Land Use Intensification around Nature Reserves in Mountains: Implications for Biodiversity

Abstract

Many mountain environments are experiencing increases in population density and are undergoing rapid intensification of human land uses, such as recreation, resource extraction, agriculture, and housing. One consequence of increasing human impact is the alteration of nature reserves, many of which are in mountain regions. While nature reserves are generally well-protected within their borders (Bruner et al. 2001), evidence is mounting that many reserves are nonetheless losing native biodiversity (Newmark 1987; 1995; 1996; Woodroffe and Ginsberg 1998; Brooks et al. 1999). A contributing factor is the conversion of surrounding habitats for agriculture, logging, settlements, and other human activities (Sala et al. 2000). We suggest that human land use activities outside the boundaries of reserves both affect and are affected by nature reserves, so that the true system boundaries span far outside the designated boundaries (Fig. 1). In this review, we examine the complex interactions among socioeconomic systems, land use, biophysical factors, and biodiversity within and around reserves and point out research needs.