ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the review of selected species' responses to the natural disturbances, and it reviews the discussion of whether or not these cases enable predictions of wildlife responses to the anthropogenic disturbances. It examines anthropogenic disturbances in the context of the three most important effects of mountain resorts on wildlife habitat: habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, and habitat modification. Mountain ecosystems are characterized by harsh climatic conditions, low productivity, low species diversity, and high endemism. The effects of mountain resorts on wildlife habitat and populations have been poorly studied, despite widespread concern over the ecological effects of development and habitat modification in high elevation ecosystems. A primary concern regarding high elevation development is the failure to account for long-term cumulative effects of development. Percolation theory predicts that small changes in the amount of forest clearing can have significant impacts on habitat connectivity.
