Next, we examine a predictive model of edge responses and show how it can explain much of the variation reported in the literature.

We present a conceptual framework that identifies the pathways through which these four mechanisms can influence distributions, ultimately leading to new ecological communities near habitat edges. In this review, we identify four fundamental mechanisms that cause edge responses: ecological flows, access to spatially separated resources, resource mapping, and species interactions. However, making sense of the diverse patterns and extensive variability reported in the literature has been difficult because there has been no unifying conceptual framework to guide research. Finally, we suggest that, despite all the research in this area, the development of tools to extrapolate edge responses to landscapes has been slow, restricting our ability to use this information for conservation and management.Ībstract = 'Edge effects have been studied for decades because they are a key component to understanding how landscape structure influences habitat quality. We then show how remaining variability may be understood within our conceptual frameworks. When edge responses are variable for the same species at the same edge type, observed responses are rarely in opposite directions. Using this model, we show that, when observed, edge responses are largely predictable and consistent. Edge effects have been studied for decades because they are a key component to understanding how landscape structure influences habitat quality.

Ecotone edge effects landscape