Ecological connectivity, sometimes also called landscape connectivity, constitutes a very good strategy to maintain functional ecosystems and, in effect, to preserve biodiversity and facilitate the movement and adaptation of populations before the imminent climate crisis. In this way, ecological connectivity is a preventive strategy that allows to maintain functional populations before the loss and fragmentation of habitats puts in danger of extinction to biological diversity.
To investigate more about this theme, from ecology, we will enter the world of conservation biology. In particular, we will dedicate this article to develop all about Ecological connectivity: definition, characteristics and importance. If you have doubts about it, do not hesitate to continue reading this interesting post.
What is ecological connectivity
Many are the concepts of ecological connectivity that have arisen during the study of ecology. But, in broad strokes, we can define ecological connectivity as the degree to which a landscape facilitates or prevents movement, dispersion or migration of species between patches or fragments of the ecosystem. Then, ecological connectivity arises as a measure of the ecological functionality of a landscape that allows Know the ease of displacement of species through the landscape.
You can consult in this post that we suggest what the importance of ecosystems is.
Origin of ecological connectivity
Ecological connectivity is a modern term that emerged approximately 35 years ago within the framework of the biology of conservation and landscape ecology. It was precisely the ecologist Gray Merriam who observed that the transfer from a habitat fragment to another does not depend only on the attributes of the species, but also depends on the elements of the landscape. In conjunction with other ecologists, Merriam concluded that connectivity is a Key element in landscape structure.
From this, the concept of landscape connectivity arises considering that, the degree of isolation of a species can be avoided through the presence of landscape elements that facilitate transfer to organisms between patches or habitat fragments. The concept has been adopted by conservation biologists and over the years has been modified to what is now known as ecological connectivity.
Perhaps this ecology article may also be interested in talking about what is the ecology of the landscape?
Characteristics of ecological connectivity
Ecological connectivity seen as the connection between patches or fragments of a landscape is inversely proportional to the landscape fragmentation, that is, to more fragmentation lower ecological connectivity. Therefore, the concepts of habitat fragmentation and ecological connectivity are closely linked.
As mentioned earlier, ecological connectivity is an ecological functionality measure of the landscape. This functionality depends on:
- The landscape attributes: such as its structure.
- The Distance between its fragments.
- The External particularities of the landscape: As an example the characteristics of the species that inhabit it.
Ecological Connectivity Index
Precisely to estimate the degree of landscape connectivity, there is the ecological connectivity index, which is based on the functionality of the ecosystem Considering the displacement capacity of species Through the different land uses within the same landscape.
In this way, the index can be used when the dispersive capacity of the indicator species is affected by the different land uses that make up the entire landscape. This index is a very useful tool, since from its results it is possible Design ecological runners, model distances and generate future scenarios.
Discover more information about ecological corridors: what are, types and importance in this article that we recommend.
Importance of ecological connectivity
Worldwide, with the development of urbanizations and the progress of the agricultural border, ecosystems have been strongly degraded. As a result, there is a huge loss of biodiversity habitatswhich translates into a considerable increase in the vulnerabilities of species, which could lead to extinction. In addition to this, the relics of habitats that persist are separated from each other, hindering the displacement of species, migration patterns, probability of colonization and interactions between different populations, as well as the possibilities that the organisms adapt to climate change.
For its part, ecological connectivity studies this problem in depth since, in short, it gives an idea of how good or bad two relics, patches or fragments of the landscape are connected. His studies and implications are of fundamental importance to Planning and design of protected areas Since, after all, protected areas are relics of the original ecosystem and maintain the connection between two protected areas, will enhance species conservation efforts.
Likewise, ecological connectivity is relevant in regards to the territorial planning, because the Urban planning will be the key mechanism so that the spaces that are destined for the development of new urbanizations do not interfere with ecological connectivity.
In this other ecology article, you can find more information about the loss of biodiversity: causes and consequences.
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- Taylor, PD, Fahrig, L., Henein, K., & Merriam, G. (1993). Connectivity is a vital element of landscape structure. Oikos, 68 (3), 571.
- Rojas, C., De la Barrera, F., Aranguíz, T., Munizaga, J., & Pino, J. (2017). Effects of urbanization on ecological connectivity of metropolitan landscapes. University Magazine of Geography, 26 (2), 155-182.
- Gurrutxaga San Vicente, M. (2003). Fragmentation and connectivity indices for the biodiversity and landscape indicator of the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country.
