Forest Patch Connectivity: The Case of the Kranj–Sora Basin, Slovenia

Abstract

This article features a spatial analysis of forest patches, trees, and shrubs outside forests in part of the Kranj–Sora Basin in central Slovenia. Forest patch connectivity is explored using methods derived from graph theory. The graph nodes represent the forest patches and the edges between them represent the shortest connections calculated using a raster layer containing data on the resistance of individual land-use types. The contribution of an individual forest patch to habitat connectivity and availability is calculated using selected indicators. The findings show that the largest forest patches complemented by smaller patches constitute the basic connectivity tool. Thus, habitat size and close-to-nature structure are vital for the conservation of species over short distances. In conclusion, guidelines are presented for managing and mitigating the effects of further clearing the remaining natural vegetation.

Temporal Variations and Potential Source Areas of Fine Particulate Matter in Bangkok, Thailand

“…All potential source areas around Bangkok can provide information to design green corridors to improve Bangkok air quality. The concept of connectivity can be used to increase green areas [47][48][49] by connecting built-up green zones at all potential source areas to serve as green corridors.…”

Graphab: An application for modeling and managing ecological habitat networks

“…Where will the potential ecological impacts caused by the development of transport infrastructures [33][34][35] or of a large urban infrastructure [36] occur? Graphab has also proved useful in many biological conservation studies, primarily to identify the priority locations for maintaining the connectivity level of a habitat network [37][38][39][40][41][42][43]. Concerning ecological compensation or mitigation, Graphab has been applied in response to the question: Where are the most relevant locations to design or plan actions promoting access to ecological habitats?…”

Fractal analysis of spatio-temporal changes of forest cover in Istanbul, Turkey

“…Although fractal analysis has the potential to improve the accuracy of measurement and identification of forest areas (Lorimer et al 1994), very few studies have been conducted on the use of fractal analysis in forest areas. To quantify the landscape pattern and dynamics is necessary to monitor and evaluate the ecological consequences of the changes in spatial usage (Tian et al 2007;Polenšek and Pirnat 2018;Foški 2019). Fractal dimension and lacunarity index are calculated within the scope of the fractal analysis.…”