Guidelines for conserving connectivity through ecological networks and corridors

Published: July 7, 2020

IUCN-WCPA's Best Practice Protected Area Guidelines are the world's authoritative resource for protected area managers.Involving collaboration among specialist practitioners dedicated to supporting better implementation of ideas in field, distil learning and advice drawn from across IUCN.Applied they build institutional individual capacity manage

Language: Английский

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Demystifying ecological connectivity for actionable spatial conservation planning

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 37(12), P. 1079 - 1091

Published: Sept. 28, 2022

There is a disconnect between global high-level conservation goals and on-the-ground actions such as maintaining ecosystem services or persistence local planning of protected areas.Dynamic processes ecological connectivity underpin species resilience but are difficult to represent in mathematical spatial problems for areas.Quantitative SMART (specific – measurable action-oriented realistic time-bound) objectives can provide link regional design implementation functionally connected area networks.With current gaps commitments increasing climate change threats, there tremendous opportunity use quantifiable vehicle future-proof networks help achieve goals. Connectivity underpins the life; it needs inform biodiversity decisions. Yet, when prioritising areas developing actions, not being operationalised planning. The challenge translation flows associated with into that lead actions. nebulous, be abstract mean different things people, making include problems. Here, we show how included mathematically defining objectives. We path forward linking goals, species’ persistence. propose ways management gain benefit from connectivity. In world dwindling natural resources human pressures, aim ensure habitats persist future. Most notably, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) SDG14 (life below water) SDG15 on land), Convention Biological Diversity’s (CBD) post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework halt loss services. A dominant mechanism these will through area-based [1.Pressey R.L. et al.The mismeasure conservation.Trends Ecol. Evol. 2021; 36: 808-821Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (28) Google Scholar, 2.Garibaldi L.A. al.Working landscapes need at least 20% native habitat.Conserv. Lett. 14e12773Crossref (109) 3.Nicholson E. al.Scientific foundations an goal, milestones indicators framework.Nat. 5: 1338-1349Crossref (42) Scholar], specific achieving protection ‘well-connected systems’. (see Glossary) populations, species, communities, ecosystems, thus play pivotal role strategies (e.g., [4.Wood S.L.R. al.Missing interactions: state multispecies analysis.Front. 2022; 10830822Crossref (7) 5.Magris R.A. al.Biologically representative well-connected marine reserves enhance planning.Conserv. 2018; 11e12439Crossref (71) 6.Riginos C. Beger M. Incorporating genetic measures adaptation corals.in: van Oppen Aranda Lastra M.I. Coral Reef Conservation Restoration ‘Omics’ Age. Springer, 2022Crossref Scholar]). conceptual advancements tools quantitatively integrate across land, freshwater, systems still developed [5.Magris Scholar,7.Tulloch V.J.D. al.Minimizing cross-realm threats land-use change: national-scale framework connecting freshwater systems.Biol. Conserv. 254108954Crossref (13) 8.Hermoso V. al.Conservation realms: enhancing multi-realm species.J. Appl. 58: 644-654Crossref (10) 9.Daigle R. al.Operationalizing Marxan Connect.Methods 2020; 11: 570-579Crossref (52) 10.Heino J. al.Integrating dispersal proxies environmental research realm.Environ. Rev. 2017; 25: 334-349Crossref (81) Scholar]), only implemented fraction existing [11.Balbar A.C. Metaxas A. application areas.Global 2019; 17e00569PubMed Scholar,12.Ward al.Just ten percent terrestrial network structurally via intact land.Nat. Commun. 4563Crossref (87) Scholar]. this opinion article, define flow energy, materials, organisms space. At level, includes adult propagule dispersal, movement migration, interactions, ontogenetic linkages. Flow dynamic, variable, often spatially unconstrained (Box 1), generating considerable formulating both suitable metrics useful traditional approaches [9.Daigle Scholar,13.Keeley A.T.H. al.Connectivity monitoring.Biol. 255109008Crossref (41) Scholar,14.Jafari N. al.Achieving full sites multiperiod reserve problem.Comput. Oper. Res. 81: 119-127Crossref (16) variable characteristics scale have led diverse characterisations conservation, ranging wetland linkages amphibians [15.Heard G.W. al.Refugia sustain amphibian metapopulations afflicted by disease.Ecol. 2015; 18: 853-863Crossref (65) Scholar] recent exchange among populations [16.Xuereb al.Individual-based eco-evolutionary models understanding changing seas.Proc. Soc. Lond. Ser. B Biol. Sci. 288: 20212006PubMed (Table 1). Assessments estate highlight shortfalls capturing dynamic processes, connectivity, where 9.7% land [12.Ward two thirds critical animals conserved [17.Brennan al.Functional world’s areas.Science. 376: 1101-1104Crossref (35) 17% free-flowing rivers [18.Opperman J.J. al.Safeguarding rivers: extent areas.Sustainability. 13: 2805Crossref 90.5% less than 5% their ranges [19.Klein C.J. al.Shortfalls representing biodiversity.Sci. Rep. 17539Crossref (112) This gap because broad translate quantitative objectives, data measure acquire, no scientific consensus appropriate assess retention improvement [13.Keeley especially multiple Scholar].Box 1Types scales hinder its estimationA key hurdle including spatial–temporal complexity. directionality, constraint, vary physical process, properties environment, flowing entity (Figure I). These occur any medium river, ocean, air) metres continents, hemispheres, ocean basins. Ensuing may manifested relevant over time hours centuries even longer (as case evolutionary scales). Many either symmetrical along animal migration corridors) asymmetrical ontogeny, seed larva dispersal). variability measurements each case.Directed involve single, direction II). constrained, relatively low lateral variation upstream downstream salmon transport leaf litter,movement corridors, annual bird migrations continents basins). Directed high. result moving entity, example spread invasive/range-expanding coast boundary current, turtle foraging spawning grounds, ungulate seasonal feeding grounds.In diffuse flows, proceeds number directions, originate single source during oil spill, nesting aggregation) sources introductions non-native species) III). They also constrained clear corridors pathways detrital valleys basins, within particular ambit, invasive disease bounded habitat) possible propagules dispersed wind current.Figure IIDirected has easier conceptualise.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)Figure IIIDiffuse mixed strength extremely estimate.View (PPT)Table 1Connectivity value-laden concept. Selected contexts potential audiences applying concepts planningType connectivityDefinition/examplesReference definitionExample user groupLand–sea connectivityFlows sediment pollutants sea, rivers, sea[70.Suárez-Castro A.F. al.Global forest restoration opportunities foster coral reef conservation.Glob. Chang. 27: 5238-5252Crossref (12) Scholar]Ecologist, scientist, engineerOntogenetic connectivityMovement individuals occurring part life cycles (metres thousands km), e.g., amphibians[15.Heard Scholar,48.Kot C.Y. al.Network analysis sea movements connectivity: tool prioritization.Divers. Distrib. 28: 810-829Crossref (8) park managerCorridorsDistinct habitant patches linked facilitated. Disruption occurs due fragmentation[36.Keeley al.Thirty years planning: assessment factors influencing plan implementation.Environ. 14103001Crossref (55) Scholar]Environmental wildlife biologist, manager, tourism operatorPathogen dispersalAirborne fungal spores (regional continental scale, 50–5000 km)[46.Meyer al.Quantifying airborne routes pathogens safeguard wheat supply.Nat. Plants. 3: 780-786Crossref Scholar]EpidemiologistPollutant advection diffusionTransport sewage water)[54.Chaturvedi S.K. al.An spill detection using Sentinel 1 SAR-C images.J. Ocean Eng. 116-135Crossref (40) Scholar]Engineer, geophysicistDispersal connectivityThe juveniles distinct habitat patches. Scale highly dependent species[55.Hüssy K. al.Trace element patterns otoliths: biomineralization.Rev. Fish. Aquacult. 29: 445-477Crossref (79) Scholar,57.Lett al.Converging modeling air sea.Ecol. Model. 415108858Crossref (5) Scholar,58.Cecino G. Treml E.A. Local connections larval competency strongly influence metapopulation persistence.Ecol. 31e02302Crossref (6) Scholar,79.Harrison H.B. al.A portfolio effect stabilizes performance.Proc. Natl. Acad. U. S. 117: 25595Crossref (38) Scholar]Modeller, hydrodynamics engineer, oceanographer, ecologistMigrationThe scheduled individuals[47.Schuster al.Optimizing migratory cycle.Nat. 10: 1754Crossref (47) Scholar,83.Somveille general theory avian connectivity.Ecol. 24: 1848-1858Crossref Scholar]Wildlife ornithologist, operatorGenetic material nearby distant regions generations[16.Xuereb Scholar]Geneticist, ecologistTemporal connectivityLinkages shift time[51.Williams S.H. al.Incorporating optimal representation services.Conserv. 34: 934-942Crossref Scholar,84.Makino al.Spatio-temporal support high-latitude range expansion under change.Divers. 2014; 2014: 6-12Google Scholar]Climate ecologistEnergy flowTransport nutrients movement[39.Venarsky M.P. al.Spatial temporal fish community biomass energy throughout tropical river network.Freshw. 65: 1782-1792Crossref chemist Open table new tab case. grounds. (PPT) implementing explained fact concept broad, complex, means people times. many conceptualisations For example, manager Kenya most concerned enhances high-value, charismatic bring revenues experiences. By contrast, ecologist assisting Indo-Pacific value focus reefs aggregations [20.Beger priorities national policy.Nat. 6: 8208Crossref (99) climate-resilient [21.Beyer H. al.Risk-sensitive conserving rapid change.Conserv. 11e12587Crossref (122) As applied accounting perspectives stakeholders trade-offs, unified approach operationalise context One widely recognised, prioritised, historically forms which connect fragmented been impacted conversion Scholar,22.Hilty J.A. al.Corridor Ecology: Science Practice Conservation. Island Press, 2019Google Habitat fragmentation affects individuals, often, always [e.g., 23.Fahrig L. Ecological responses per se.Annu. Syst. 48: 1-23Crossref (598) reduces probabilities, mostly edge isolation effects [24.Fletcher R.J. al.Is good biodiversity?.Biol. 226: 9-15Crossref (326) interactions [25.Holyoak disturbance, seasonality, multi-year dynamics, dormancy Into dynamics metacommunities.Front. 8571130Crossref (18) However, corridor whilst important, addresses form structural serve few focal miss important unknown barriers [26.Merenlender A.M. al.Ecological species?.Theyra. 45-55Google ignore essential attributes needed retain functional matter energy. preserving [27.D'Aloia C.C. al.Coupled permanent change.Front. 7: 27Crossref (48) 28.Tittensor D.P. ocean.Sci. Adv. eaay9969Crossref (101) 29.Dunn D.C. importance policy.Proc. 286: 20191472PubMed plans lacking Scholar,18.Opperman Despite challenges, component CBD’s government policies targets. Spatial targets features prominently ongoing discussions. Our challenges facing ‘connectivity’ policy ambition become integrated deliver networks. recognise much progress made academic incorporating [8.Hermoso Scholar,30.Magris planning.Biol. 170: 207-221Crossref (138) 31.Andrello al.Additive supply fished areas.Divers. 21: 139-150Crossref (64) 32.Krueck N.C. MPA fisheries.Ecol. 925-941Crossref (70) 33.Dickson B.G. al.Circuit-theory applications science conservation.Conserv. 33: 239-249Crossref (178) transferability uptake methods real-world remains limited given explorations decision-makers ground social–economic considerations, equity, political realities) [34.Virtanen al.Marine analogues realm.Landsc. 35: 1021-1034Crossref (14) consequence, integration decisions practitioners fully realised though particularly addressing livelihoods [28.Tittensor overview organisms, achievement With examples, illustrate Planning protection, restoration, harvesting) long-term relates foundational principle adequacy Scholar,35.Kukkala A.S. Moilanen Core prioritisation systematic 2013; 88: 443-464Crossref (267) ensures coverage intensity enough maintain adaptive structured communities so they Scholar,36.Keeley Scholar,37.Jetz W. al.Include targets.Nat. 123-126Crossref Achieving requires continued integrity biological [38.Edelsparre A.H. al.Habitat determined strategy.Ecol. 8: 5508-5514Crossref (15) [39.Venarsky Scholar,40.Benkwitt C.E. al.Seabird nutrient subsidies alter algal abundance following bleaching event.Glob. 2619-2632Crossref (36) Flows carbon) subsidies) ecosystems achieved [41.Alberti complexity urban dynamics.Bioscience. 70: 772-793Crossref (58) Scholar,42.Olds A.D. seascape synthesis.Glob. Biogeogr. 2016; 3-15Crossref (107) genes amongst promoting diversity [6.Riginos Ree

Language: Английский

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A connectivity portfolio effect stabilizes marine reserve performance

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 117(41), P. 25595 - 25600

Published: Sept. 28, 2020

Well-managed and enforced no-take marine reserves generate important larval subsidies to neighboring habitats thereby contribute the long-term sustainability of fisheries. However, dispersal patterns are variable, which leads temporal fluctuations in contribution a single reserve replenishment local populations. Identifying management strategies that mitigate uncertainty supply will help ensure stability recruitment dynamics minimize volatility fishery catches. Here, we use genetic parentage analysis show extreme variability both four individual across six discrete cohorts for coral grouper (Plectropomus maculatus) on Great Barrier Reef. Together, however, asynchronous contributions from multiple create via connectivity portfolio effect. This dampening effect reduces by factor 1.8, effectively halves reserves. Thus, not only does network valuable habitats, aggregate mitigates Our results indicate small networks yield previously unrecognized stabilizing benefits consistent replenish exploited fish stocks.

Language: Английский

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Influence of offshore oil and gas structures on seascape ecological connectivity

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 28(11), P. 3515 - 3536

Published: March 16, 2022

Offshore platforms, subsea pipelines, wells and related fixed structures supporting the oil gas (O&G) industry are prevalent in oceans across globe, with many approaching end of their operational life requiring decommissioning. Although can possess high ecological diversity productivity, information on how they interact broader processes remains unclear. Here, we review current state knowledge role O&G infrastructure maintaining, altering or enhancing connectivity natural marine habitats. There is a paucity studies subject only 33 papers specifically targeting structures, although other provide important information. Evidence for facilitating vertical horizontal seascape exists larvae mobile adult invertebrates, fish megafauna; including threatened commercially species. The degree to which these represent beneficial detrimental net impact unclear, complex ultimately needs more research determine extent networks conserved, enhanced disrupted. We discuss potential impacts different decommissioning approaches identify, through expert elicitation, critical gaps that, if addressed, may further inform decision making cycle infrastructure, relevance industries (e.g. renewables). most highly ranked gap was need understand modify influence movement patterns species dispersal stages sessile Understanding options affect survival also ranked, as understanding contribute extending distributions by providing rest stops, foraging habitat, stepping stones. These questions could be addressed dedicated animal relation using telemetry, molecular techniques models. Our priority roadmap advancing needed support evidence-based infrastructure.

Language: Английский

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Biophysical models of dispersal contribute to seascape genetic analyses

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 377(1846)

Published: Jan. 24, 2022

Dispersal is generally difficult to directly observe. Instead, dispersal often inferred from genetic markers and biophysical modelling where a correspondence indicates that routes barriers explain significant part of population differentiation. Biophysical models are used for wind-driven in terrestrial environments propagules drifting with ocean currents the sea. In ocean, such seascape or genomic studies provide promising tools applied sciences, as actions within management conservation rely on an understanding structure, diversity presence local adaptations, all dependent metapopulation. Here, we surveyed 87 combine genetics dispersal. Our aim was understand if can analysis shows differentiation lack be explained by dispersal, but realism model, well geomorphology species biology also play role. The review supports use combination both methods, discuss our findings terms recommendations future pinpoint areas further development necessary, particularly how compare approaches. This article theme issue ‘Species’ ranges face changing (part I)’.

Language: Английский

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Marine reserves contribute half of the larval supply to a coral reef fishery

Science Advances, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 11(6)

Published: Feb. 5, 2025

Marine reserves deliver impressive increases in the abundance and size of exploited species on protected reefs, but larval dispersal makes it difficult to estimate their wider benefits. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (GBR) contains an extensive network marine reserves. By combining GBR-wide fish surveys, models, commercial fishery catch data, we calculate system-wide ecological economic contributions these for coral groupers ( Plectropomus spp.), region’s most important line fishery. Despite covering only 30% reef habitat, GBR’s reserve half species’ biomass generates its reproductive output (55%), system’s settlement (50%), almost total yield (47%).

Language: Английский

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The importance of resolving nearshore currents in coastal dispersal models

Ocean Modelling, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 183, P. 102181 - 102181

Published: Feb. 15, 2023

Biophysical models often require shelf-scale domains to map larval dispersal over several weeks, presenting a computational challenge. This can be overcome by decreasing model spatial resolution; however, nearshore processes, which potentially play significant role in dispersal, will inevitably unresolved. Here, we evaluate how simulated the is sensitive resolution. We use an unstructured, finite element, hydrodynamic of topographically-complex coastline North Wales, UK (which includes headlands, bays and channels) at four different scales (50, 100, 250, 500 m) compare influence resolution on transport patterns particles released within region (within 1 km shore). In higher (50 100 simulations, generally travelled offshore more quickly further (∼18%) than coarser (250 simulations. had important implications for potential connectivity along coast: lower retention near source sites was increased ∼50% and, whilst magnitude among discrete regions coast also (by ∼27%), number connected reduced ∼9%), compared with Our results, based case study highly energetic topographically complex region, suggest that ≤100 m should used studies zone. These findings add growing evidence importance using appropriately scaled when simulating material – out coastal zone, many applications, such as marine ecology, biosecurity, planning pollution.

Language: Английский

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Biophysical models resolution affects coral connectivity estimates

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(1)

Published: June 9, 2023

Estimating connectivity between coral reefs is essential to inform reef conservation and restoration. Given the vastness of ecosystems, can only be simulated with biophysical models whose spatial resolution often coarser than scale. Here, we assess impact on estimates by comparing outputs five different setups same model resolutions ranging from 250 m 4 km. We show that increasing around yields more complex less directional dispersal patterns. With a fine-resolution model, graphs have connections but weaker strength. The resulting community structure therefore shows larger clusters well-connected reefs. Virtual larvae also tend stay longer close their source leading an increased local retention self-recruitment for species short pre-competency period. Overall, about half largest indicator values are similar finest coarsest models. Our results suggest management recommendations should made at scales resolution. Reef-scale hence not exceeding 500

Language: Английский

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Larval dispersal in a changing ocean with an emphasis on upwelling regions

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 11(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2020

Abstract Dispersal of benthic species in the sea is mediated primarily through small, vulnerable larvae that must survive minutes to months as members plankton community while being transported by strong, dynamic currents. As climate change alters ocean conditions, dispersal these will be affected, with pervasive ecological and evolutionary consequences. We review impacts oceanic changes on larval transport, physiology, behavior. then discuss implications for population connectivity recruitment evaluate life history strategies affect susceptibility effects their patterns, understanding selective regimes a future ocean. find physical oceanographic impact transporting different directions or inhibiting movements changing environmental factors, such temperature, pH , salinity, oxygen, ultraviolet radiation, turbidity, survival alter Reduced distance may make local adaptation more likely well‐connected populations high genetic variation reduced success lower fishery stocks. Increased spur increasing diversity among previously disconnected well likelihood range expansions. hypothesize planktotrophic (feeding), calcifying, weakly swimming specialized adult habitats most affected change. also propose adaptive value retentive behaviors decrease where transport trajectories follow envelopes increase drive toward increasingly unsuitable conditions. Our holistic framework, combined knowledge regional conditions traits, can used produce powerful predictions expected consequences connectivity, expansion, recruitment. Based our findings, we recommend studies take view incorporating biological rather than solely focusing oceanography physiology. Genetic paleontological techniques examine altered ocean, museum collections expedition records inform modern‐day shifts.

Language: Английский

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Rapid assessment of adult abundance and demographic connectivity from juvenile kin pairs in a critically endangered species

Science Advances, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 8(51)

Published: Dec. 21, 2022

The viability of spatially structured populations depends on the abundance and connectivity between subpopulations breeding adults. Yet, for many species, both are extremely difficult to assess. speartooth shark is a critically endangered elasmobranch inhabiting tropical rivers with only three adults ever recorded in Australia. Close-kin mark-recapture models, informed by sibling pairs among 226 juveniles, were developed estimate adult two Australian river systems. Sixty-eight found, was estimated at 892 Adelaide River 1128 Alligator Rivers. We found strong evidence female philopatry, most females returning same pup. males appear largely philopatric, whereas Rivers highly connected River. From 4 years sampling, our results demonstrate that juvenile-only kin can inform simultaneous estimates rare threatened species.

Language: Английский

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