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

2. 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

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

4. 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

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

6. Biodiversity and Distance: Paved Road

7. Biodiversity and Distance: Gravel Road

8. 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