The Interior-to-Edge Breakpoint Distance as a Guideline for Nature Conservation Policy |
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Authors: | JAN BOGAERT DAVID SALVADOR-VAN EYSENRODE IVAN IMPENS PIET VAN HECKE |
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Institution: | (1) University of Antwerp (UIA), Biology Department, Research Group of Plant and Vegetation Ecology, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium, BE |
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Abstract: | A method is proposed to quantify disturbance impact on isolated habitats. For every landscape patch, the breakpoint distance,
defined as the penetration distance for which equality of interior and edge habitat is observed, can be calculated. Disturbance
with equal impact at all patch sides is assumed. Effects of patch compactness, size, convolution, and perforation are discussed.
The potential use of the measure for nature reserve design is discussed. The breakpoint distance follows the reserve design
guidelines for individual patches, based on island biogeography and is consistent with the form and function principle. A
large breakpoint distance is preferred for natural habitats. Small size, small compactness, intense convolution, and the occurrence
of many gaps depress the breakpoint distance. |
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Keywords: | : Disturbance penetration distance Fragmentation Interior-to-edge ratio Nature reserve design Patch |
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