Landscape connectivity and biological corridors

Natural habitats in the tropics are being converted to agricultural land faster than in any other biome (Whitmore 1997). The results of such rapid clearing will be apparent in the next few decades, when most of the remaining tropical forest will occur as isolated remnants (Myers 1984). The type of habitat that surrounds these remnants may play a crucial role in their conservation. Adjoining habitats that are more similar to the remnants in terms of structure and floristic composition (e.g., agroforestry lands rather than pasture or open crop fields) will be the most beneficial to the long-term preservation of biodiversity. In addition to supporting native species of plants and animals, agroforestry areas may contribute to the conservation of biodiversity