may excellent opportunities, but they cannot replace value hitherto unprotected large old-growth forests. Finally, other regions can be significantly augmented coupling corridor with biotascale attempts plug existing gaps representativeness areas.