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Identificación de un Sistema de Reservas Conectado Usando una Estrategia de Paisaje: la Red Ecológica de Florida
Author(s) -
Hoctor Thomas S.,
Carr Margaret H.,
Zwick Paul D.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
conservation biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.2
H-Index - 222
eISSN - 1523-1739
pISSN - 0888-8892
DOI - 10.1046/j.1523-1739.2000.99075.x
Subject(s) - ecological network , geography , habitat , environmental resource management , ecology , biodiversity , wetland , landscape connectivity , nature reserve , environmental science , ecosystem , biology , biological dispersal , population , demography , sociology
We completed an analysis of potential ecological connectivity to identify areas with priority conservation significance and landscape linkages as part of a state of Florida program called Greenways. This is the latest step in the state's design and protection of a reserve system based on an aggressive land acquisition program. We used geographic information systems software (Arc‐Info) to develop a decision support model that uses land‐use data and information on significant ecological areas—including important habitats for target species, priority ecological communities, wetlands, roadless areas, floodplains, and important aquatic systems—to identify larger areas of ecological priority and potential ecological linkages. The result of this process, the Florida Ecological Network, includes approximately half the state's area, with over half of this network already in conservation lands or public‐domain water. This network could provide a linked statewide reserve system containing most of each major ecological community and most known occurrences of rare species. Although the ecological network represents significant progress toward a more integrated approach to biodiversity conservation in Florida, further analysis is needed to (1) ensure that the needs of wide‐ranging species, such as the Florida panther ( Puma concolor coryi ) and Florida black bear ( Ursus americanus floridanus ), are addressed; (2) identify other biodiversity elements not well represented; and (3) designate a system of cores and buffers that will address management issues. Reserve design is an iterative process, and future plans need to address new information, including the results of the Florida GAP analysis project and ongoing habitat loss.