Edge Influence on Forest Structure and Composition in Fragmented Landscapes

Abstract: Although forest edges have been studied extensively as an important consequence of fragmentation, a unifying theory of edge influence has yet to be developed. Our objective was to take steps toward the development of such a theory by (1) synthesizing the current knowledge of patterns of forest structure and composition at anthropogenically created forest edges, (2) developing hypotheses about the magnitude and distance of edge influence that consider the ecological processes influencing these patterns, and (3) identifying needs for future research. We compiled data from 44 published studies on edge influence on forest structure and composition in boreal, temperate, and tropical forests. Abiotic and…

• UD
  U.S. Department of Agriculture
• HU
  Harvard University
• JF
  Joint Fire Science Program
• SF
  Svenska Forskningsrådet Formas
• UF
  U.S. Forest Service
• NS
  Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada