Hidden collapse is driven by fire and logging in a socioecological forest ecosystem.

ABSTRACT: Increasing numbers of ecosystems globally are at risk of collapse. However, most descriptions of terrestrial ecosystem collapse are post hoc with few empirically based examples of ecosystems in the process of collapse. This limits learning about collapse and impedes development of effective early-warning indicators. Based on multidecadal and multifaceted monitoring, we present evidence that the Australian mainland Mountain Ash ecosystem is collapsing. Collapse is indicated by marked changes in ecosystem condition, particularly the rapid decline in populations of keystone ecosystem structures. There also has been significant decline in biodiversity strongly associated with these structures and disruptions of key ecosystem processes. In documenting the decline of the Mountain Ash ecosystem,

SUBMITTER: Lindenmayer DB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5960307 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature