The role of habitat quality in fragmented landscapes: a conceptual overview and prospectus for future research.

摘要: There is increasing empirical evidence that the quality of habitat patches (determined by either degradation or natural heterogeneity in habitat) plays an important role determining species distribution patterns and regulating spatial dynamics fragmented landscapes. However, to date, most debate has focused on whether not include variables fragmentation studies, we still lack general conclusions as well standard robust research approaches. In this paper show how a weak conceptualization “patch quality” inappropriate choice target surrogate (e.g., density often used indicator patch quality) have mainly produced case-specific results, rather than conclusions. We then identify weaknesses inclusion measurements within studies. particular, focus on: (1) appropriate experimental design, outlining few studies actually included gradient their sample; (2) fundamental information provided outputs), which turn hampers possibility carrying out meta-analyses. finally synthesize available knowledge from highlight different conceptual frameworks needed for occupancy versus use