Patch-, Landscape-, and Regional-Scale Effects on Biota

Modification of landscape mosaics by human activities is a critical issue in the conservation of biodiversity (Heywood and Watson 1995). Although the current focus on recovery of endangered species is necessary to prevent their extinction, a single species approach is impractical and impossible over the longer term (Noss et al. 1997). Conserving viable ecosystems and ecological integrity by maintaining both their structure and function (including appropriate change and disturbance regimes) across a hierarchy of spatial scales over time (Figure 5.1) is a more proactive and efficient approach than is creating habitat conditions specific to a single endangered species. In this context, “fine-filter” approaches for particular populations or species are mainly useful to monitor the efficiency of “coarse-filter” approaches for habitats and ecosystems.