A methodology to assess habitat fragmentation effects through regional indexes: Illustration with forest biodiversity hotspots

摘要: Abstract The fragmentation of natural environments is a critical issue involving major challenges for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. Large-scale information on areas sensitive to needed improve the effectiveness planning efforts. One promising metric combining landscape spatial configuration with species characteristics metapopulation capacity λ, which can be used rank different fragmented landscapes in terms their support viable metapopulations. A methodology globally derive based capacity, at appropriate meaningful scales mechanisms, was developed. To illustrate applicability interest methodology, worldwide regionalised indexes, calculated dispersal distance 1 km valid broad range species, were provided all forest ecoregions included hotspots. Ecoregions divided by virtual grid statistical analysis values square scale performed obtain Forest Fragmentation Potential FFP three levels aggregation within ecoregion (highly converted forest, entire whole ecoregion). results highlighted significant intra- inter-ecoregions differences, showing great potential extend use these indexes land prioritisation both ecological protection restoration. influence parameters proposed approach discussed as well limitations main assumptions. important result that derived easily adapted large number scales, or regions coverage indexes.