Ecological networks

My interests:

There is little research that crosses beyond field-oriented and individual angles, but there is a growing understanding of the need to bridge different disciplines to model the real world. In fact, the characteristics of individual habitats for specific target species of birds, vertebrates or many tree species have been broadly studied by ecologists, and foresters, but little research look for models that explain socio-cultural aspects interconnected with ecological systems. Consequently, it is necessary the development of models on real world life that include human needs related to the use and enjoyment of natural landscapes. From the urban ecology point of view, the rapid change in land use from agricultural/forested to residential/commercial set negative effects on the environment. Air pollution, greater impervious areas, the increase in surface temperature, and the detriment and fragmentation of open green areas set an alarm about the limits of natural resources (Weiland 2002).
How could we assess the detriment of open green spaces? Scientists worldwide agree that models are the most efficient way to understand ecological and human processes. However, for the management of natural resources governments, communities, and planners need suitable predictions on landscape transformation that reflects landscape changes in a long term (Volk 2002; Raterman 2005).