A meta‐analysis of shrub density as a predictor of animal abundance

Abstract

Facilitative interactions between shrub and animal species influence the structure and composition of communities. The benefits associated with woody shrub species can critically influence local animal populations, in particular. Here, we tested the relative importance of the density of shrub species on the local abundance of animal populations using a meta‐analysis. Full‐text review for shrub density, animal abundance or density and sampling effort, resulted in a total of 113 independent observations that reported both shrub density and animal abundance. A meta‐regression of shrub density on animal density with feeding functional group of the animal species as a moderator was used to test the predictive capacity of this simple vegetation measure on animal populations. Shrub density positively predicted animal abundance in these studies – particularly in deserts and grasslands. Shrub and woody plant density can thus be used as a potential rapid proxy for habitat in predicting local animal abundances. This method can support restoration and conservation of resident animal species in impacted ecosystems structured by woody shrubs globally.