Reconciliation ecology

A simple form of reconciliation ecology: the construction of nest boxes increases densities of bluebirds in areas where natural tree cavities are scarce due to short-rotation forestry.[1]

Reconciliation ecology is the branch of ecology which studies ways to encourage biodiversity in the human-dominated ecosystems of the anthropocene era. Michael Rosenzweig first articulated the concept in his book Win-Win Ecology,[2] based on the theory that there is not enough area for all of earth's biodiversity to be saved within designated nature preserves. Therefore, humans should increase biodiversity in human-dominated landscapes. By managing for biodiversity in ways that do not decrease human utility of the system, it is a "win-win" situation for both human use and native biodiversity. The science is based in the ecological foundation of human land-use trends and species-area relationships. It has many benefits beyond protection of biodiversity, and there are numerous examples of it around the globe. Aspects of reconciliation ecology can already be found in management legislation, but there are challenges in both public acceptance and ecological success of reconciliation attempts.

  1. ^ Twedt, D.J.; Henne-Kerr, J.L. (2001). "Artificial cavities enhance breeding bird densities in managed cottonwood forests". Wildlife Society Bulletin. 29: 680–687.
  2. ^ Rosenzweig, Michael (2003). Win-win Ecology, How the Earth's species can survive in the midst of human enterprise. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

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