Distance and biodiversity

Distance paints mountains blue. Nearer and the plants and rocks show their colours. Too close and bump a leg or tear a garment. Or step on snake or scorpion!

What distances and obstacles preclude influence? It depends! The nature of the entities influenced, and the type of influence exerted determine much. Mountains, rivers and deserts, but also cities and highways play their role as constraints and opportunities in the landscapes varying around the globe. Animal movement patterns and migration ranges have been largely interfered with by human development and population growth.

Biodiversity issues such as seed dispersal, and pollinator deliveries come into play. Many factors contribute to isolated micro-ecologies. Maybe as many add the broad strokes of sweeping forces reaching widely, especially over time.

Gravity‑dispersed and ant‑dispersed seeds often move only a few meters per generation. A single ridge can be an effective barrier.

Wind‑dispersed seeds (or pollen) can leap valleys, but only as the topography allows. There may be micro‑wind patterns of eddies, updrafts, and lee‑side calm zones that trap seed and pollen or fling them far. 

Birds as dispersers and pollinators can cross the entire visible landscape in a single flight. They don’t move randomly, however, selecting perches that remain static, targeting fruiting hotspots that change seasonally, while always picking safe routes.

The countryside is guaranteed to remain intriguing if left to nature, as much as we can.