Species Biodiversity Effects of Road Development on Habitat Fragmentation Saguaro National Forest SEE-U 2000 B2C

Background Human development and expansion fragments habitats Edge effects and population isolation endanger endemic species Land clearing and habitat fragmentation are major threats to biodiversity Road development results in increases human impact and abiotic factors

Hypothesis Does distance from road influence arthropod diversity? Does the presence of roads reduce arthropod biodiversity?

Field Methods Two treatments: paved road & gravel road Seven 50m transects total (3 in treatment 1, 4 in treatment 2) Each transect sampled at 2m, 6m, 12m, and 50m from the road Nearest lateral Creosote Bush to sample point was shaken and pummeled Felled arthropods and others were aspirated into vials

Lab Methods Arthropods from each vial were counted Each species was given a distinct description and cataloged according to Order

Biodiversity and Distance: Paved Road

Biodiversity and Distance: Gravel Road

Conclusion Endemic species diversity decreases as as proximity to road increases Gravel roads have more edge effects than paved, but less impact on biodiversity Paved roads have less edge effects, but impact biodiversity further into areas of endemicity Biodiversity near paved road appears greater, however it includes invasive species