How Corridors Reduce Indigo Bunting Nest Success.

Journal Article · Tue Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 2006 · Conservation Biology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2006.00403.x· OSTI ID:889132

Abstract: Corridors are a popular strategy to conserve biodiversity and promote gene flow in fragmented landscapes. Corridor effectiveness has been bolstered by the fact that no empirical field studies have shown negative effects on populations or communities. I tested the hypothesis that corridors increase nest predation in connected habitat fragments relative to unconnected fragments. I evaluated this hypothesis in a large-scale experimental system of open-habitat fragments that varied in shape and connectivity. Corridors increased nest predation rates in connected fragments relative to unconnected fragments with lower edge:area ratios. Nest predation rates were similar between connected and unconnected fragments with higher edge:area ratios. These results suggest that the increase in predator activity is largely attributable to edge effects incurred through the addition of a corridor. This is the first field study to demonstrate that corridors can negatively impact animal populations occupying connected fragments.

• Research Organization: USDA Forest Service, Savannah River, New Ellenton, SC
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE - Office of Environmental Management (EM)
• DOE Contract Number: AI09-00SR22188
• OSTI ID: 889132
• Report Number(s): na; 06-08-P
• Journal Information: Conservation Biology, Journal Name: Conservation Biology Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 20
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
ANIMALS
COMMUNITIES
Connectivity
GENES
HABITAT
HYPOTHESIS
INDIGO
SHAPE
SPECIES DIVERSITY
edge effects
habitat fragmentation