Conservation in human-modified landscapes

In the previous two chapters, we learn about the importance and difficulties of prioritizing areas for conservation (Chapter 11), and the management of endangered species in these habitats (Chapter 12). In this chapter, we discuss the challenges of conserving biodiversity in degraded and modified landscapes with a focus on the tropical terrestrial biome, which is undergoing rapid deforestation and habitat degradation (Chapter 4) and contains an untold diversity of rare and endemic species that are in urgent need of conservation attention. We first highlight the extent to which human activities have modified natural ecosystems, and how these changes are fundamental in defining ongoing conservation efforts around the world. We then outline opportunities for conserving biodiversity within the dominant types of human land-use, including logged forests, agroforestry systems, monoculture plantations, agricultural lands, urban areas, and regenerating land. We also highlight the highly dynamic nature of modified landscapes and the need to recognize important human development benefits that can be derived from conservation action in these areas.