Linkages in the landscape: The role of corridors and connectivity in wildlife conservation

Indicative of the intense interest and activity in this area of conservation biology, there has been a wealth of new material over the last decade. This includes several published conference proceedings, critical reviews, and a variety of papers reporting field studies, computer simulations and application of conceptual principles to land-use planning. There is also a rapidly growing number of situations in which ‘corridors’ of various types are being incorporated into conservation strategies and land uses. Consequently, what set out to be a short project turned into a much larger undertaking and resulted in the present volume. 

Two particular challenges were evident while reviewing literature and writing the manuscript. First, those reading this book will approach the topic from a number of viewpoints. Those that might be described as having a primarily scientific perspective are likely to be most interested in a theoretical understanding of the role of corridors in the dynamics of species populations in heterogeneous environments, and in the scientific evidence in support of their function. Others, whose perspective is primarily that of conservation, may have greater interest in the conservation values of linkages and information pertaining to practical issues of design, management and land-use planning. The structure and content of the book have been planned to encompass both theoretical and applied aspects of this topic, but with particular emphasis given to the role of linkages in the conservation of biodiversity.

A second challenge relates to the differing spatial scales at which linkages are incorporated in conservation plans. In intensively-developed landscapes, attention is often directed to local networks of habitat corridors that link small natural areas. In other situations, the focus of those involved in conservation planning is on major links between conservation reserves and on the maintenance of connectivity within large geographic areas. At a broader scale, others are concerned with protecting national and continental networks for conservation. Recognising these diverse levels of application, the author has selected examples and case studies to illustrate the role of linkages at both local and broad spatial scales, and have sought to identify principles that are relevant across a range of spatial scales.

A goal in writing this book has been to provide an international perspective by using examples from throughout the world.