Applying Circuit Theory for Corridor Expansion and Management at Regional Scales: Tiling, Pinch Points, and Omnidirectional Connectivity

摘要: Connectivity models are useful tools that improve the ability of researchers and managers to plan land use for conservation preservation. Most connectivity function in a point-to-point or patch-to-patch fashion, limiting their assessing over very large areas. In highly fragmented systems, there may be so many habitat patches interest among all possible combinations is prohibitive. To overcome these conceptual practical limitations, we hypothesized minor adaptation Circuitscape model can allow creation omnidirectional maps illustrating flow paths variations ease travel across study area. We tested this hypothesis 24,300 km2 area centered on Monteregie region near Montreal, Quebec. executed circuit overlapping tiles covering region. Current was passed surface each tile orthogonal directions, then were reassembled create directional connectivity. The resulting mosaics provide continuous view entire at full original resolution. quantified differences between created using different buffer sizes developed measure prominence seams formed with approach. clearly show current driven by subtle aspects landscape composition configuration. Shown prominently pinch points, narrow corridors where organisms appear required traverse when moving through landscape. Using modest computational resources, continuous, fine-scale nearly unlimited size identification movement barriers affect This effort develops powerful new application pinpointing areas importance conservation, broadening potential addressing intriguing questions about resource use, animal distribution, movement.