Solving the SLoSS debate: Scale-dependent effects of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity loss

Abstract

Should what is left of nature be contained in a Single Large or Several Small (SLoSS) areas? This question of what would minimize the impact severity of habitat destruction on biodiversity loss is much debated, mainly because studies generally focus on different spatial and temporal scales. Using a semi-spatially explicit, (near-)neutral, individual-based model, we investigate the effects of fragmentation on biodiversity loss at two spatial (landscape-versus subcommunity level) and two temporal scales (static versus dynamic effects). Our results show that the role of spatial configuration of habitat destruction depends on when and at what scale we measure biodiversity loss. When considering the more realistic assumption that species differ in dispersal capacity, differences between spatial configurations are likely to be amplified. Our results indicate that the spatial configuration of habitat loss needs to be considered when evaluating the risks of further habitat destruction.