Abstract
In this paper, we present a framework for applying metapopulation principles to the design of landscapes that support production of bioenergy feedstocks and wildlife metapopulations. Working landscapes are characterized as having patches that support bioenergy production (BP) and patches that support wildlife production (WP), or both, within a matrix of other land-use types. Focusing on bird and amphibian species of concern, we review how spatial traits influence responses to bioenergy-production, including relative population growth in BP farms relative to WP habitat, area sensitivity, and survival during transit through the matrix surrounding WP habitat. We introduce the land-sparing vs. land-sharing strategies in the context of bioenergy production, and describe a contrast between the scales of spatial heterogeneity needed for birds and amphibians. For situations when land-sharing and design of multi-functional bioenergy landscapes is beneficial (i.e., does not produce ecological traps), we review beneficial farm-scale management practices. Thus far, spatial optimization studies suggest that adding biodiversity objectives result in concentration of bioenergy production into smaller areas, i.e., a land-sparing strategy. In part this may be because wildlife benefits of BP lands have been underestimated. Because landscapes are not static and farms are not always either sources or sinks, future designs should consider adding dynamics of management operations to address the spatio-temporal problem of designing landscapes to maximize sustainable production of both energy and wildlife.
