A Study of the Relationship between Ecological Network Patch metrics and Landscape connectivity; with reference to case of Colombo Wetlands

Analyzing multi-scale changes in landscape connectivity is an important way to study landscape ecological processes and also an important method to maintain regional biodiversity. In this study, graph-based connectivity was used to analyze the dynamics of the connectivity of natural habitats in the Long Yangxia basin of upper Yellow River valley from 1995 to 2015. We used the core areas of the nature reserves as the source regions to construct ecological networks under different thresholds, so as to identify key areas that can maintain overall landscape connectivity. The results showed that, from 1995 to 2015, the landscape connectivity in the study area increased for the first 10 years, and, since 2005, has declined. On a spatial scale, we found that both the connectivity of the ecological network and the length of the corridor increased with landscape resistance. Our analysis demonstrates the importance of the natural habitat in the southern part of the study area where connectivity was higher, as well as the sensitivity of connectivity of the northern area to human activities. Both large and medium patches contribute greatly to the overall landscape connectivity, while attention needs to be paid to the protection and management of small patches as they played “stepping stone” roles in maintaining and improving landscape connectivity. The proportions of landscape types that served as corridors, listed in order of their contribution to connectivity, were grassland, forestland, wetland and cultivated land. This suggests that, in addition to focusing on the protection of grassland and forest land, the reasonable planning and utilization of wetland and cultivated land will also have an impact on landscape connectivity. In addition, the protection of and improvement in habitats in the Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve is of great significance to enhance landscape connectivity. Our study provides a scientific basis to support and improve regional landscape connectivity and biodiversity conservation over the next decade.

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Promoting landscape connectivity of highly urbanized area: An ecological network approach

Ecological Indicators ◽

10.1016/j.ecolind.2021.107487 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 125 ◽

pp. 107487

Author(s):

Shuang Wang ◽

Maoquan Wu ◽

Mengmeng Hu ◽

Chen Fan ◽

Tao Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Landscape Connectivity ◽

Network Approach ◽

Ecological Network ◽

Urbanized Area

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Identifying Ecological Corridors and Networks in Mountainous Areas

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18094797 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 4797

Author(s):

Di Zhou ◽

Wei Song

Keyword(s):

Landscape Connectivity ◽

Effective Means ◽

Ecological Networks ◽

Habitat Destruction ◽

Spatial Pattern Analysis ◽

Cultivated Land ◽

Ecological Network ◽

Network Efficiency ◽

Mountain Areas ◽

Ecological Corridors

Since the 1950s, human activities have been driving economic development and land changes, hindering the conservation of biological habitats and landscape connectivity. Constructing ecological networks is an effective means to avoid habitat destruction and fragmentation. Mountain areas are hotspots of biological habitats and biodiversity; however, the pace of urbanization in mountain areas is also accelerating. To protect an ecosystem more effectively, it is necessary to identify ecological corridors and ecological networks. Therefore, based on the Minimal Cumulative Resistance model and taking Chongqing in China as an example, the identification of potential ecological corridors and the construction of an ecological network in Chongqing were realized using the Linkage Mapper software. The results were as follows: (1) From 2005 to 2015, the patch area of cultivated land and grassland in Chongqing decreased by 0.08% and 1.46%, respectively, while that of built-up areas increased by 1.5%. The fragmentation degree of cultivated land was higher, and the internal connectivity of forestry areas was worse. (2) In total, 24 ecological sources were selected, and 87 potential ecological corridors and 35 ecological nodes were generated using the Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis and the Conefor2.6 software. The total length of the ecological network in Chongqing is 2524.34 km, with an average corridor length of 29.02 km. (3) The overall complexity and network efficiency are high, but the spatial distribution of ecological corridors is uneven, especially in the southwest of Chongqing.

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Constructing and optimizing urban ecological network in the context of rapid urbanization for improving landscape connectivity

Ecological Indicators ◽

10.1016/j.ecolind.2021.108319 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 132 ◽

pp. 108319

Author(s):

Xinxin Huang ◽

Haijun Wang ◽

Luyi Shan ◽

Fengtao Xiao

Keyword(s):

Landscape Connectivity ◽

Ecological Network ◽

Rapid Urbanization

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Graph-based multi-attribute decision making: impact of road fencing on ecological network

The Baltic Journal of Road and Bridge Engineering ◽

10.3846/bjrbe.2015.13 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 105-111

Author(s):

Andrius Kučas

Keyword(s):

Patch Size ◽

Landscape Connectivity ◽

Decision Support Techniques ◽

Conservation Priorities ◽

Minimum Length ◽

Habitat Patch ◽

Ecological Network ◽

Habitat Patches ◽

The Road ◽

Spatial Graph

Conservation and transport decision makers must deal with many competing criteria in order to find the optimal connectivity of habitat patches in order to maximize organisms’ ability to traverse the landscape successfully. Thus, there is an increasing interest in prioritization of habitat patches by their contribution to overall landscape connectivity. Many different indices can be used to quantify structural and functional landscape connectivity. However, landscape connectivity indices alone do not clearly define conservation priorities for habitat patches. In this study priority values for each available habitat patch were calculated using multiple criteria spatial decision support techniques. As criteria for prioritization, spatial graph-based element properties (habitat patch size, number of corridors connected to a habitat patch, etc.) were characterized for each habitat patch. Graph-based connectivity rules for each habitat patch within a landscape (in conjunction with largest patch size, maximum number of corridors with a minimum length connected to a habitat patch, etc.) were defined and applied. Each criterion’s importance was assessed. Criteria-based ranking of habitat patches within a graph better indicated exact critical habitat patches than connectivity index alone, especially when changes in network occur. Simulations in the case study of Lithuania showed that barriers (road fences to keep animals off the road) without prompt establishment of animal crossings may realign complexes of an ecological networks by reducing the importance of adjacent and increasing the importance of more distant patches. Such distant patches may become essential, and can sometimes be the only elements preserving the realigned ecological network.

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The Megachurch in the Landscape: Adapting to Changing Sale and Managing Integrated Green Space in Texas and Oklahoma, USA

Worldviews Global Religions Culture and Ecology ◽

10.1163/156853511x617795 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 30-49 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Susan Bratton

Keyword(s):

Practical Theology ◽

Green Space ◽

Landscape Connectivity ◽

Environmental Services ◽

Natural Areas ◽

Space Design ◽

Ritual Spaces ◽

The Relationship ◽

Large Congregations

Christian megachurches in Texas and Oklahoma, of 4000 weekly attendance or greater, vary in green space design from impenetrable to highly accessible, and from predominantly mowed lawn to sophisticated plans incorporating a variety of outdoor recreational and ritual spaces. The most complex layouts include sites for baptism and prayer, as well as small natural areas. Conscious expression of practical theology or Christian symbolism in the green space is correlated to higher landscape connectivity and diversity. The recent appearance of large church campuses, exceeding 50 ha, has resulted in sporadic innovation, while for many large congregations green space remains an underutilized resource. Five theological questions for religious campus planners include how does green space: 1) express God's beauty; 2) honor providential environmental services; 3) teach about the relationship between God, humanity, and the environment; 4) provide connections among God, nature, the congregation and the neighbors; and 5) provide for the needs of others?

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Interstellar gas in the central region of the Galaxy

Symposium - International Astronomical Union ◽

10.1017/s0074180900101032 ◽

1967 ◽

Vol 31 ◽

pp. 239-251 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

F. J. Kerr

Keyword(s):

Central Region ◽

Galactic Plane ◽

Neutral Hydrogen ◽

Continuum Emission ◽

Galactic Centre ◽

Interstellar Gas ◽

Hydrogen Recombination ◽

The Galaxy ◽

Centre Region ◽

The Relationship

A review is given of information on the galactic-centre region obtained from recent observations of the 21-cm line from neutral hydrogen, the 18-cm group of OH lines, a hydrogen recombination line at 6 cm wavelength, and the continuum emission from ionized hydrogen.Both inward and outward motions are important in this region, in addition to rotation. Several types of observation indicate the presence of material in features inclined to the galactic plane. The relationship between the H and OH concentrations is not yet clear, but a rough picture of the central region can be proposed.

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The relationship of the scleractinian corals to the rugose corals

Paleobiology ◽

10.1017/s0094837300025707 ◽

1980 ◽

Vol 6 (02) ◽

pp. 146-160 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

William A. Oliver

Keyword(s):

Critical Points ◽

Scleractinian Corals ◽

Convincing Evidence ◽

Early Triassic ◽

Rugose Corals ◽

History Of ◽

The Subject ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Relationship ◽

Biologic Factors

The Mesozoic-Cenozoic coral Order Scleractinia has been suggested to have originated or evolved (1) by direct descent from the Paleozoic Order Rugosa or (2) by the development of a skeleton in members of one of the anemone groups that probably have existed throughout Phanerozoic time. In spite of much work on the subject, advocates of the direct descent hypothesis have failed to find convincing evidence of this relationship. Critical points are:(1) Rugosan septal insertion is serial; Scleractinian insertion is cyclic; no intermediate stages have been demonstrated. Apparent intermediates are Scleractinia having bilateral cyclic insertion or teratological Rugosa.(2) There is convincing evidence that the skeletons of many Rugosa were calcitic and none are known to be or to have been aragonitic. In contrast, the skeletons of all living Scleractinia are aragonitic and there is evidence that fossil Scleractinia were aragonitic also. The mineralogic difference is almost certainly due to intrinsic biologic factors.(3) No early Triassic corals of either group are known. This fact is not compelling (by itself) but is important in connection with points 1 and 2, because, given direct descent, both changes took place during this only stage in the history of the two groups in which there are no known corals.

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