How forest marsupials are affected by habitat degradation and fragmentation? A meta-analysis

Francisco E. Fontúrbel, Alina B. Candia, Daniela A. Salazar, Javiera Malebrán, Catalina González-Browne, Carezza Botto-Mahan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Habitat fragmentation and degradation are important biodiversity change drivers worldwide. Their effects have been described for many animal groups, but little is known about marsupials. We conducted a meta-analysis aiming to evaluate the actual effects of habitat fragmentation and degradation on forest marsupials. From a literature survey, we obtained 85 case studies reporting disturbance comparisons. We found a negative overall effect, as well as a negative effect for habitat fragmentation, but not for habitat degradation. Marsupials from Oceania were negatively affected by habitat disturbance, whereas there was no effect for those from South America. Arboreal marsupials were negatively affected, whereas terrestrial marsupials did not. Species from the families Dasyuridae (Antechinus spp.) and Microbiotheriidae (Dromiciops gliroides) showed to be sensitive to habitat disturbance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)599-602
Number of pages4
JournalNaturwissenschaften
Volume101
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Arboreal marsupials
  • Australia
  • Conservation priority
  • South America

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