Assessing the impact of human trampling on vegetation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental evidence.

ABSTRACT: Vegetation trampling resulting from recreation can adversely impact natural habitats, leading to the loss of vegetation and the degradation of plant communities. A considerable primary literature exists on this topic, therefore it is important to assess whether this accumulated evidence can be used to reach general conclusions concerning vegetation vulnerability to inform conservation management decisions. Experimental trampling studies on a global scale were retrieved using a systematic review methodology and synthesised using random effects meta-analysis. The relationships between vegetation recovery and each of initial vegetation resistance, trampling intensity, time for recovery, Raunkiaer life-form (perennating bud position), and habitat were tested using random effects multiple meta-

SUBMITTER: Pescott OL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4017817 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature