Forest Edge Effects and Habitat Connectivity Maintaining Movement Patterns, Social Behavior, and Population Viability of Large Herbivores

Abstract

Edge effects have a considerable impact on the ecology and behavior of large herbivores through their
influence on microclimate conditions, resource availability, and accessibility. This paper explores how
the edge habitats affect population density, juvenile survival rates, and reproductive success among
deer, antelopes, and elephants in fragmented forests. The edge habitats have low population densities
(Deer: 12 versus 25 animals per km², Antelope: 8 versus 20, Elephant: 3 versus 7), and both juvenile
survival rates and reproductive success are less than in the core of the forest due to the level of stress
and resource availability. In addition, human disturbances caused by settlement, logging activities,
and vehicular movement aggravated the edge effects through disruption of the animals' mobility,
interactions, and feeding. Depending on their structure and composition, different edge types produce
different levels of disturbances, with gradual and heterogeneous edges being able to reduce some of
the disturbances in comparison with abrupt edges. The connectivity of functional habitats was one of
the important elements for population sustainability because of mobility, genetic exchange, and social
stability. The findings highlight the necessity of incorporating the corridor network approach, adaptive
management principles, and public involvement within conservation strategies. It is necessary to
conduct further studies examining edge effects on a species-by-species basis, as well as long-term
impacts on the ecological functioning of forest ecosystems that have undergone restoration efforts.