Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

What can studies of woodland fragmentation and creation tell us about ecological networks? A literature review and synthesis

  • Review Article
  • Published:
Landscape Ecology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The development of ecological networks could help reverse the effects of habitat fragmentation on woodland biodiversity in temperate agricultural landscapes. However, efforts to create networks need to be underpinned by clear evidence of the relative efficacy of local (e.g. improving or expanding existing habitat patches) versus landscape-scale actions (e.g. creating new habitat or corridors in the landscape matrix). Using cluster analyses we synthesised the findings of 104 studies, published between 1990 and 2013 focusing on the responses of woodland vascular plant, vertebrate, cryptogam and invertebrate species to local and landscape variables. Species responses (richness, diversity, occurrence) were strongly influenced by patch area, patch characteristics (e.g. stand structure) and isolation (e.g. distance between habitat patches). Patch characteristics were of overriding importance for all species groups, especially cryptogams. Many studies recording significant species responses to patch characteristics did not record significant responses to patch area and vice versa, suggesting that patch area may sometimes act as a surrogate for patch characteristics (i.e. larger patches being of ‘better quality’). Ecological continuity was important for vascular plants, but assessed in only a few vertebrate and invertebrate studies. Matrix structure (e.g. presence of corridors) was important for vertebrates, but rarely assessed for other species groups. Actions to develop ecological networks should focus on enhancing the quality and/or size of existing habitat patches and reducing isolation between patches. However, given that very few studies have assessed all local and landscape variables together, further information on the relative impacts of different attributes of ecological networks in temperate agricultural landscapes is urgently needed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Andrén H (1997) Habitat fragmentation and changes in biodiversity. Ecol Bull 46:171–181

    Google Scholar 

  • Andrén H (1994) Effects of habitat fragmentation on birds and mammals in landscapes with different proportions of suitable habitat: a review. Oikos 71:355–366

    Google Scholar 

  • Arrhenius O (1921) Species and area. J Ecol 9:95–99

    Google Scholar 

  • Bailey S (2007) Increasing connectivity in fragmented landscapes: an investigation of evidence for biodiversity gain in woodlands. For Ecol Manag 238:7–23

    Google Scholar 

  • Bellamy PE, Hinsley SA, Newton I (1996) Factors influencing bird species numbers in small woods in south-east England. J Appl Ecol 33:249–262

    Google Scholar 

  • Bennett AF, Hinsley SA, Bellamy PE, Swetnam RD, MacNally R (2004) Do regional gradients in land-use influence richness, composition and turnover of bird assemblages in small woods? Biol Conserv 119:191–206

    Google Scholar 

  • Bennett AF, Radford JQ, Haslem A (2006) Properties of land mosaics: implications for nature conservation in agricultural environments. Biol Conserv 133:250–264

    Google Scholar 

  • Bennett G, Wit P (2001) The development and application of ecological networks. AID Environment and World Conservation Union (IUCN), Gland

  • Berg A, Ahrné K, Öckinger E, Svensson R, Söderström B (2011) Butterfly distribution and abundance is affected by variation in the Swedish forest-farmland landscape. Biol Conserv 144:2819–2831

    Google Scholar 

  • Bright PW, Mitchell P, Morris PA (1994) Dormouse distribution—survey techniques, insular ecology and selection of sites for conservation. J Appl Ecol 31:329–339

    Google Scholar 

  • Brouwers NC, Newton AC (2009a) Movement rates of woodland invertebrates: a systematic review of empirical evidence. Insect Conserv Divers 2:10–22

    Google Scholar 

  • Brouwers NC, Newton AC (2009b) The influence of habitat availability and landscape structure on the distribution of wood cricket (Nemobius sylvestris) on the Isle of Wight, UK. Landscape Ecol 24:199–212

    Google Scholar 

  • Brunet J, Valtinat K, Mayr ML, Felton A, Lindbladh M, Bruun HH (2011) Understory succession in post-agricultural oak forests: habitat fragmentation affects forest specialists and generalists differently. For Ecol Manag 262:1863–1871

    Google Scholar 

  • Brunet J (2007) Plant colonization in heterogeneous landscapes: an 80-year perspective on restoration of broadleaved forest vegetation. J Appl Ecol 44:563–572

    Google Scholar 

  • Brunet J (2004) Colonization of oak plantations by forest plants: effects of regional abundance and habitat fragmentation. In: Honnay O, Verheyen K, Bossuyt B, Hermy M (eds) Forest biodiversity: lessons from history for conservation, IUFRO Research Series 10. CABI Publishing, Wallingford, pp 129–141

    Google Scholar 

  • Buffa G, Villani M (2012) Are the ancient forests of the Eastern Po Plain large enough for a long term conservation of herbaceous nemoral species? Plant Biosist 146:970–984

    Google Scholar 

  • Burke D, Goulet H (1998) Landscape and area effects on beetle assemblages in Ontario. Ecography 21:472–479

    Google Scholar 

  • Calabrese JM, Fagan WF (2004) A comparison-shopper’s guide to connectivity metrics. Front Ecol Environ 2:529–536

    Google Scholar 

  • Capizzi D, Battistini M, Amori G (2003) Effects of habitat fragmentation and forest management on the distribution of the edible dormouse Glis glis. Acta Theriol 48:359–371

    Google Scholar 

  • Celada C, Bogliani G, Gariboldi A, Maracci A (1994) Occupancy of isolated woodlots by the red squirrel Sciurus-vulgaris L. in Italy. Biol Conserv 69:177–183

    Google Scholar 

  • Charman EC, Smith KW, Gruar DJ, Dodd S, Grice PV (2010) Characteristics of woods used recently and historically by lesser spotted woodpeckers Dendrocopos minor in England. Ibis 152:543–555

    Google Scholar 

  • Crabtree J (1996) Evaluation of the farm woodland premium scheme. Economics and Policy Series. Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment & Fisheries Department, Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Aberdeen

  • Crooks KR, Sanjayan M (2006) Connectivity conservation. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK

    Google Scholar 

  • Davies ZG, Pullin AS (2007) Are hedgerows effective corridors between fragments of woodland habitat? An evidence-based approach. Landscape Ecol 22:333–351

    Google Scholar 

  • Doerr VAJ, Barrett T, Doerr ED (2011) Connectivity, dispersal behaviour and conservation under climate change: a response to Hodgson et al. J Appl Ecol 48:143–147

  • De Frenne P, Baeten L, Graae BJ, Brunet J, Wulf M, Orczewska A, Kolb A, Jansen I, Jamoneau A, Jacquemyn H, Hermy M, Diekmann M, De Schrijver A, De Sanctis M, Decocq G, Cousins SAO, Verheyen K (2011) Interregional variation in the floristic recovery of post-agricultural forests. J Ecol 99:600–609

    Google Scholar 

  • Dejong J (1995) Habitat use and species richness of bats in a patchy landscape. Acta Theriol 40:237–248

    Google Scholar 

  • Diamond JM (1975) The island dilemma: lessons of modern biogeographic studies for the design of nature reserves. Biol Conserv 7:129–146

    Google Scholar 

  • Diaz M, Carbonell R, Santos T, Telleria JL (1998) Breeding bird communities in pine plantations of the Spanish plateaux: biogeography, landscape and vegetation effects. J Appl Ecol 35:562–574

    Google Scholar 

  • Digiovinazzo P, Ficetola GF, Bottoni L, Andreis C, Padoa-Schioppa E (2010) Ecological thresholds in herb communities for the management of suburban fragmented forests. For Ecol Manag 259:343–349

    Google Scholar 

  • Doherty PF, Grubb TC (2000) Habitat and landscape correlates of presence, density, and species richness of birds wintering in forest fragments in Ohio. Wilson Bull 112:388–394

    Google Scholar 

  • Dolman PM, Hinsley SA, Bellamy PE, Watts K (2007) Woodland birds in patchy landscapes: the evidence base for strategic networks. Ibis 149:146–160

    Google Scholar 

  • Dupre C, Ehrlen J (2002) Habitat configuration, species traits and plant distributions. J Ecol 90:796–805

    Google Scholar 

  • Edman M, Gustafsson M, Stenlid J, Jonsson BG, Ericson L (2004) Spore deposition of wood-decaying fungi: importance of landscape composition. Ecography 27:103–111

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellis CJ (2012) Lichen epiphyte diversity: a species, community and trait-based review. Perspec Plant Ecol Evol Syst 14:131–152

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellis CJ, Hope JCE (2012) Lichen epiphyte dynamics in Scottish Atlantic oakwoods—the effect of tree age and historical continuity. Scottish Natural Heritage, Inverness

    Google Scholar 

  • Eycott AE, Stewart GB, Buyung-Ali LM, Bowler DE, Watts K, Pullin AS (2012) A meta-analysis on the impact of different matrix structures on species movement rates. Landscape Ecol 27:1263–1278

    Google Scholar 

  • Fahrig L (2003) Effects of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity. Annu Rev Ecol Evol Syst 34:487–515

    Google Scholar 

  • Fischer J, Lindenmayer DB (2007) Landscape modification and habitat fragmentation: a synthesis. Global Ecol and Biogeog 16:265–280

    Google Scholar 

  • Fisher JT, Merriam G (2000) Resource patch array use by two squirrel species in an agricultural landscape. Landscape Ecol 15:333–338

    Google Scholar 

  • Fitzgibbon CD (1997) Small mammals in farm woodlands: the effects of habitat, isolation and surrounding land-use patterns. J Appl Ecol 34:530–539

    Google Scholar 

  • Franc N, Götmark F, Økland B, Nordén B, Palttoc H (2006) Factors and scales potentially important for saproxylic beetles in temperate mixed oak forest. Biol Conserv 135:86–98

    Google Scholar 

  • French LJ, Smith GF, Kelly DL, Mitchell FJG, O’Donoghue S, Iremonger SE, McKee AM (2008) Ground flora communities in temperate oceanic plantation forests and the influence of silvicultural, geographic and edaphic factors. For Ecol Manag 255:476–494

    Google Scholar 

  • Fritz O, Gustafsson L, Larsson K (2008) Does forest continuity matter in conservation? A study of epiphytic lichens and bryophytes in beech forests of southern Sweden. Biol Conserv 141:655–668

    Google Scholar 

  • Fuentes-Montemayor E, Goulson D, Cavin L, Wallace JM, Park KJ (2013) Fragmented woodlands in agricultural landscapes: the influence of woodland character and landscape context on bat abundance and activity. Agric Ecosyst Environ 172:6–15

    Google Scholar 

  • Fuentes-Montemayor E, Goulson D, Cavin L, Wallace JM, Park KJ (2012) Factors influencing moth assemblages in woodland fragments on farmland: implications for woodland management and creation schemes. Biol Conserv 153:265–275

    Google Scholar 

  • Garmendia E, Gamboa G (2012) Weighting social preferences in participatory multi-criteria evaluations: a case study on sustainable natural resource management. Ecol Econ 84:110–120

    Google Scholar 

  • Giordano M, Meriggi A (2009) Use by small mammals of short-rotation plantations in relation to their structure and isolation. Hystrix-Ital J Mamm 20:127–135

    Google Scholar 

  • Graae BJ (2000) The effect of landscape fragmentation and forest continuity on forest floor species in two regions of Denmark. J Veg Sci 11:881–892

    Google Scholar 

  • GrashofBokdam C (1997) Forest species in an agricultural landscape in the Netherlands: effects of habitat fragmentation. J Veg Sci 8:21–28

    Google Scholar 

  • Gregory VL, Pike CK (2012) Missing data: a comparison of online and classroom data collection methods with social work students. J Soc Serv Res 38:351–365

    Google Scholar 

  • Hanski I (1994) A practical model of metapopulation dynamics. J Anim Ecol 63:151–162

    Google Scholar 

  • Henderson LE, Broders HG (2008) Movements and resource selection of the northern long-eared myotis (Myotis septentrionalis) in a forest-agriculture landscape. J Mammal 89:952–963

    Google Scholar 

  • Hérault B, Honnay O (2005) The relative importance of local, regional and historical factors determining the distribution of plants in fragmented riverine forests: an emergent group approach. J Biogeogr 32:2069–2081

    Google Scholar 

  • Hérault B, Honnay O, Thoen D (2005) Evaluation of the ecological restoration potential of plant communities in Norway spruce plantations using a life-trait based approach. J Appl Ecol 42:536–545

    Google Scholar 

  • Higgs AJ (1981) Island biogeography theory and nature reserve design. J Biogeogr 8:117–124

    Google Scholar 

  • Hinsley SA, Bellamy PE, Enoksson B, Fry G, Gabrielsen L, McCollin D, Schotman A (1998a) Geographical and land-use influences on bird species richness in small woods in agricultural landscapes. Glob Ecol Biogeogr Lett 7:125–135

    Google Scholar 

  • Hinsley SA, Bellamy PE, Rothery P (1998b) Co-occurrence of bird species-richness and the abundance of individual bird species in highly fragmented farm woods in eastern England. In: Dover JW, Bunce RGH (eds) Key concepts in landscape ecology. IALE European Congress Preston, IALE(UK), pp 227–232

    Google Scholar 

  • Hinsley SA, Bellamy PE, Newton I, Sparks TH (1995) Habitat and landscape factors influencing the presence of individual breeding bird species in woodland fragments. J Avian Biol 26:94–104

    Google Scholar 

  • Hobson KA, Bayne E (2000) Effects of forest fragmentation by agriculture on avian communities in the southern boreal mixed woods of western Canada. Wilson Bull 112:373–387

    Google Scholar 

  • Hodgson JA, Moilanen A, Wintle BA, Thomas CD (2011) Habitat area, quality and connectivity: striking the balance for efficient conservation. J Appl Ecol 48:148–152

    Google Scholar 

  • Hodgson JA, Thomas CD, Wintle BA, Moilanen A (2009) Climate change, connectivity and conservation decision making: back to basics. J Appl Ecol 46:964–969

    Google Scholar 

  • Honnay O, Hermy M, Coppin P (1999) Effects of area, age and diversity of forest patches in Belgium on plant species richness, and implications for conservation and reforestation. Biol Conserv 87:73–84

    Google Scholar 

  • Humphrey JW, Watts K, Fuentes-Montemayor E, Macgregor N, Park KJ (2013) The evidence base for ecological networks: lessons from studies of woodland fragmentation and creation. Forest Research Report. Forest Research, Roslin, University of Stirling, Stirling, Natural England, London

  • Humphrey JW, Ray D, Brown T, Stone D, Watts K, Anderson ARA (2009) Using focal species modelling to evaluate the impact of land use change on forest and other habitat networks in western oceanic landscapes. Forestry 82:119–134

    Google Scholar 

  • Humphrey JW (2005) Benefits to biodiversity from developing old-growth conditions in British upland spruce plantations: a review and recommendations. Forestry 78:33–53

    Google Scholar 

  • Humphrey JW, Peace AJ, Jukes MR, Poulsom EL (2004) Multiple-scale factors affecting the development of biodiversity in UK plantations. In: Honnay O, Verheyen K, Bossuyt B, Hermy M (eds) Forest biodiversity: lessons from history for conservation, IUFRO Research Series 10. CABI Publishing, Wallingford, pp 143–162

    Google Scholar 

  • Humphrey JW, Davey S, Peace AJ, Ferris R, Harding K (2002) Lichens and bryophytes of planted and semi-natural forests in Britain: the influence of site type, stand structure and deadwood. Biol Conserv 107:165–180

    Google Scholar 

  • Humphrey JW, Newton AC, Peace AJ, Holden E (2000) The importance of conifer plantations in northern Britain as a habitat for native fungi. Biol Conserv 96:241–252

    Google Scholar 

  • Irmler U, Arp H, Notzold R (2010) Species richness of saproxylic beetles in woodlands is affected by dispersion ability of species, age and stand size. J Insect Conserv 14:227–235

    Google Scholar 

  • Jacquemyn H, Butaye J, Hermy M (2003) Influence of environmental and spatial variables on regional distribution of forest plant species in a fragmented and changing landscape. Ecography 26:768–776

    Google Scholar 

  • Jamoneau A, Sonnier G, Chabrerie O, Closset-Kopp D, Saguez R, Gallet-Moron E, Decocq G (2011) Drivers of plant species assemblages in forest patches among contrasted dynamic agricultural landscapes. J Ecol 99:1152–1161

    Google Scholar 

  • Kajtoch L, Zmihorski M, Bonczar Z (2012) Hazel grouse occurrence in fragmented forests: habitat quantity and configuration is more important than quality. Eur J For Res 13:1783–1795

    Google Scholar 

  • Kindlmann P, Burel F (2008) Connectivity measures: a review. Landscape Ecol 23:879–890

    Google Scholar 

  • Kleijn D, Sutherland WJ (2003) How effective are European agri-environment schemes in conserving and promoting biodiversity? J Appl Ecol 40:947–969

    Google Scholar 

  • Kolozsvary MB, Swihart RK (1999) Habitat fragmentation and the distribution of amphibians: patch and landscape correlates in farmland. Can J Zool 77:1288–1299

    Google Scholar 

  • Kupfer JA, Malanson GP, Franklin SB (2006) Not seeing the ocean for the islands: the mediating influence of matrix-based process on forest fragmentation effects. Glob Ecol Biogeogr 15:8–20

    Google Scholar 

  • Lawton JH, Brotherton PNM, Brown VK, Elphick C, Fitter AH, Forshaw J, Haddow RW, Hilborne S, Leafe RN, Mace GM, Southgate MP, Sutherland WJ, Tew TE, Varley J, Wynne GRD (2010) Making space for nature: a review of England’s wildlife sites and ecological network. Defra, London. http://archive.defra.gov.uk/environment/biodiversity/documents/201009space-for-nature.pdf. Accessed 8 April 2014

  • Lentini PE, Gibbons P, Carwardine J, Fischer J, Drielsma M, Martin TG (2013) Effect of planning for connectivity on linear reserve networks. Conserv Biol 27:796–807

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Legendre P, Legendre L (1998) Numerical ecology. Second English Edition. Developments in environmental modelling 20. Elsevier, Amsterdam

  • Liira J, Lohmus K, Tuisk E (2012) Old manor parks as potential habitats for forest flora in agricultural landscapes of Estonia. Biol Conserv 146:144–154

    Google Scholar 

  • Lindborg R, Helm A, Bommarco R, Heikkinen RK, Kuehn I, Pykala J, Paertel M (2012) Effect of habitat area and isolation on plant trait distribution in European forests and grasslands. Ecography 35:356–363

    Google Scholar 

  • Lindenmayer DB, Fischer J (2007) Tackling the habitat fragmentation panchreston. Trends Ecol Evol 22:127–132

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Löbel S, Snäll T, Rydin H (2006) Metapopulation processes in epiphytes inferred from patterns of regional distribution and local abundance in fragmented forest landscapes. J Ecol 94:856–868

    Google Scholar 

  • Lõhmus A, Lõhmus P (2008) First-generation forests are not necessarily worse than long-term managed forests for lichens and bryophytes. Restor Ecol 16:231–239

    Google Scholar 

  • Lõhmus A, Lõhmus P, Vellak K (2007) Substratum diversity explains landscape-scale co-variation in the species-richness of bryophytes and lichens. Biol Conserv 135:405–414

    Google Scholar 

  • Lorenzetti E, Battisti C (2006) Area as component of habitat fragmentation: corroborating its role in breeding bird communities and guilds of oak wood fragments in Central Italy. Rev Ecol 61:53–68

    Google Scholar 

  • Luque S, Pastur GM, Echeverria C, Pacha MJ (2011) Overview of biodiversity loss in South America: a landscape perspective for sustainable forest management and conservation in temperate forests. In: Li C, Lafortezza R, Chen J (eds) Landscape ecology in forest management and conservation: challenges and solutions for global change. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, pp 352–379

    Google Scholar 

  • MacArthur RH, Wilson EO (1967) The theory of island biogeography. Princeton, New Jersey

  • Margules C, Higgs AJ, Rafe RW (1982) Modern biogeographic theory: are there lessons for nature reserve design? Biol Conserv 24:115–128

    Google Scholar 

  • Marmor L, Torra T, Saag L, Randlane T (2011) Effects of forest continuity and tree age on epiphytic lichen biota in coniferous forests in Estonia. Ecol Ind 11:1270–1276

    Google Scholar 

  • Marsh ACW, Harris S (2000) Partitioning of woodland habitat resources by two sympatric species of Apodemus: lessons for the conservation of the yellow-necked mouse (A. flavicollis) in Britain. Biol Conserv 92:275–283

    Google Scholar 

  • Mason CF (2001) Woodland area, species turnover and the conservation of bird assemblages in lowland England. Biodivers Conserv 10:495–510

    Google Scholar 

  • Matthysen E (1999) Nuthatches (Sitta europaea: Aves) in forest fragments: demography of a patchy population. Oecologia 119:501–509

    Google Scholar 

  • McKenzie AJ, Emery SB, Franks JR, Whittingham MJ (2013) Landscape-scale conservation: collaborative agri-environment schemes could benefit both biodiversity and ecosystem services, but will farmers be willing to participate? J Appl Ecol 50:1274–1280

    Google Scholar 

  • McGarigal K, Cushman SA (2002) Comparative evaluation of experimental approaches to the study of habitat fragmentation effects. Ecol Appl 12:335–345

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore NP, Askew N, Bishop JD (2003) Small mammals in new farm woodlands. Mamm Rev 33:101–104

    Google Scholar 

  • Mortelliti A (2013) Targeting habitat management in fragmented landscapes: a case study with forest vertebrates. Biodivers Conserv 22:187–207

    Google Scholar 

  • Mortelliti A, Amori G, Boitani L (2010) The role of habitat quality in fragmented landscapes: a conceptual overview and prospectus for future research. Oecologia 163:535–547

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Murphy SE, Greenaway F, Hill DA (2012) Patterns of habitat use by female brown long-eared bats presage negative impacts of woodland conservation management. J Zool 288:177–183

    Google Scholar 

  • Newton AC, Hodder K, Cantarello E, Perrella L, Birch JC, Robins J, Douglas S, Moody C, Cordingley J (2012) Cost–benefit analysis of ecological networks assessed through spatial analysis of ecosystem services. J Appl Ecol 49:571–580

    Google Scholar 

  • Niemelä J (2001) The utility of movement corridors in forested landscapes. Scand J For Res (Suppl.) 3:70–78

    Google Scholar 

  • Nordén B, Appelqvist T (2001) Conceptual problems of ecological continuity and its bioindicators. Biodivers Conserv 10:779–791

    Google Scholar 

  • Nupp TE, Swihart RK (2000) Landscape-level correlates of small-mammal assemblages in forest fragments on farmland. J Mamm 81:512–526

    Google Scholar 

  • Oliver TH, Smithers RJ, Bailey S, Walmsley CA, Watts K (2012) A decision framework for considering climate change adaptation in biodiversity conservation planning. J Appl Ecol 49:1247–1255

    Google Scholar 

  • Opdam P, Steingrover E, van Rooij S (2006) Ecological networks: a spatial concept for multi-actor planning of sustainable landscapes. Landsc Urban Plan 75:322–332

    Google Scholar 

  • Ouin A, Sarthou JP, Bouyjou B, Deconchat M, Lacombe JP, Monteil C (2006) The species-area relationship in the hoverfly (Diptera, Syrphidae) communities of forest fragments in southern France. Ecography 29:183–190

    Google Scholar 

  • Paltto H, Nordén B, Götmark F, Franc N (2006) At which spatial and temporal scales does landscape context affect local density of red data book and indicator species? Biol Conserv 133:442–454

    Google Scholar 

  • Patterson JEH, Malcolm JR (2010) Landscape structure and local habitat characteristics as correlates of Glaucomys sabrinus and Tamiasciurus hudsonicus occurrence. J Mamm 91:642–653

    Google Scholar 

  • Pena L, Amezaga I, Onaindia M (2011) At which spatial scale are plant species composition and diversity affected in beech forests? Ann For Sci 68:1351–1362

    Google Scholar 

  • Peterken GF (1993) Woodland conservation and management. Chapman & Hall, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Petit S, Griffiths L, Smart SS, Smith GM, Stuart RC, Wright SM (2004) Effects of area and isolation of woodland patches on herbaceous plant species richness across Great Britain. Landscape Ecol 19:463–472

    Google Scholar 

  • Pickett STA, Thompson JN (1978) Patch dynamics and the design of nature reserves. Biol Conserv 13:27–36

    Google Scholar 

  • Pierik M, van Ruijven J, Bezemer TM, Berendse F (2010) Travelling to a former sea floor: colonization of forests by understorey plant species on land recently reclaimed from the sea. J Veg Sci 21:167–176

    Google Scholar 

  • Piha H, Luoto M, Merila J (2007) Amphibian occurrence is influenced by current and historic landscape characteristics. Ecol Appl 17:2298–2309

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Prevedello JA, Vieira MV (2010) Does the type of matrix matter? A quantitative review of the evidence. Biodivers Conserv 19:1205–1223

    Google Scholar 

  • Prugh LR, Hodges KE, Sinclair ARE, Brashares JS (2008) Effect of habitat area and isolation on fragmented animal populations. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 105:20770–20775

    CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Quine CP, Cahalan C, Hester AJ, Humphrey JW, Kirby KJ, Moffat A, Valatin G (2011) Woodlands. The UK National Ecosystem Assessment Technical Report. UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge

  • Redpath SM (1995) Habitat fragmentation and the individual - tawny owls Strix aluco in woodland patches. J Anim Ecol 64:652–661

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodriguez-Loinaz G, Amezaga I, Onaindia M (2012) Does forest fragmentation affect the same way all growth-forms? J Environ Manag 94:125–131

    Google Scholar 

  • Rukke BA, Midtgaard F (1998) The importance of scale and spatial variables for the fungivorous beetle Bolitophagus reticulatus (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae) in a fragmented forest landscape. Ecography 21:561–572

    Google Scholar 

  • Silva M, Hartling L, Opps SB (2005) Small mammals in agricultural landscapes of Prince Edward Island (Canada): effects of habitat characteristics at three different spatial scales. Biol Conserv 126:556–568

    Google Scholar 

  • Slade EM, Merckx T, Riutta T, Bebber DP, Redhead D, Riordan P, Macdonald DW (2013) Life-history traits and landscape characteristics predict macro-moth responses to forest fragmentation. Ecology 94:1519–1530

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sokal R, Michener C (1958) A statistical method for evaluating systematic relationships. Univ Kansas Sci Bull 38:1409–1438

    Google Scholar 

  • Summerville KS, Crist TO (2004) Contrasting effects of habitat quantity and quality on moth communities in fragmented landscapes. Ecography 27:3–12

    Google Scholar 

  • Stewart GB, Coles CF, Pullin AS (2005) Applying evidence-based practice in conservation management: lessons from the first systematic review and dissemination projects. Biol Conserv 126:270–278

    Google Scholar 

  • Swihart RK, Goheen JR, Schnelker SA, Rizkalla CE (2007) Testing the generality of patch and landscape-level predictors of tree squirrel occurrence at a regional scale. J Mamm 88:564–572

    Google Scholar 

  • Tworek S (2004) Factors affecting temporal dynamics of avian assemblages in a heterogeneous landscape. Acta Ornithol 39:155–163

    Google Scholar 

  • Tworek S (2002) Different bird strategies and their responses to habitat changes in an agricultural landscape. Ecol Res 17:339–359

    Google Scholar 

  • Usher MB, Keiller SWJ (1998) The macrolepidoptera of farm woodlands: determinants of diversity and community structure. Biodivers Conserv 7:725–748

    Google Scholar 

  • Usher MB, Field JP, Bedford SE (1993) Biogeography and diversity of ground-dwelling arthropods in farm woodlands. Biodivers Lett 1:54–62

    Google Scholar 

  • Usher MB, Brown AC, Bedford SE (1992) Plant-species richness in farm woodlands. Forestry 65:1–13

    Google Scholar 

  • Vanapeldoorn RC, Celada C, Nieuwenhuizen W (1994) Distribution and dynamics of the red squirrel (Sciurus-vulgaris L.) in a landscape with fragmented habitat. Landscape Ecol 9:227–235

    Google Scholar 

  • Vanhinsbergh D, Gough S, Fuller RJ, Brierley EDR (2002) Summer and winter bird communities in recently established farm woodlands in lowland England. Agric Ecosys Environ 92:123–136

    Google Scholar 

  • van Langevelde F (2000) Scale of habitat connectivity and colonization in fragmented nuthatch populations. Ecography 23:614–622

    Google Scholar 

  • Verboom B, Vanapeldoorn R (1990) Effects of habitat fragmentation on the red squirrel, Sciurus-vulgaris L. Landscape Ecol 4:171–176

    Google Scholar 

  • Verheyen K, Fastenaekels I, Vellend M, De Keersmaeker L, Hermy M (2006) Landscape factors and regional differences in recovery rates of herb layer richness in Flanders (Belgium). Landscape Ecol 21:1109–1118

    Google Scholar 

  • Verheyen K, Guntenspergen GR, Biesbrouck B, Hermy M (2003) An integrated analysis of the effects of past land use on forest herb colonization at the landscape scale. J Ecol 91:731–742

    Google Scholar 

  • Verheyen K, Hermy M (2001) The relative importance of dispersal limitation of vascular plants in secondary forest succession in Muizen forest, Belgium. J Ecol 89:829–840

    Google Scholar 

  • Virgos E, Garcia FJ (2002) Patch occupancy by stone martens Martes foina in fragmented landscapes of central Spain: the role of fragment size, isolation and habitat structure. Acta Oecol 23:231–237

    Google Scholar 

  • Vojta J, Drhovska L (2012) Are abandoned wooded pastures suitable refugia for forest species? J Veg Sci 23:880–891

    Google Scholar 

  • Vos C, Baveco H, Grashof-Bokdam CJ (2002) Corridors and species dispersal. In: Gutzwiller KJ (ed) Applying landscape ecology in biological conservation. Springer-Verlag, New York, pp 84–104

    Google Scholar 

  • Watts K, Eycott AE, Handley P, Ray D, Humphrey JW, Quine CP (2010) Targeting and evaluating biodiversity conservation action within fragmented landscapes: an approach based on generic focal species and least-cost networks. Landscape Ecol 25:1305–1318

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiens JA (2009) Landscape ecology as a foundation for sustainable conservation. Landscape Ecol 24:1053–1065

    Google Scholar 

  • Worboys GL, Francis WL, Lockwood M (eds) (2010) Connectivity conservation management: a global guide. Earthscan, London, UK

    Google Scholar 

  • Wulf M (2004) Plant species richness of afforestations with different former use and habitat continuity. For Ecol Manag 195:191–200

    Google Scholar 

  • Zapponi L, Del Bianco M, Luiselli L, Catorci A, Bologna MA (2013) Assessing environmental requirements effects on forest fragmentation sensitivity in two arboreal rodents. Mamm Biol 78:157–163

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Forest Research, the Forestry Commission (GB), Scottish Natural Heritage, Natural England and The University of Stirling for resourcing this review work.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Forest Research, c/o 13 Silverburn Drive, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 9AQ, UK

    Jonathan W. Humphrey

  2. Forest Research, Alice Holt Lodge, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LH, UK

    Kevin Watts

  3. Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK

    Elisa Fuentes-Montemayor & Kirsty J. Park

  4. Natural England, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR, UK

    Nicholas A. Macgregor

  5. Forest Research, Northern Research Station, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9SY, UK

    Andrew J. Peace

Authors
  1. Jonathan W. Humphrey
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Kevin Watts
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Elisa Fuentes-Montemayor
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Nicholas A. Macgregor
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Andrew J. Peace
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Kirsty J. Park
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jonathan W. Humphrey.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Humphrey, J.W., Watts, K., Fuentes-Montemayor, E. et al. What can studies of woodland fragmentation and creation tell us about ecological networks? A literature review and synthesis. Landscape Ecol 30, 21–50 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-014-0107-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-014-0107-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation