Formation process and characteristics of “Fertile island” and “Arthropod island” in desertified shrub land and their relations to ecosystem succession

Shrub-covered “Fertile island” and “Arthropod island” in desertified land have special ecological implications, and their interactions contribute much to the succession of ecosystems. There is a close relationship between “Fertile island” and grazing management, and between “Arthropod island” and shrub age. Both kinds of islands are usually combined together. “Arthropod island” facilitates the formation of “Fertile island” in feedback, which could improve the succession process of ecosystems. Future studies should be focused on the following fields: The formation mechanism of “Arthropod island” and their feedback to the microhabitats. The relationship between “Arthropod island” and grazing management in light of shrub species identity and stand age. (3) Controlled microcosm experiments with consideration of soil, vegetation, arthropod, microhabitat, and microbe influenced by shrub canopy and identity. (4) “Arthropod island” formation and bioindicators, and their relations to ecosystem succession, which are essential for the management of artificial shrub land.