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Getting the most connectivity per conservation dollar
Author(s) -
Torrubia Sara,
McRae Brad H,
Lawler Joshua J,
Hall Sonia A,
Halabisky Meghan,
Langdon Jesse,
Case Michael
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
frontiers in ecology and the environment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.918
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1540-9309
pISSN - 1540-9295
DOI - 10.1890/130136
Subject(s) - liberian dollar , habitat , restoration ecology , environmental resource management , computer science , landscape connectivity , land use , environmental science , business , ecology , sociology , biological dispersal , population , demography , finance , biology
The importance of connectivity for species conservation has resulted in myriad attempts to identify corridors linking habitat patches and conservation areas. However, making smart decisions for restoring connectivity requires information beyond simple maps of corridors. Here, we combine land‐parcel cost estimates with a new analytical approach that pinpoints where barrier removal can best improve connectivity to develop a return‐on‐investment framework for connectivity restoration. An iterative series of barrier analyses followed by simulated restorations allowed us to incorporate cumulative effects of previous restoration decisions, which can alter the potential value of future restorations. To demonstrate our approach, we identify specific sites that, if restored, would most increase habitat connectivity for the Washington ground squirrel ( Urocitellus washingtoni ). The analysis was performed in two ways: first without consideration of economic costs and then again, explicitly incorporating the costs of land purchase and restoration. We found that accounting for land costs could reduce overall restoration costs by 55% and increase the area of land restored by 30%. These methods can be tailored to meet different connectivity objectives and can complement reserve design selection methods that prioritize conservation of contiguous natural areas.