DIEP seminar by Monique de Jager
Solving the SLoSS debate: Scale-dependent effects of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity los
Should what is left of nature be contained in a Single Large or Several Small (SLoSS) areas? What would minimize the severe impact of habitat destruction on biodiversity loss is much debated, mainly because studies generally focus on different spatial and temporal scales.
Using a semi-spatially explicit, (near-)neutral, individual-based model, we investigate the effects of fragmentation on biodiversity loss at two spatial (landscape- versus subcommunity level) and two temporal scales (static versus dynamic effects). Our results show that the role of spatial configuration of habitat destruction depends on when and at what scale we measure biodiversity loss. When considering the more realistic assumption that species differ in dispersal capacity, differences between spatial configurations are amplified. Our results indicate that the spatial configuration of habitat loss needs to be considered when evaluating the risks of further habitat destruction.
If you wish to attend this seminar online, please send an email to c.h.s.hamster@uva.nl to receive the zoom-link.