• Introduction
  

Lagimodiere Historic Park

• Matrix, Patches & Corridor
  
  
• Habitats
  

• References
  

Matrix, Patch & Corridor:

Matrix
A matrix is a homogeneous land cover that is dominant and interconnected over a majority of the surface (Hough 1995). Matrix are important in habitats like these because they provide good views for prey animals to make their catch without being obstructed by dense vegetation. The planting of trees and/or their natural growth, as it appears to be the case in the park, would dimish the size of the matrix, thus making life for prey animals difficult.

Patch
A patch is a nonlinear less vegetated polygon area surounded by agriculture or an open space surrounded by urban development or woodland (Hough 1995). Lagimodiere Park has a man made (footbal pitch) and natural (open grassland) patches respectively. Man made patches in habitats like these provides urbanites with the opportunity to enjoy non nature recreational activities due to shortage of land in towns. They can also be used by animals as resting places during the night when humans are absent.

Corridor
Hough (1995) states that "cities are not closed environments, but are connected to rural areas through natural and human-made corridors." (p172).Corridors are very important as they provide migratory routes for wildlife. Natural corridors can be rivers and streams bordered by vegetation or steep banks. Man made corridors include railway lines, hydro lines, highways, etc. Vegetation cover provides food for wildlife and helps in creating desirable micro climatic conditions. Soil erosion should therefore be controlled as it diminishes the self regeneration capacity of grass and shrubs which support a variety of animal and birds species. The Canada National railway line and the Seine River are man made and natural corridors respectively.