Trends in studies of edge influence on vegetation at human-created and natural forest edges across time and space.
Abstract:
Forest edges, delineating adjacent ecosystems, hold vital ecological significance. Both human-induced and natural forest edges influence vegetation dynamics, contributing to landscape diversity. The recent surge in studies spotlighting edge vegetation warrants a comprehensive global overview. Our review surveys forest edge literature, spotlighting temporal trends, edge types and locales, and comparative insights on edge influence. A synthesis of 446 studies across 55 nations delves into vegetation's structural and compositional responses to edge impact. Research emphasis on anthropogenic edges has broadened geographically, yet knowledge gaps remain, notably in natural edge contexts. Forest edges exhibit heightened species diversity and nonnative species prevalence in contrast to interior forests. Edge influence, most pronounced in tropical anthropogenic edges, showcases varying impacts on vegetation structure and indirect effects within forests. Our findings underscore distinctive vegetation characteristics contingent upon edge and forest types, pivotal for sustainable management of diverse wooded landscapes.
Authors: Caroline M.A. Franklin, Karen A. Harper, Madeline J. Clarke
Publication Date: 17 November 2020
DOI: cjfr-2020-0308
Forest edges, delineating adjacent ecosystems, hold vital ecological significance. Both human-induced and natural forest edges influence vegetation dynamics, contributing to landscape diversity. The recent surge in studies spotlighting edge vegetation warrants a comprehensive global overview. Our review surveys forest edge literature, spotlighting temporal trends, edge types and locales, and comparative insights on edge influence. A synthesis of 446 studies across 55 nations delves into vegetation's structural and compositional responses to edge impact. Research emphasis on anthropogenic edges has broadened geographically, yet knowledge gaps remain, notably in natural edge contexts. Forest edges exhibit heightened species diversity and nonnative species prevalence in contrast to interior forests. Edge influence, most pronounced in tropical anthropogenic edges, showcases varying impacts on vegetation structure and indirect effects within forests. Our findings underscore distinctive vegetation characteristics contingent upon edge and forest types, pivotal for sustainable management of diverse wooded landscapes.
Authors: Caroline M.A. Franklin, Karen A. Harper, Madeline J. Clarke
Publication Date: 17 November 2020
DOI: cjfr-2020-0308