What are the effects of land use change on biodiversity and ecosystems?
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Effects of Land Use Change on Biodiversity and Ecosystems
Global Biodiversity Decline Due to Land Use Change
Human activities, particularly the conversion and degradation of habitats, are driving significant declines in global biodiversity. Local ecological assemblages are experiencing substantial reductions in species richness and abundance due to these pressures. In the most affected habitats, species richness within samples has decreased by an average of 76.5%, total abundance by 39.5%, and rarefaction-based richness by 40.3%1. These changes are not uniform across the globe, with economically poorer but biodiverse countries facing the most severe losses. Without strong mitigation efforts, further declines are projected, with within-sample richness expected to fall by an additional 3.4% globally by 21001.
Impact on Ecosystem Multifunctionality
Land use intensification significantly alters ecosystem multifunctionality by causing biodiversity loss and changes in functional composition. In agricultural grasslands, indirect effects of land use, mediated by biodiversity loss and shifts towards fast-growing plant species, are as impactful as direct effects. These changes vary with land-use objectives and regional contexts, with biodiversity loss being particularly damaging when supporting and cultural services are prioritized2.
Homogenization of Terrestrial Biodiversity
Land use and climate change are leading to the homogenization of terrestrial biodiversity, which has profound consequences for ecosystem functioning and human well-being. The combined effects of these pressures are more significant than their individual impacts, leading to uneven biodiversity changes across different regions and species. This homogenization results in the loss of unique species and the dominance of widespread species, which can negatively affect ecosystem functions and services3 10.
Economic and Population Growth Driving Biodiversity Loss
The increasing demand for agricultural and forestry products due to population and economic growth is exacerbating biodiversity and ecosystem service losses. From 2000 to 2011, global impacts on bird diversity and carbon sequestration increased, driven by international trade and consumption in affluent regions. Cattle farming and oil seed production are major drivers of biodiversity loss, while forestry activities significantly impact carbon sequestration4.
Combined Effects of Climate and Land Use Change
The combined effects of climate and land use change are predicted to cause substantial biodiversity losses, particularly in tropical grasslands and savannahs. By 2070, climate change is expected to match or exceed the impacts of land use change, leading to an average cumulative loss of 37.9% of species from vertebrate communities under a business-as-usual scenario5. These combined pressures necessitate integrated conservation strategies to mitigate their impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
Regional Variations in Biodiversity Responses
The effects of land use on biodiversity vary significantly across different ecosystems. In drylands, disturbed land uses result in a strong turnover in species composition compared to undisturbed habitats, although other biodiversity measures show less significant responses. Mediterranean environments, however, exhibit high sensitivity to land use changes, with even recovering habitats showing reduced biodiversity compared to primary vegetation. Conservation efforts in these regions should prioritize the preservation of remaining primary vegetation to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem functions8.
Conclusion
Land use change is a major driver of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation globally. The impacts are complex and vary across regions and ecosystems, with significant consequences for ecosystem multifunctionality and human well-being. Addressing these challenges requires integrated approaches that consider both direct and indirect effects of land use, as well as the combined impacts of climate change. Conservation strategies must prioritize the preservation of primary habitats and promote sustainable land use practices to mitigate biodiversity losses and support ecosystem services.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Global effects of land use on local terrestrial biodiversity
Land use pressures globally have already reduced local biodiversity by 13.6%, 10.7%, and 8.1%, with further losses projected to accelerate by 2100.
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedLand use intensification alters ecosystem multifunctionality via loss of biodiversity and changes to functional composition
Land-use intensification alters ecosystem multifunctionality through biodiversity loss and changes to functional composition, with indirect effects being as strong as direct effects, depending on land-use objectives and regional context.
Highly CitedClimate and land-use change homogenise terrestrial biodiversity, with consequences for ecosystem functioning and human well-being.
Climate and land-use change are homogenizing terrestrial biodiversity, leading to negative consequences for ecosystem functioning and human well-being.
Literature ReviewIncreasing impacts of land-use on biodiversity and carbon-sequestration driven by population and economic growth
Land-use impacts on bird biodiversity and carbon sequestration have increased globally from 2000 to 2011, with cattle farming being the major driver of biodiversity loss.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalHighly CitedFuture effects of climate and land-use change on terrestrial vertebrate community diversity under different scenarios
Climate change and land-use change combined are predicted to lead to an average cumulative loss of 37.9% of species from terrestrial vertebrate communities by 2070, with significant impacts in tropical grasslands and savannahs.
Highly CitedThe Impact of Land-Use Change on Ecosystem Services, Biodiversity and Returns to Landowners: A Case Study in the State of Minnesota
Land-use change in Minnesota leads to higher private returns for landowners but lower net social benefits due to negative impacts on stored carbon, water quality, and biodiversity.
Highly CitedExploring interaction effects from mechanisms between climate and land-use changes and the projected consequences on biodiversity
Climate change and land-use changes interact, affecting biodiversity, and understanding these interactions can help predict future trends and develop conservation strategies.
Meta-AnalysisAssessing the effects of land use on biodiversity in the world’s drylands and Mediterranean environments
Land use impacts biodiversity differently in drylands and Mediterranean ecosystems, with primary vegetation being crucial for maintaining original biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
Land use and biodiversity relationships
Land use and biodiversity relationships are complex and context-dependent, with economic and social drivers driving changes in land use and management practices.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedWidespread winners and narrow-ranged losers: Land use homogenizes biodiversity in local assemblages worldwide
Human land use homogenizes local assemblage composition, reducing abundances of narrow-ranged species and increasing widespread species, impacting biodiversity conservation and ecosystem functioning.
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