title: Conceptual domain of the matrix in fragmented landscapes.
abstract: In extensively modified landscapes, how the matrix is managed determines many conservation outcomes. Recent publications revise popular conceptions of a homogeneous and static matrix, yet we still lack an adequate conceptual model of the matrix. Here, we identify three core effects that influence patch-dependent species, through impacts associated with movement and dispersal, resource availability, and the abiotic environment. These core effects are modified by five 'dimensions': spatial and temporal variation in matrix quality; spatial scale; temporal scale of matrix variation; and adaptation. The conceptual domain of the matrix, defined as three core effects and their interaction with these five dimensions, provides a much-needed framework to underpin management of fragmented landscapes and highlights new research priorities.
authors.affiliation: ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, the National Environmental Research Program Environmental Decisions Hub, Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia. Electronic address: don.driscoll@anu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Don A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Driscoll
authors.forename: Sam C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Banks
authors.forename: Philip S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Barton
authors.forename: David B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Lindenmayer
authors.forename: Annabel L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D044822:Biodiversity; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D004777:Environment; D008954:Models, Biological