Conceptual domain of the matrix in fragmented landscapes

• Published in: Trends in ecology & evolution (Amsterdam) Vol. 28; no. 10; pp. 605 - 613
• Main Authors: Driscoll, Don A., Banks, Sam C., Barton, Philip S., Lindenmayer, David B., Smith, Annabel L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Biodiversity; Biological and medical sciences; Conservation of Natural Resources - methods; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; Environment; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; landscapes; Models, Biological; temporal variation; Landscape
• ISSN: 0169-5347; 1872-8383
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2013.06.010

•We outline a new conceptual model of the role of the matrix in fragmented landscapes.•Our model combines interactions of three core effects and five modifying dimensions.•A mechanistic framework is described that enables better hypothesis design.•New priorities emerge to guide future research in fragmented landscapes. In extensively modified landscapes, how the matrix is managed determines many conservation outcomes. Recent publications revise popular conceptions of a homogeneous and static matrix, yet we still lack an adequate conceptual model of the matrix. Here, we identify three core effects that influence patch-dependent species, through impacts associated with movement and dispersal, resource availability, and the abiotic environment. These core effects are modified by five ‘dimensions’: spatial and temporal variation in matrix quality; spatial scale; temporal scale of matrix variation; and adaptation. The conceptual domain of the matrix, defined as three core effects and their interaction with these five dimensions, provides a much-needed framework to underpin management of fragmented landscapes and highlights new research priorities.