Roads as Conduits for Exotic Plant Invasions in a Semiarid Landscape
Gelbard JL and Belnap J. 2003. Roads as Conduits for Exotic Plant Invasions in a Semiarid Landscape. Conservation Biology. 17(2):420-432
In this study the authors examined the effect of road improvement and environmental variables on exotic and native plant diversity in roadside verges and adjacent semiarid grassland, shrubland, and woodland communities of southern Utah. Species richness and species cover were measured along roadsides and in adjacent communities 50 meters interior from road edges. A total of 42 roads were surveyed and classified as paved, improved surface, graded and four wheel drive track. The cover and diversity of exotic species was significantly greater along the verges of paved and improved roads than four-wheel drive tracks. Cover and diversity of exotic species was also greater in the communities interior to the paved and improved roads. The authors conclude that as roads are improved from four-wheel drive tracks to paved roads, the verges adjacent to the roads become wider and cover of exotic species increases. With each level of road improvement more natural habitat is converted to roadside habitat. The study was conducted in June and July of 1998.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Gelbard, Jonathan; Belnap, Jayne
- Units
- MOJA
- Keywords
- Bromus tectorum, Disturbance, Downy brome, Exotics forbs, poaceae, species cover, Species Richness, Topography, Vascular Plant