Conservation management of complex natural forest and plantation edge effects

Timber plantation forestry is a major threat to indigenous grassland biodiversity, with ecological networks (ENs) currently being used to mitigate this threat. Being composed mostly of linear corridors, ENs create more edge than would occur naturally. To determine the minimum width of corridors for maximising biodiversity conservation, we need first to establish the extent of edge effects from plantation blocks into corridors. We compared arthropod diversity along transects that ran from within plantation blocks into grassland corridors. We also studied the edge effects of natural forest adjacent to natural grasslands within ENs. Sites in grasslands of neighbouring protected areas acted as natural reference sites against which the biodiversity of the EN transects were compared. Two types of exotic plantation trees and various tree age classes were studied. We found a 32 m edge zone from plantation blocks into grassland corridors. Few significant edge effects from plantation blocks occurred at greater distances than this, which suggested that grassland corridors with a width <64 m are essentially all edge. However, and importantly, this situation was complex, as different arthropod taxonomic groups responded differently to edges of plantation blocks and natural forest patches. Natural forest supported many additional species, not just within the forest, but also in associated grassland corridors. This means that maintaining natural forest imbedded within the ENs will protect both indigenous grassland and indigenous forest species as well as help maintain biodiversity across this timber production landscape.     

Edge avoidance and movement of the butterfly <Emphasis Type="Italic">Parnassius smintheus</Emphasis> in matrix and non-matrix habitat

We experimentally examined edge effects and movement patterns of the butterfly Parnassius smintheus in two habitat types, its preferred meadow habitat, and intervening forest matrix habitat. We followed the movement of 46 butterflies released at either 5 or 20m from a forest edge in either forest or meadow habitat. In contrast to theoretical predictions, we found that butterflies flew less frequently, shorter distances, and at lower rates in matrix habitat than they did in meadow habitat. Distance from the edge had little effect on these aspects of movement. Flight was strongly influenced by light levels with butterflies flying more readily at higher light levels. Light levels were higher in meadows than in forest explaining much of the difference in movement patterns. Turning angles showed that butterflies flying in meadow habitat avoided forest edges and that this effect extended nearly 25 m into meadows. Analysis of net displacement from the forest edge reinforced this result and showed that there may be attraction to the meadow for butterflies flying within forest.     

Connecting mountains and desert valleys for black bears in northern Mexico

Context

Black bear connectivity studies are scarce in the southern distribution where the species is endangered. The identification of corridors is a strategy to promote conservation in human-modified landscapes.

Objectives

Assess and validate long-distance corridors in the southern black bear distribution using resistance models, occurrence records, and radio-telemetry of an individual that dispersed between the Sierras Madres of Mexico.

Methods

We acquired black bear occurrence records from several sources and telemetry records from one dispersal individual in northern Mexico. We generated ensemble habitat suitability models and resistance landscape surfaces to generate cumulative resistant kernel and least-cost paths to identify connectivity core areas and corridors of importance through Natural Protected Areas. Finally, we assessed long-distance corridors.

Results

We developed three habitat suitability models for black bears southern range; one matches the current distribution of the species. When including radio-tracking records, the landscape resistance is reduced to arid sites with low habitat suitability. We used least resistance connectivity surfaces to merge subpopulations within each Sierra Madre. The long-distance corridor models indicate narrow routes that require individuals with plastic behavioral dispersal capacity. Almost 20% of the connectivity core areas are within Natural Protected Areas. These are the first large-scale corridors using resistance layers in the southern black bear distribution.

Conclusions

Corridors can be functional for a range of temperate and dry habitat species. Landscape connectivity models should include the monitoring of dispersal individuals to identify the plasticity of organisms and the tangible barriers for them.

     

Swallowtail butterflies show positive edge responses predicted by resource use

Context

The prevalence of edges is increasing due to anthropogenic landscape change. Edge responses can vary considerably between and within species. Understanding species’ responses to edges, and the causes of variation in such responses is central to managing biodiversity in contemporary landscapes.

Objective

A resource distribution model predicts that species that require complementary resources in different land cover types will be most abundant at edges, displaying a positive edge response. Eastern tiger (Papilio glaucus) and spicebush (P. troilus) swallowtail butterflies use forest plant species for oviposition sites but open-habitat plants for nectar. They are excellent models for testing the positive edge response and exploring sources of variability in edge responses, such as species-specific traits or temporal effects.

Methods

In southwestern Ontario, we examined both the abundance and flight orientation of these species in relation to forest/meadow edges and at different times of day. We used a transect method similar to the Pollard walk and a catch and release method, respectively.

Results

The distribution and flight behaviour of these butterfly species were overall consistent with a positive edge response. Both species were most abundant at the edge and oriented their flight towards the edge from the forest and meadow. However, P. glaucus demonstrated a much stronger positive edge response, while P. troilus showed temporal variation in its response.

Conclusions

Our results confirm the ability of the resource distribution model to predict species edge responses and movement behaviours, but also indicate that species-specific traits and time of sampling can influence such responses.

     

Landscape-level naturalness of conservation easements in a mixed-use matrix

Context

With underrepresentation of habitats in publicly protected areas, attention has focused on the function of alternative land conservation mechanisms. Private conservation easements (CEs) have proliferated in the United States, yet assessing landscape-level function is confounded by varying extent, resolution, and temporal scale.

Objectives

We developed and tested an assessment tool to evaluate interacting spatial, social, and environmental attributes of easements relative to the degree of human modification (HM). We hypothesized that on both private and public conservation properties HM would be lower than on non-conserved parcels, and that for fine-scale features (most CEs), the level of HM would be driven by the variables used to create the coarser scale HM measure.

Methods

Variation in HM between private, public, and non-conserved was tested via pairwise parcel sampling. Composition was evaluated using multiple geographic bounds and edge characteristics. We assessed both environmental and social predictors using multinomial logistic regression.

Results

Privately conserved lands did not differ significantly from non-conserved lands. Publicly conserved lands had lower HM than both privately conserved and non-conserved lands. Edge contrast was similar between private and matched non-conserved patches. The level of HM was not driven by distance to roads, or by elevation in this mixed-use setting.

Conclusions

Variation in tests for differences, land characteristics, and HM variables confirmed the significantly lower HM of publicly protected lands, and opens the question as to naturalness of easements in some contexts. CEs in this location may be representative of the mixed rural-forested landscape instead of more natural land cover.

     

Landscape-mediated edge effect in temperate deciduous forest: implications for oak regeneration

Context

Although the edge effect is known to be an important factor influencing the recruitment of trees in temperate forests, little is known of its synergistic relationships with landscape and fragment attributes.

Objectives

We investigated how the edge effect on regeneration of oaks (Quercus spp.) varies with respect to fragment geometry, connectivity and landscape composition.

Methods

We recorded oak sapling density along edge-interior gradients in 29 forest fragments at the periphery of Mexico City and examined the data with Generalized Additive Models.

Results

A nonlinear and landscape-mediated edge effect was supported by data, including the interactions of the edge distance with patch connectivity, shape and size. Saplings were more abundant at a distance of ca. 50 m from the edge of small, large and connected patches, but large patches also exhibited reduced recruitment towards the interior of the patch. Conversely, sapling density in simple-shaped or connected patches was lower at the edge, exhibiting linear and concave-down increase trends towards the interior of patches, respectively.

Conclusions

Boundary conditions could be interacting with interior forest conditions, making regeneration more frequent at 50 m from the edge. Shady and cooler sites in large patches may be inhibiting oak regeneration. The activity of acorn-dispersing animals and oak predators may increase in unconnected patches, thus increasing the likelihood of edge effects. These results provide insights into the restoration of temperate forest patches in heterogeneous fragmented landscapes.

     

Towards a measure of functional connectivity: local synchrony matches small scale movements in a woodland edge butterfly

This study investigates the sensitivity of local synchrony to movement patterns of the Ringlet butterfly (Aphantopus hyperantus). We examine whether population synchrony, describing the correlated fluctuations of conspecific populations, may prove an effective surrogate measure for monitoring functional connectivity in this species without the requirement of exhaustive sampling. We compared the effect on population synchrony of two different distance measures, direct (Euclidean) distance and distance via woodland rides and edges, and also of habitat matrix composition. Population synchrony of A. hyperantus was calculated as the pairwise correlation between population time-series using 20?years of data from UK butterfly monitoring scheme transects. Local population synchrony was better explained by distance via woodland edges than direct distance, especially for woodland-dominated transects. These results are consistent with mark-recapture data previously collected on the Ringlet butterfly. The results indicate a sensitivity of population synchrony to butterfly local dispersal behaviour, particularly, to the use of habitat corridors and other functional dispersal routes. Population synchrony is considered to have potential as a surrogate measure of functional connectivity. With development, this method could become a valuable conservation tool for identifying important landscape features which promote species?? connectivity.     

Animal behavior, cost-based corridor models, and real corridors

Corridors are popular conservation tools because they are thought to allow animals to safely move between habitat fragments, thereby maintaining landscape connectivity. Nonetheless, few studies show that mammals actually use corridors as predicted. Further, the assumptions underlying corridor models are rarely validated with field data. We categorized corridor use as a behavior, to identify animal-defined corridors, using movement data from fishers (Martes pennanti) tracked near Albany, New York, USA. We then used least-cost path analysis and circuit theory to predict fisher corridors and validated the performance of all three corridor models with data from camera traps. Six of eight fishers tracked used corridors to connect the forest patches that constitute their home ranges, however the locations of these corridors were not well predicted by the two cost-based models, which together identified only 5 of the 23 used corridors. Further, camera trap data suggest the cost-based corridor models performed poorly, often detecting fewer fishers and mammals than nearby habitat cores, whereas camera traps within animal-defined corridors recorded more passes made by fishers, carnivores, and all other non-target mammal groups. Our results suggest that (1) fishers use corridors to connect disjunct habitat fragments, (2) animal movement data can be used to identify corridors at local scales, (3) camera traps are useful tools for testing corridor model predictions, and (4) that corridor models can be improved by incorporating animal behavior data. Given the conservation importance and monetary costs of corridors, improving and validating corridor model predictions is vital.     

Effects of corridor width and presence on the population dynamics of the meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus)

We tested the effects of increased landscape corridor width and corridor presence on the population dynamics and home range use of the meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) within a small-scale fragmented landscape. Our objective was to observe how populations behaved in patchy landscapes where the animals home range exceeded or equaled patch size. We used a small-scale replicated experiment consisting of three sets of two patches each, unconnected or interconnected by 1-m or 5-m wide-corridors, established in an old-field community (S.W. Ohio). Control (0-m) treatments supported significantly lower vole densities than either corridor treatment. Females were the dominant resident sex establishing smaller home ranges (<150m²) than males (>450m²). Significantly more male voles dispersed between patches with corridors than between patches without corridors. However, no difference was observed regarding the number of male voles dispersing between patches connected by corridors when compared to the number dispersing across treatments. Dispersal between connected patches was restricted to corridors based on tracking tube data. Corridor presence was more important than corridor width regarding the movement of male voles within their home range.     

Not all forests are alike: the role of commercial forest in the conservation of landscape connectivity for the giant panda

Context

The downlisting of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) from Endangered to Vulnerable in IUCN Red List confirms the effectiveness of current conservation practices. However, future survival of giant panda is still in jeopardy due to habitat fragmentation and climate change. Maintaining movement corridors between habitat patches in the newly established Giant Panda National Park (GPNP) is the key for the long-term sustainability of the species.

Objectives

We evaluated the impacts of conversion from natural forest to plantation on giant panda habitat connectivity, which is permitted within collective forests and encouraged by the policies for the economic benefits of local communities. We modeled distribution of giant panda habitat in Minshan Mountains which harbors its largest population, and delineated movement corridors between core habitat patches under management scenarios of different forest conversion proportions.

Methods

We applied an integrated species distribution model based on inhomogeneous Poisson point process to combine presence-only data and site occupancy data, and least-cost models to identify potential movement corridors between core habitat patches.

Results

We found that current distribution of plantation has not damaged connectivity between core habitat patches of giant panda. However, it could be severely degraded if mass conversion occurred. Since the GPNP incorporates all the core habitats identified from our model, controlling natural forest conversion inside GPNP would maintain the movement corridors for giant panda.

Conclusions

We recommend no expansion of plantations inside the GPNP, and improving collective forest management for expansion of ecological forest in adjoining habitat patches.

     

Do corridors promote dispersal in grassland butterflies and other insects?

Ecological corridors are frequently suggested to increase connectivity in fragmented landscapes even though the empirical evidence for this is still limited. Here, we studied whether corridors, in the form of linear grass strips promote the dispersal of three grassland butterflies, using mark-recapture technique in an agricultural landscape in southern Sweden. We found no effects of the presence of corridors or of corridor length on inter-patch dispersal probabilities. Instead, dispersal probabilities appeared to be related to the quality, areas and population densities of the source and recipient patches. For two of the species, the density of captured individuals along corridors was better predicted by the corridor length than by the straight-line distance from a pasture, suggesting that short-distance movements within habitat patches result in a diffusion of individuals along corridors. A literature review revealed that only 16 published studies had explicitly studied the effect of corridors on insect movement. The context in which studies were performed appeared to affect whether corridors facilitated dispersal or not. All seven studies where the corridors consisted of open areas surrounded by forest showed positive effects, while only two out of six studies where corridors consisted of grassland surrounded by other open habitats showed positive effects of corridors. Our results clearly demonstrate that corridors do not always have positive effects on insect dispersal and that the effect seems to depend on the quality of the surrounding matrix, on the spatial scale in which the study is performed and on whether true dispersal or routine movements are considered. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Do Habitat Corridors Influence Animal Dispersal and Colonization in Estuarine Systems?

Studies investigating animal response to habitat in marine systems have mainly focused on habitat preference and complexity. This study is one of the first to investigate the affect of benthic habitat corridors and their characteristics on dispersal and colonization by estuarine macrofuana. In this study, mark-recapture field experiments using artificial seagrass units (ASUs) assessed the effects of seagrass corridors, interpatch distance (5 m vs. 10 m), and the ratio of corridor width to patch width (0.5 m:1 m vs. 0.25 m:1 m) on dispersal of two benthic organisms: the highly mobile grass shrimp, Palaemonetes sp., and the less mobile bay scallop, Argopecten irradians, in two estuarine systems in southeastern North Carolina (NC). The presence of a seagrass corridor, interpatch distance, and corridor width to patch width ratios did not significantly affect shrimp or scallop dispersal to receiver patches. Bay scallop dispersal to receiver patches was significantly higher at one site (Drum Shoals) with relatively high flow, compared to a second site (Middle Marsh) with lower flow. We then examined colonization of estuarine macrofauna to seagrass patches with and without corridors to determine which, if any, taxonomic groups respond positively to corridors at scales of 10 m and over 1 month. Colonization of estuarine macrofauna to seagrass patches was enhanced in the presence of corridors at a relatively large interpatch distance (10 m), which was statistically significant for relatively slow moving polychaete worms. Thus, although benthic habitat corridors may facilitate dispersal of relatively slow moving estuarine animals between otherwise isolated seagrass patches, several common seagrass fauna such as grass shrimp and bay scallops apparently use water currents to rapidly disperse across the seagrass/sand landscape.     

Responses of mammals to habitat edges: an overview

Life generates discontinuites (boundaries) in the distribution of matter and energy. One class of these constitutes the edges between habitat-types; these are fundamental structures in landscape functioning, and hence are of central importance in conservation biology. The symposium on which this series of papers is based focused on the responses of mammals to habitat edges. A diversity of views are represented, and a variety of edge related behaviors illustrated. A survey of general ecology texts dating back to 1933 demonstrates a decline of interest in ecotones and edge effects extending into the 1980's but showing a resurgence of interest in the 1990's. Habitat edges are defined operationally with respect to particular focal species leading to a number of important corollary features. The variety of phenomena subsumed under edge effects is emphasized, and an initial attempt at classification is proposed based primarily on the presence or absence of emergent properties in edge response behaviors (matrix vs. ecotonal effects). This scheme provides for clear null hypotheses needed to distinguish the two types, enlightens mechanistic explanations of edge effects, and encourages predictions about the results of untested management schemes or other novel situations. The use and design of landscape corridors are tied to edge related behaviors. A functional and general definition of corridors is urged, so that their effectiveness can be judged with respect to specified attributes rather than to a general collection of things that might be termed corridors. Linear habitat patches are specifically excluded from the definition. Studies on small mammals have contributed to our understanding of the potential role of corridors in metapopulation dynamics. Fine versus coarse grained perceptions of environment by different species will generate ecotonal edge effects such as spillover predation. In general, the effects on landscape processes of various species operating on different spatial scales seems a fruitful direction for future research.     

Influence of land-use/land-cover change on landscape connectivity for an endemic threatened amphibian (Argenteohyla siemersi pederseni,Anura: Hylidae)

Context

Modifications in natural landcover generally result in a loss of habitat availability for wildlife and it’s persistence will depend largely on their spatial configuration and functional connections. Argenteohyla siemersi is a threatened and endemic amphibian whose habitat is composed of forest patches near rivers and water bodies edges.

Objectives

This study aimed to analyse the accessible habitat for this species and identify key elements to maintain its ecological network in two different types of land uses: an anthropized area with extensive cattle raising and a protected area.

Methods

The structural and functional characteristics of both landscapes were analyzed. The connectivity at landscape level and the contribution of each habitat patch were evaluated through simulation models with different dispersion distances in the context of the graph theory.

Results

In both landscapes, nine types of landcover were identified with different compositions. Remarkable differences were found in habitat connectivity for this amphibian species between both landscapes. As the percentage of dispersion distance increases, reachable habitat increases as well, although with higher percentages in the protected area. Two corridors were identified in the protected landscape and one in the rangeland one; patches and key links constituted all of them.

Conclusions

The present work provides spatially explicit results with a quantitative basis. It could be useful as a tool for the development of management plans aimed at guaranteeing the functionality of the ecological network for this endangered species and, therefore, contribute to its long-term conservation.

     

The potential for large-scale wildlife corridors between protected areas in Brazil using the jaguar as a model species

Most large reserves in Brazil do not hold viable populations of jaguars to guarantee the species’ long-term survival. Corridors linking populations have been identified as a potential tool to avoid negative effects of isolation, increasing population viability. Here, we performed a Brazil-wide evaluation of potential large scale corridors connecting protected jaguar populations. Six variables (human population size, dam reservoir size, number of dams, roads, railways and cities) expected to negatively impact jaguar movement were analyzed across 180 potential corridors connecting 298 protected jaguar areas. We established overall disturbance scores for the corridors using a principal components analysis and compared them among the Brazilian biomes. We further investigated which variables separated biomes using a canonical variates analysis. The Atlantic Forest and the semi-arid Caatinga have the most impacted potential corridors, whereas the Amazon and Pantanal still have the best potential corridors. Corridor quality in the Cerrado grasslands was intermediate. All variables but human population size and corridor length contributed significantly to differences in corridor variables among biomes. Our conclusions suggest that we need to plan the implementation of large scale corridors in the Amazon, Pantanal and particularly the Cerrado soon, while potential corridors might still be economically viable. In the much more impacted Atlantic Forest and Caatinga, the need for conservation actions is strongest, but logistical difficulties and costs may turn implementation of corridors unfeasible.     

Trail corridors as habitat and conduits for movement of plant species in Rocky Mountain National Park,Colorado, USA

Ground-layer vegetation was sampled along selected trail corridors to determine whether corridors provide habitat for certain species and act as conduits for species movement. Patterns of plant species composition were analyzed in relation to distance from trail edge, level of trail use, and distance from trailheads, junctions, and campgrounds. Species composition was significantly affected by distance from trail edge and level of trail use, as species were favored or inhibited by the corridor, depending upon their growth habits. Species composition was also affected by distance from trailheads. These findings, along with the presence of exotic species, indicate that trail corridors in Rocky Mountain National Park function as habitat and conduits for movement of plant species.     

Habitat edge effects decrease litter accumulation and increase litter decomposition in coastal salt marshes

Context

Habitat fragmentation is known to be one of the leading causes of species extinctions, however few studies have explored how habitat fragmentation impacts ecosystem functioning and carbon cycling, especially in wetland ecosystems.

Objectives

We aimed to determine how habitat fragmentation, defined by habitat area and distance from habitat edge, impacts the above-ground carbon cycling and nutrient stoichiometry of a foundation species in a coastal salt marsh.

Methods

We conducted our research in a salt marsh in the Mid-Atlantic United States, where the foundation grass species Spartina patens is being replaced by a more flood-tolerant grass, leading to highly fragmented habitat patches. We quantified decomposition rates, live biomass, and litter accumulation of S. patens at patch edges and interiors. Additionally, we measured relevant characteristics (e.g., habitat area, elevation, microclimate) of S. patens patches.

Results

Habitat edge effects, and not habitat area effects, had distinct impacts on ecosystem functioning. Habitat edges had less litter accumulation, faster decomposition rates, a warmer and drier microclimate, and lower elevations than patch interiors. Patches with low elevation edges had the fastest decomposition rates, while interiors of patches at any elevation had the slowest decomposition rates. Notably, these impacts were not driven by changes in primary production.

Conclusion

Habitat fragmentation impacts the above-ground carbon cycling of S. patens in coastal wetlands by altering litter decomposition, but not primary production, through habitat edge effects. Future research should investigate whether this pattern scales across broader landscapes and if it is observable in other wetland ecosystems.

     

The elements of connectivity where corridor quality is variable

Small mammals in heterogeneous environments have been found to disperse along corridors connecting habitat patches. Corridors may have different survivability values depending on their size and the degree of cover they provide. This deterministic model tests the effects of varying corridor quality on the demographics of a metapopulation of Peromyscus leucopus. Two types of corridors are defined based on the probability of survival during a dispersal event. Results indicate that mortality during movement through corridors influences metapopulation demographics. We found that:

1. Any connection between two isolated patches is better than no connection at all in terms of persistence and population size at equilibrium.
2. Metapopulations with exclusively high quality corridors between patches have a larger population size at equilibrium than do those with one or more low quality corridors.
3. Increasing the number of high quality corridors between patches has a positive effect on the size of the metapopulation while increasing the number of low quality corridors has a negative effect.
4. The addition to a metapopulation of a patch connected by low quality corridors has a negative effect on the metapopulation size. This suggest the need for caution in planning corridors in a managed landscape.
5. There is no relationship between the number of corridors and the metapopulation size at equilibrium when the number of connected patches is held constant.
6. Geometrically isolated patches connected by low quality corridors are most vulnerable to local extinctions.

We conclude that corridor quality is an important element of connectivity. It contributes substantially to the effects of fragmentation and should be carefully considered by landscape planners.     

Do landscape and riverscape shape genetic patterns of the Neotropical otter,Lontra longicaudis,in eastern Mexico?

Context

Functional connectivity of semiaquatic species is poorly studied despite that freshwater ecosystems are amongst the most threatened worldwide due to habitat deterioration. The Neotropical otter, Lontra longicaudis, is a threatened species that represents a good model to evaluate the effect of landscape-riverscape features on genetic structure and gene flow of freshwater species.

Objectives

We aimed to assess the spatial genetic structure of L. longicaudis and to evaluate the landscape-riverscape attributes that shape its genetic structure and gene flow at local sites (habitat patches) and between sites (landscape matrix).

Methods

We conducted the study in three basins located in Veracruz, Mexico, which have a high degree of ecosystem deterioration. We used a non-invasive genetic sampling and a landscape genetics individual-based approach to test the effect stream hierarchical structure, isolation-by-distance, and isolation-by-resistance on genetic structure and gene flow.

Results

We found genetic structure that corresponded to the latitudinal and altitudinal heterogeneity of the landscape and riverscape, as well as to the hierarchical structure of the streams. Open areas and steep slopes were the variables affecting genetic structure at local sites, whereas areas with suitable habitat conditions, higher ecosystem integrity and larger streams enhanced gene flow between sites.

Conclusions

The landscape-riverscape characteristics that maintain functional connectivity of L. longicaudis differed between the upper, middle, and lower basins. Our results have important implications for the conservation of the species, including the maintenance of larger suitable areas in Actopan and the necessity to improve connectivity in Jamapa, through the establishment of biological corridors.

     

A method for building corridors in spatial conservation prioritization

We introduce a novel approach to building corridors in spatial conservation prioritization. The underlying working principle is the use of a penalty structure in an iterative algorithm used for producing a spatial priority ranking. The penalty term aims to prevent loss or degradation of structural connections, or, equivalently, to promote to a higher rank landscape elements that are required to keep networks connected. The proposed method shows several convenient properties: (1) it does not require a priori specification of habitat patches, end points or related thresholds, (2) it does not rely on resistance coefficients for different habitats, (3) it does not require species targets, and (4) the cost of additional connectivity via corridors can be quantified in terms of habitat quality lost across species. Corridor strength and width parameters control the trade-off between increased structural connectivity via corridors and other considerations relevant to conservation planning. Habitat suitability or dispersal suitability layers used in the analysis can be species specific, thus allowing analysis both in terms of structural and functional connectivity. The proposed method can also be used for targeting habitat restoration, by identifying areas of low habitat quality included in corridors. These methods have been implemented in the Zonation software, and can be applied to large scale and high resolution spatial prioritization, effectively integrating corridor design and spatial conservation prioritization. Since the method operates on novel principles and combines with a large number of features already operational in Zonation, we expect it to be of utility in spatial conservation planning.