Permeable Landscapes for Wildlife in the Northeast
Permeable Landscapes for Species of Greatest Conservation Need
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Landscape permeability, also referred to as “habitat connectivity,” is the ability of a diverse land area to provide for passage of animals. This project evaluated and mapped landscape permeability across the 13 state Northeast region. Landscape permeability is the ability of a heterogeneous land area to provide for passage of animals, equivalent to what some authors call “habitat connectivity.” This project evaluated and mapped the relative landscape permeability across a region of thirteen states, and determined how permeability coincides with the locations and habitat of species of greatest conservation concern. The analysis was based on new analytical tools (e.g. Circuitscape and Resistant Kernel models) applied to the Northeast Regional Habitat Map, and corroborated with species locations and land cover maps. We aimed to identify where the most important regional movement concentrations are, particularly those areas where movements may be funneled due to constriction in the landscape. Using this information, we measured the amount of flow, permeability and resistance present in the region’s roads and secured-lands network. The project was guided by a thirteen-state steering committee. LCC Staff Contact: Scott Schwenk In May 2015, the dataset and report were submitted to the North Atlantic LCC. Note, however, that as of June 2016 the report and datasets are being revised (with additional funding from a separate source). Revisions are expected by the end of June 2016. In April 2014, an extension for the project was granted to allow enhanced consideration of future climate change, and additional expert input, in defining landscape permeability. The revised proposal and timeline is available here. Quarterly Reports NALCC Funding: $49,868 Other Funding: $50,000 The March 2015 version of the report is available here. (A revised version is expected to be completed in June 2016.) Datasets associated with the March 2015 are available from TNC’s Conservation Gateway, but users are recommended to use the revised version (expected in June 2016) when it is completed. Links will be added when available. |
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