Habitat heterogeneity at the landscape scale (compositional and configurational heterogeneity) has a positive relationship with many taxa (Maskell et al. 2019, Honnay 2003). Spatial variation in habitats can maintain distinct communities by increasing beta-diversity within landscapes (Deane et al. 2020, Veech and Crist 2007) (see Species diversity for explanation of beta diversity).
Different species groups respond to landscape diversity metrics at different scales. For example, landscape diversity at the c.250 m scale best explains diversity pattern in butterflies and birds (Krauss et al. 2003, Morelli et al. 2013). Different arthropod groups respond to landscape diversity metrics at different scales, with many groups showing dispersal 100s of metres from their focal habitat (Dangerfield 2003). However, some beetle groups respond to habitat heterogeneity at 25 m scales (Dangerfield 2003). Within habitat heterogeneity is captured in the metric Vegetation structure.
Habitats can be mapped using UK Habitats Classification (UKHab)
There are many other metrics (Haines-Young and Chopping 1996, Nagendra and Gadgil 1999, Magurran 2004) under the umbrella of landscape diversity that can be calculated e.g.:
An increase in Simpson’s diversity index indicates an increase in landscape diversity.
The desired landscape diversity will depend on the project aims – heterogeneous mosaics vs aims to restore, create or manage a specific habitat type.
Landscape diversity can be measured alongside Habitat area and Patch size distribution to capture the need for large patches of core habitat alongside diversity.