Effects of habitat edges on vegetation structure and the vulnerable golden-brown mouse lemur (Microcebus ravelobensis) in northwestern Madagascar

Abstract

Background Edge effects can influence species composition and community structure as a result of changes in microenvironment and edaphic variables. We investigated effects of habitat edges on vegetation structure, abundance and body mass of one vulnerable Microcebus species in northwestern Madagascar. We trapped mouse lemurs along four 1000-m transects (total of 2424 trap nights) that ran perpendicular to the forest edge. We installed 16 pairs of 20 m2 vegetation plots along each transect and measured nine vegetation parameters. To determine the responses of the vegetation and animals to an increasing distance to the edge, we tested the fit of four alternative mathematical functions (linear, power, logistic and unimodal) to the data and derived the depth of edge influence (DEI) for all parameters. Results Logistic and unimodal functions best explained edge responses of vegetation parameters, and the logistic function performed best for abundance and body mass of M. ravelobensis. The DEI varied between 50 m (no. of seedlings, no. of liana, dbh of large trees [dbh ≥ 10 cm]) and 460 m (tree height of large trees) for the vegetation parameters, whereas it was 340 m for M. ravelobensis abundance and 390 m for body mass, corresponding best to the DEI of small tree [dbh < 10 cm] density (360 m). Small trees were significantly taller and the density of seedlings was higher in the interior than in the edge habitat. However, there was no significant difference in M. ravelobensis abundance and body mass between interior and edge habitats, suggesting that M. ravelobensis did not show a strong edge response in the study region. Finally, regression analyses revealed three negative (species abundance and three vegetation parameters) and two positive relationships (body mass and two vegetation parameters), suggesting an impact of vegetation structure on M. ravelobensis which may be partly independent of edge effects. Conclusions A comparison of our results with previous findings reveals that edge effects are variable in space in a small nocturnal primate from Madagascar. Such an ecological plasticity could be extremely relevant for mitigating species responses to habitat loss and anthropogenic disturbances.

Analysis Of The Edge Effect On Bird And Primate Distribution In The Ecological Corridor Habitat Of Mount Halimun Salak National Park (TNGHS)

“…Comparison with the results of previous studies, revealed that edge effects can vary on the type of edge habitat space adequacy by primate populations. Such ecological change capacity could be particularly relevant for reducing species responses to habitat loss and anthropogenic disturbance (Andriatsitohaina et al, 2020). In Javan Gibbon populations there tends to be an edge effect because the http://eduvest.greenvest.co.id habitat has been fragmented and the edge effect has increased.…”

Faunal Diversity and the Ecological Aspects of a Community-Based Fragmented Lowland Rainforest Patch in Western Province, Sri Lanka

“…As forests are broken into smaller, isolated patches, the boundaries between these fragments become critical zones of change. These edges often exhibit altered microclimates, increased vulnerability to predation, and disruptions in habitat structure (Andriatsitohaina et al, 2020). Some species may thrive in these edge habitats, while others struggle to adapt.…”

“…The overall result is a complex interplay of species shifts, reduced genetic diversity, and potential declines in animal populations. To conserve and enhance faunal diversity in fragmented landscapes, it is essential to understand and mitigate these edge effects through thoughtful conservation planning and habitat management strategies (Andriatsitohaina et al, 2020). In the study of WRR, edge effects were particularly pronounced, revealing how herpetofauna diversity suffered along the forest edges.…”

Differentiating spillover: an examination of cross-habitat movement in ecology

“…Many species are attracted to edge environments that have complementary resources provided by different habitats or the occurrence of rare resources from either habitat [ 37 , 38 ]. For instance, lemurs may reside near or move to forest edges to opportunistically use plant resources [ 39 ]. Variability in resources is a primary reason why richness is often higher along the edges of fragmented habitats (e.g.…”