Species Biodiversity

1
Species Biodiversity

• Effects of Road Development on Habitat
  Fragmentation
• Saguaro National Forest
• SEE-U 2000 B2C

2
Background

• Human development and expansion fragments
  habitats
• Edge effects and population isolation endanger
  endemic species
• Land clearing and habitat fragmentation are major
  threats to biodiversity
• Road development results in increases human
  impact and abiotic factors

3
Hypothesis

• Does distance from road influence arthropod
  diversity?
• Does the presence of roads reduce arthropod
  biodiversity?

4
Field Methods

• Two treatments paved road gravel road
• Seven 50m transects total (3 in treatment 1, 4 in
  treatment 2)
• Each transect sampled at 2m, 6m, 12m, and 50m
  from the road
• Nearest lateral Creosote Bush to sample point was
  shaken and pummeled
• Felled arthropods and others were aspirated into
  vials

5
Lab Methods

• Arthropods from each vial were counted
• Each species was given a distinct description and
  cataloged according to Order

6
Biodiversity and Distance Paved Road
7
Biodiversity and DistanceGravel Road
8
Conclusion

• Endemic species diversity decreases as as
  proximity to road increases
• Gravel roads have more edge effects than paved,
  but less impact on biodiversity
• Paved roads have less edge effects, but impact
  biodiversity further into areas of endemicity
• Biodiversity near paved road appears greater,
  however it includes invasive species