What is an edge species? The implications of sensitivity to habitat edges

摘要: For decades, researchers have categorized species as “edge-loving” or “edge-avoiding”, but recent studies that show inconsistencies in responses called these labels into question and led to a sense edge eff ects are idiosyncratic diffi cult understand. We suggest would be better according their sensitivity edges, not the direction of observed because no should expected same response all types. Measures will apply widely across taxa landscapes allow metrics broadly comparable, making generalities easier discern. Finally, while remains critical (but largely understood) dynamic, most reported neutral, so discovering when least likely respond edges increase our understanding ecology associated fragmentation ects. off er case study measures 15 butterfl y at 12 found is weakly related vulnerability predation, more importantly we how results generate new predictions about can explored future studies.