Ecological networks and corridors in the context of global initiatives

Hilty, Jodi A.; Laur, Aaron

doi:10.5070/p537354730

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 16 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The condition or intactness within a PA can also be accounted for by adjusting the size based on its habitat quality or a measure of naturalness (e.g., the degree of human modification; Theobald et al, 2020). Finally, ProNet should be evaluated to potentially identify ecological networks for conservation (Hilty et al, 2020; Hilty & Laur, 2021), defined as “a system of core habitats (PAs, OECMs, and other intact natural areas), connected by ecological corridors, which is established, restored as needed, and maintained to conserve biological diversity in systems that have been fragmented” (Hilty et al, 2020, p. 4).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A simple and practical measure of the connectivity of protected area networks: TheProNetmetric

Theobald¹,

Keeley

Laur

et al. 2022

Conservat Sci and Prac

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Measuring connectivity is key to track progress toward broad conservation goals, such as the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity's proposed Post‐2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. The framework includes an area‐based target for the protection of 30% of lands and seas globally—through well‐connected systems of protected areas. Although the field of connectivity science has grown rapidly, limited progress has been made in tracking conservation connectivity in practice. This is in part due to the lack of a standardizing framework to clarify different purposes, approaches, and datasets—particularly in differentiating a metric from its application within a broader connectivity framework—as well as a benchmark to quantitatively compare alternative approaches. To address this science‐practice gap, we developed a novel metric of connectivity called the Protected Network metric (ProNet). ProNet is designed to assess the structural connectivity of a protected area network in a way that can be easily described, clearly communicated, and rapidly computed at high resolution. We evaluated how ProNet adheres to fundamental conservation science principles using a library of hypothetical landscapes, compared it to two commonly used existing connectivity metrics, and demonstrated its performance in assessing connectivity for a set of real‐world landscapes selected across the gradient of human modification. More broadly, ProNet is a powerful tool to galvanize emerging connectivity conservation as a countermeasure to increasing fragmentation of global ecosystems.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A simple and practical measure of the connectivity of protected area networks: TheProNetmetric

Theobald¹,

Keeley

Laur

et al. 2022

Conservat Sci and Prac

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…To support prioritisation of future TBCAs, we next grouped the potential TBCAs into six groups based on a combination of three ecological factors: (i) size, (ii) whether the PAs have boundaries that touch another PA, and (iii) their degree of connectivity for mammals between PAs. We chose these three factors as they influence a TBCA's ability to maintain or enhance connectivity (Beale et al, 2013;Dudley et al, 2014;Armsworth et al, 2018;Magris et al, 2018;Saura et al, 2018;Hilty and Laur, 2021). For each group, we stated an ecological objective to either maintain or enhance connectivity (Table 1).…”

Section: Prioritising Potential Tbcasmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…TBCAs can maintain ecological connectivity by supporting ecosystem functioning, nutrient cycling, species dispersal, migration and climate resilience across transboundary land-and seascapes (Hilty and Laur, 2021). They have also been shown to be more economically efficient in comparison to countries implementing conservation actions independently (Kark et al, 2009;Mazor et al, 2013;Mazor et al, 2014;Runting et al, 2015) and to provide a means of sharing knowledge and lessons learned between PA management authorities (Vasilijevićet al, 2015).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identifying opportunities for transboundary conservation in Africa

Kamath,

Brooks,

Naidoo

et al. 2023

Front. Conserv. Sci.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The conservation of natural and cultural resources shared between countries is a significant challenge that can be addressed through the establishment of transboundary conservation areas (TBCAs). TBCAs enable countries to harmonize cross-border governance and management, increase protected area (PA) coverage, and strengthen relationships between neighbouring countries and communities. In Africa, many ecosystems and species ranges span multiple countries, making TBCAs a crucial tool for biodiversity conservation. However, there is a lack of research on where TBCAs can be established or need to be established. To address this gap, we conducted a study to identify opportunities for establishing TBCAs in Africa. We first compiled an up-to-date list of existing TBCAs on the continent. Then, we identified potential TBCAs by identifying protected areas next to country borders that are adjacent to other protected areas in a neighbouring country. We also evaluated the functional connectivity between these PA pairs and prioritized potential TBCAs based on size, connectivity, and ease of establishment. We identified 27 existing TBCAs and 8,481 potential TBCAs in Africa composed of various possible combinations of 2,326 individual PAs. Our results provide a baseline of existing TBCAs and offer a better understanding of where transboundary conservation might be established or strengthened. We also highlight areas where future transboundary conservation efforts could safeguard PA connectivity. This information can guide policy and decision-making processes towards promoting conservation and sustainable use of natural and cultural resources shared between countries in Africa.

show abstract