Figure - available from: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
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Maps of spatial conservation selections for the Great Barrier Reef. Light-blue (water) and green (land) are not part of the planning area. The dark-blue pixels are not selected for conservation by either MC or Coco, while the yellow areas are selected for conservation by both. The red pixels are selected by either MC (A) or RSP-CBC (B) resp.
Source publication
Despite global conservation efforts, biodiversity continues to decline, causing many species to face extinction. These efforts include designing protected areas to function as ecologically connected networks for habitat and movement pathway conservation. Ecological connectivity is defined as the connectivity of landscapes and seascapes that allows...
Citations
... For example, the prioritizr and prioriactions R packages employ mixed integer programming solvers to find the optimal solution. Exact algorithms are generally faster than metaheuristics when solving linear or quadratic conservation planning problems [11,13,14]. Newer approaches harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) technology include the tool CAPTAIN [15], which combines individual-based simulations with AI to identify spatial priorities for conservation according to user-defined targets. ...
Systematic conservation planning (SCP) involves the cost-effective placement and application of management actions to achieve biodiversity conservation objectives. Given the political momentum for greater global nature protection, restoration, and improved management of natural resources articulated in the targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework, assessing the state-of-the-art of SCP is timely. Recent advances in SCP include faster and more exact algorithms and software, inclusion of ecosystem services and multiple facets of biodiversity (e.g., genetic diversity, functional diversity), climate-smart approaches, prioritizing multiple actions, and increased SCP accessibility through online tools. To promote the adoption of SCP by decision-makers, we provide recommendations for bridging the gap between SCP science and practice, such as standardizing the communication of planning uncertainty and capacity-building training courses.
... Research in the domain of habitat ecological connectivity has shown that it effectively mitigates the negative impacts of fragmentation. This enhancement is crucial for ensuring species' foraging [19], survival, and reproduction [20][21][22], while concurrently optimizing the structure of ecological networks [23][24][25][26]. Alternatively, disturbances induced by human activity may lead to fragmented habitats that obstruct both individual and genetic exchanges, disrupt foraging patterns, and increase the risk of species extinction [27,28]. ...
Protected areas are essential for the conservation of biodiversity. However, the rapid expansion of urbanization and the intensification of human activities have significantly disrupted environmental integrity, leading to a continuous deterioration in both the quantity and quality of large ecological patches. This has further diminished the connectivity among ecological patches, leading to significant consequences for regional biodiversity conservation. Taking Poyang Lake as a case study, which serves as a crucial wintering habitat for migratory birds along the East Asia–Australasia flyway, this research employs ArcMap technology. It considers various factors including land use type, slope, and elevation to evaluate habitat quality and degradation through the application of the InVEST model. Additionally, the study utilizes the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model alongside circuit theory to delineate ecological corridors within the area and to establish a comprehensive ecological network system. The research results in this paper are as follows. (i) During the period from 2000 to 2020, there was an overall decline in habitat quality within the study area, indicating a clear trend of habitat degradation. However, it is worth noting that there was an increase in habitat quality in certain local areas within the protected area. (ii) The ecological resistance values in the core area of the migratory bird reserve in Poyang Lake are generally low. However, the ecological resistance values of the habitats have shown a consistent increase from 2000 to 2020. Additionally, there has been a significant decrease in the density of ecological corridors during this time period. (iii) Over the period from 2000 to 2020, both the number and connectivity of ecological corridors decreased and their integrity and functionality degraded. Consequently, this weakened role of the ecological network has had implications for maintaining regional biodiversity and ecosystem service functions. The findings indicate two conclusions. (i) Ecological connectivity is essential for the conservation of migratory bird habitats. Strengthening control measures aimed at expanding ecological corridors can effectively safeguard flagship and umbrella species, thereby promoting biodiversity conservation. (ii) The establishment of ecological corridors can help reconcile conflicts between conservation efforts and development objectives. This reconciliation carries significant theoretical implications for fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and birds in Poyang Lake’s migratory bird sanctuary.
Purpose of Review
Landscapes can be defined as mosaics of different land covers, habitats, ecosystems, or land-use systems. The link between spatial heterogeneous patterns and ecological processes is the core concept in the research field of landscape ecology. Nowadays, advanced computational methods are essential to the field due to its cross-disciplinary nature, the increasing availability of data, and the complexity of landscape systems.
Recent Findings
This review provides an overview of recent developments in computational methods that have advanced the research field of landscape ecology. We focus on key topics such as spatial patterns, connectivity, landscape genetics, sampling, simulations and modeling, and spatial planning.
Summary
The review highlights key innovations, challenges, and potential future directions in the field, emphasizing the role of computational methods in addressing complex ecological questions.