ABSTRACT Aims Evaluating the effects of road proximity on vegetation structure, diversity, and species composition is essential for effective biodiversity conservation strategies and ecosystem management. Location Global meta‐analysis. Methods This global meta‐analysis considered factors such as the plant species' range (native or non‐native), their life forms, the type of biome, and the characteristics of the surrounding landscape. Results Our meta‐analysis included 21 studies, covering 10 countries and three biome regions (tropical, temperate, and Mediterranean). Our results showed that, compared to plots farther from the road, roadside plots exhibited a 46% increase in non‐native species, a reduction in vegetation structure metrics (i.e., mean diameter, abundance, cover), and a shift in species composition, often dominated by ruderal or acquisitive species. Roads in areas with high anthropogenic pressure (i.e., urbanized regions or areas with agricultural crops) had a more significant effect on diversity than in low‐pressure areas, whereas greater changes in species composition and vegetation structure occurred in low pressure areas. Conclusions We emphasize the need to expand studies on the relationship between roads and vegetation. More detailed information is crucial for promoting conservation strategies and aiding decision‐making regarding the implementation and monitoring of road networks.
Furtado et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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