A call for applying trophic structure in ecological restoration. Issue 5 (11th May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fraser, Lauchlan H.; Harrower, William L.; Garris, Heath W.; Davidson, Scott; Hebert, Paul D. N.; Howie, Rick; Moody, Anne; Polster, David; Schmitz, Oswald J.; Sinclair, Anthony R. E.; Starzomski, Brian M.; Sullivan, Thomas P.; Turkington, Roy; Wilson, Dennis
• Is Part Of: Restoration ecology. Volume 23:Issue 5(2015:Sep.)
• Page Start: 503
• Page End: 507
• Publication Date: 2015-05-11
• Subjects: ecological restoration -- ecosystem reclamation -- food web theory -- industrial disturbance -- trophic cascade; Restoration ecology -- Periodicals; Reclamation of land -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; 333.7153
• DOI: 10.1111/rec.12225
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1061-2971

Abstract

Abstract : Ecological restoration projects have traditionally focused on vegetation as both a means (seeding, planting, and substrate amendments) and ends (success based upon primary productivity and vegetation diversity). This vegetation‐centric approach to ecological restoration stems from an historic emphasis on esthetics and cost but provides a limited measure of total ecosystem functioning and overlooks alternative ways to achieve current and future restoration targets. We advocate a shift to planning beyond the plant community and toward the physical and biological components necessary to initiate autogenic recovery, then guiding this process through the timely introduction of top predators and environmental modifications such as soil amendments and physical structures for animal nesting and refugia.