Ecological impacts of (electrically assisted) mountain biking

作者：Lukas F. Kuwaczka, Veronika Mitterwallner, Volker Audorff, Manuel J. Steinbauer · 发表于：Global Ecology and Conservation · 年份：2023 · DOI：10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02475 · 被引用次数：17 · 研究领域：Wildlife-Road Interactions and Conservation、Wildlife Ecology and Conservation、Bat Biology and Ecology Studies

Mountain biking (MTBing) has become one of the most popular recreational activities and this trend is further amplified with the enhanced use of electrically assisted mountain bikes (eMTBing). While increasing user frequencies are intensifying social and environmental conflicts, the consequences of MTBing in and for the environment are insufficiently understood. The aim of this review is to outline the ecological impacts of conventional mountain biking and to highlight potential differences and consequences arising with the use of eMTBs. The results systematically summarise how MTBing can lead to immediate responses of animals, changes in habitat use and diurnal activity patterns of wildlife, a reduced reproductive success, seed dispersal, trampling damage on flora, vegetation changes in areas adjacent to trails, as well as soil compaction, exposure and erosion. The increasing use of eMTBs will cause a larger frequency and spatial cover by bikers and therefore a rising number of trails. Wildlife will be more affected when off-trail riding increases or when the use of so far less frequented areas or times will intensify. Vegetation and soil will be more affected, when new trails are created. Both aspects are more likely with the switch to eMTBing as steep slopes are climbed faster and more frequently. However, these direct effects of MTBing may not be associated with negative long-term consequences for ecosystems as those depend on the specific species or subjects of protectio...