Linkages in practice: A review of their conservation value

The basis of this work are the theoretical notions developed through island biogeography, metapopulation theory and landscape ecology, concepts that have been brought together in the discipline of conservation biology. However, it is not always clear how generic notions of ecological coherence can effectively be applied to conservation practice on the ground. The array of variables that apply to each particular situation is unique, and scientifically assessing the effects of conservation action requires a lengthy monitoring period and also involves intractable methodological challenges, such as the need to isolate each variable and to replicate experimental work.

There is nevertheless one overriding reason why an evaluation of practical experience with linkages is justified even if it cannot meet all the requirements of scientific rigour: namely, the urgency of the conservation challenge. Quite simply, we cannot afford to wait. The task is therefore to determine the extent to which current work on strengthening ecological connectivity provides evidence that linkages offer added conservation value.