The matrix effect: how agricultural matrices shape forest fragment structure and amphibian composition

• DOI: 10.1111/jbi.12951
• Publication Date: 2017-02-12T11:36:45Z
• Authors: Lucas Ferrante; Fabricio Beggiato...; Eric Batista Ferr...; Maria Fernanda de...; Thays Santos; Rodrigo Cesário J...; Ariadne Angulo
• Keywords: Habitat Fragmentation; Fragmentation; Agricultural land

Abstract Aim Habitat loss and fragmentation are considered the main drivers of species population declines extinctions in world. The large‐scale replacement natural habitats with human‐modified habitats, such as forests agricultural livestock farming areas, creates a scenario where habitat patches immersed an inhospitable land use matrix. We sought to evaluate how forest fragments (FFs) influenced by different surrounding landscape components, we assessed matrices that differ structure seasonality affect FFs their amphibian assemblages. Location Atlantic Forest, Brazil. Methods Using diverse methods including satellite imagery, historical field data, evaluated effects representative on composition, richness abundance. Results Our results suggest individual abundance intimately linked type matrix its proportion around FFs. nature is more likely richness, composition assemblages than FF size, reducing species‐area relationship There strong support for hypothesis certain facilitate exposure elements decrease integrity within fragment, which reflected strict inhabitants. Those allow greater also appear favour occupation generalists. Main conclusions Surrounding dynamics remnants should therefore be management plans severely fragmented landscapes. influence urgently assessed, it has occurrences distribution. This especially relevant considering increasing deforestation rates biodiversity hotspots world‐wide.