Is a Single Large Patch or Several Small Patches more Important in Strategies for Conservation of Plant Species Richness in Urban Fragmented Woodlots?

Abstract

The present study was performed to determine whether a single large or several small (SLOSS) forest fragments contain greater numbers of plant species in urban areas. We calculated the cumulative numbers of plant species and total area of 1-5 patch combinations in 22 fragmented forest patches in the Kyoto City area. The number of plant species in several (2-5) small patches tended to be greater than that in single large patches. Combinations of several patches containing more plants had longer perimeters, shorter isolation distances from mountain forests, or more micro landform types. Therefore, in an urban plant conservation strategy, small patches should be created, and such distributions should take into consideration landscape elements, such as perimeter, isolation, and internal habitat diversity.