Biological corridors and connectivity

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The ability of individual animals to move across complex landscapes is critical for maintaining regional populations in the short term (Fahrig 2003; Cushman 2006), and for species to shift their geographic range in response to climate change (Heller & Zavaleta 2009). As organisms move through spatially complex landscapes, they respond to multiple biotic and abiotic factors to maximize access to resources and mates while minimizing fitness costs such as mortality risks. Habitat fragmentation decreases dispersal success (Gibbs 1998), increases mortality (Fahrig et al. 1995) and reduces genetic diversity (Reh & Seitz 1990; Wilson & Provan 2003). Local populations may decline if immigration is prevented (Brown & Kodric-Brown 1977; Harrison 1991) and may prevent recolonization following local extinction (Semlitsch & Bodie 1998). The goal of this chapter is to describe the state of the art in quantitative corridor and connectivity modelling. We will review several critical issues in modelling and provide expert guidance and examples to help practitioners implement effective programmes to preserve, enhance, or create connectivity among wildlife populations. We first review the fundamental task of estimating landscape resistance, comparing expert opinion and empirical methods. Next, we describe current methods of predicting connectivity from resistance surfaces. Then we discuss how to develop linkage designs that can maintain connectivity for multiple species and under changing climate. We conclude with discussion of how effectively to validate connectivity model predictions.

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ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology: Mammals

SWAP (2/19/2016) citation:
Cushman SA, McRae B, Adriaensen F, Beier P, Shirley M, Zeller K. 2013. Biological corridors and connectivity. In: Macdonald DW, Willis KJ, editors. Key topics in conservation biology 2. 1st ed. Chichester, West Sussex (UK): John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. p. 384–404.