[en] The problematique of anthropogenic disturbance on African landscapes is studied within the double framework of DPSIR (Drivers Pressures States Impact Response) and Pattern/Process Paradygm (Landscape Ecology). 20 landscae images from D.R. Congo, Ivory Coast and Benin were studied using indexes of spatial (compositional and configurational) heterogeneity and anthropogenic disturbance in order to highlight the relationship between spatial structure and disturbance intensity. The results show maximal heterogeneity at intermediate anthropogenic disturbances and fasten the triangular relationship between anthropogenic effect, biodiversity and spatial heterogeneity, that had been partially theoretised with the intermidiate disturbance and habitat heterogeneity hypotheses.
Research Center/Unit :
Université Libre de Bruxelles; Gembloux Agro-Bio-Tech (ULiège)
Disciplines :
Life sciences: Multidisciplinary, general & others Environmental sciences & ecology Agriculture & agronomy
Author, co-author :
Vranken, Isabelle ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Forêts, Nature et Paysage > Biodiversité et Paysage
Language :
English
Title :
Anthropogenic effects on African Landscapes: Spatial Structure, Typologies, Ecological Impact
Alternative titles :
[fr] Anthropisation des paysages d'Afrique: structure spatiale, typologies, impact écologique
Publication date :
February 2014
Number of pages :
A0
Event name :
National Symposium on Applied Biological Sciences
Event organizer :
KUL, UCL, Universiteit Antwerpen, ULg, Ugent, ULB, Belspo, FNRS, Vlaamse Overheid, Richting Morgen, Vlaanderen in Actie, Capital Croissance
