Long-term colonisation of fauna in reclaimed land

Abstract

The purpose of this Chapter is to explore the likely long-term patterns of fauna colonization in rehabilitated land. Inevitably, it must also consider the early stages of fauna colonization. It draws upon the results of published studies and, due to the paucity of these, is augmented by extrapolation from current ecological theory. Since the third phase of bond release in North American coal mines may not be considered until 5 or 10 years after seeding (where annual precipitation is > 66 or < 66 cm respectively), long-term is here taken to mean longer than the 5-10 year period. This definition will vary according to climate and other circumstances at the site which is under consideration.