Using graph theory to analyse and assess changes in Mediterranean woodland connectivity

摘要: The Portuguese montado is an agro-silvopastoral system, similar to the Spanish dehesa, known for its cultural, economic and ecological value. Despite importance, contrasting processes such as land abandonment use intensification, together with several other factors, have been responsible degradation in last decades. Biodiversitywise, assuring high levels of connectivity vital many species that, turn, contribute natural on which a healthy sustainable relies. To study recent decades infer what changes represent short medium dispersal regarding habitat availability. was conducted area delimited by biogeographic boundaries Southern Portugal where abundant. We used graph theory based approach maps 1984, 1999 2014 derived from remote sensing. results show loss associated increasing fragmentation over time. This led global decrement likely negative implications species. most affected are those more dependent characteristics, forest specialist birds, low mobility that lost great amounts not only due but also makes suitable patches unreachable. Given environmental relevance, measures should be taken order stop preserve core areas guaranteed