A scale-sensitive connectivity analysis to identify ecological networks and conservation value in river networks

摘要: Existing methods for connectivity analysis still encounter difficulties in explaining functional relationships between network structure and ecological patterns over larger territories or complex structures like dendritic river networks. We propose a method that addresses the problem of scale resolution structures, illustrated here re-colonization French Loire basin by European otter. The niche factor approach is applied to infer favourable habitat based on large data land use hydro-morphology segments entire basin. These analyses identified stressors riparian zone channel straightening, urbanisation forest fragmentation as principal factors otter occurrence. Using this estimate favourability, we used Integral Index Connectivity quantify availability network. When calculate integral index different spatial extents constraining distances, scale-sensitivity network’s emerges. Accounting high mobility entering distances identifies conservation networks priorities mainly downstream parts basin, whereas with smaller more restricted quality areas central upstream are highlighted. presented performed better than distribution modelling approaches species occurrence confirms crucial aspect re-colonization.