Landscape Ecology: A Helicopter View

Abstract

This article reviews some of the main areas of landscape ecology. It includes the ideas and views of authors to the knowledge and understanding of the interplay between spatial heterogeneity and ecological processes, both in terrestrial and aquatic habitats at their varying scales. Moreover, the ecological consequences of landscape disturbance and landscape fragmentation are reviewed. Man and fire are discussed as the main agents of alternation of the natural landscape both at local and global scales. Studies on landscape restoration and management that emphasize the integration of various stakeholders for effective landscape restoration and management for sustainable biodiversity and socioeconomic benefits to man are as well reviewed. This paper further highlights the integration of the innovative remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies in the generation and analyses of spatial data. The current integration of population genetics in landscape ecology is also visited in this review.