WHAT THE EVIDENCE SAYS
Researchers used Omniscape circuit-theory connectivity surfaces for trees and home gardens and compared them with woody-plant and bird richness and diversity at 91 field sites. Connectivity dominated by exotic plantations was negatively associated with these biodiversity measures; home-garden connectivity was positively associated. The analysis supports gardens as complementary stepping stones.
WHY IT MATTERS / OUR READ
Counting additional trees can be a poor proxy for habitat that animals actually use. Landscape restoration should distinguish native-forest protection, planted-canopy extent and biodiversity-supporting matrix habitat.
CAVEATS / UNCERTAINTY
These are observational associations in one Rwandan region, not proof that creating any home garden will cause equivalent biodiversity gains. Gardens do not replace primary native forest or the habitat requirements of forest specialists.
SOURCE
Landscape Ecology — primary field and connectivity study
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