Nature in Fragments: The Legacy of Sprawl

Sprawl creates and contributes to habitat loss, fragmentation, pollution, and a host of other environmental problems. This new collection focuses on the impact of sprawl on biodiversity and the measures that can be taken to alleviate it. With contributions from leading biological and social scientists, conservationists, and land-use professionals, Nature in Fragments examines the genesis of sprawl, its effect on species, and the ways in which it alters natural communities, ecosystems, and natural processes. Issues discussed include the impact of sprawl on freshwater ecosystems, the economics of biodiversity in urbanizing landscapes, building public awareness of the impact of sprawl, conserving biodiversity through better-informed planning, and assessing the effectiveness of conservation efforts.

The contributors illustrate the need to more comprehensively integrate biodiversity issues, concerns, and needs into the growing number of antisprawl initiatives, including the smart growth and new urbanist movements. By combining scientific and public-policy discussions, this collection enriches the efforts of those working to create more sustainable human environments.