The human footprint in the west: a large-scale analysis of anthropogenic impacts.

摘要: Anthropogenic features such as urbanization, roads, and power lines, are increasing in western United States landscapes response to rapidly growing human populations. However, their spatial effects have not been evaluated. Our goal was model the footprint across States. We first delineated actual area occupied by anthropogenic features, physical effect area. Next, we developed based on ecological area, zone influenced beyond presence, combining seven input models: three models quantified top-down influences of synanthropic predators (avian predators, domestic dog cat presence risk), four bottom-up habitat (invasion exotic plants, human-caused fires, energy extraction, wildland fragmentation). Using independent bird population data, found abundance species correlate positively with intensity negatively for six fragmentation. then evaluated extent relation terrestrial (ecoregions) aquatic systems (major rivers lakes), regional management conservation status, environment, temporal changes actions. The covered 13% agricultural land (9.8%) being most dominant. High-intensity areas (class 8-10) overlapped highly productive low-elevation private landholdings 7% compared 48% low- 1-3), which were confined low-productivity high-elevation federal landholdings. Areas within 1 km more affected lakes. Percentage growth higher low-intensity areas. disproportional create a challenge ecosystems wildlife models, managers can plan use actions, develop restoration scenarios, identify high value at local context. Moreover, serve tool stratify studies investigating floral faunal disturbance gradients.