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Ecological Connectivity and Monitoring: Evaluating Connectivity
Preserving biological diversity and the resilience of ecosystems in the face of numerous landscape changes requires the consistent assurance of habitat connectivity.
Monitoring the functionality of habitat corridors is therefore a scientific process for evaluating the permeability of our landscapes.
The central objective of monitoring lies in the differentiation and evaluation of two dimensions of connectivity:
A standardized monitoring approach is essential. Only through the systematic recording of both forms of connectivity can resources be specifically deployed to mitigate barrier effects and the long-term effectiveness of protective measures be objectively evaluated.
Structural connectivity refers to the spatial arrangement of habitats and corridors. It describes the physical potential for animal movements based on existing land cover.
The structural analysis maps theoretically possible connections and identifies critical bottlenecks where the connection is interrupted or severely impaired.
To sustainably secure habitat connectivity in Austria, a comprehensive, nationwide analysis was conducted to evaluate the actual state of connectivity of ecological corridors.
Assessment of Landscape Structure (Human Impact): Analysis of the extent to which the landscape structure in the corridors has been modified by human activities.
Assessment of Ecologically Relevant Landscape Elements: Analysis of the corridors' features regarding crucial ecological elements (e.g., hedges, trees, and shrubs) based on current geodata (e.g., Copernicus dataset).
This assessment serves as a planning basis for the securing and restoration of ecological infrastructure.
Links:
Final Report: Securing and Establishing Habitat Connectivity in Austria – Planning Bases
LRVA-2022: Evaluation of Austrian Habitat Corridors (Version 2022-10-16)
Standardized Monitoring of Habitat Connectivity: Guide for Connectivity Analysis
Functional connectivity describes the actual acceptance and permeability of the landscape from the perspective of a specific animal species or group of species. It is the measure of how effectively animals overcome barriers and utilize corridors.
The functional analysis considers species-specific behavior, tolerance to anthropogenic disturbances, and measures whether planned crossing aids are effective in reality.
Within the framework of the Interreg project SaveGREEN, a guide for standardized monitoring was developed. The methodology is based on a clear, two-stage analysis approach that captures the complexity of ecological connectivity holistically.
Following the analysis of structural connectivity, the analysis of functional connectivity via monitoring is conducted. During monitoring, it is assessed whether corridors and crossing aids, such as wildlife bridges or underpasses, fulfill their function in practice. Various methods, such as wildlife cameras or track mapping, can be employed.
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Securing functional ecological corridors is of vital importance for preserving biological diversity in the Danube region. The Interreg project SaveGREEN (2020-2022) aimed to demonstrate ways to design suitable compensatory measures through integrated planning and to maintain or improve the functionality of ecological corridors in the Danube region.
Numerous partners from 10 countries worked for two years on measures in pilot regions and examined their impacts. Among other things, the SaveGREEN Technical Application Toolbox was developed as part of the project.
This toolbox is a comprehensive solution based on open-source technologies, aimed at implementing the functional monitoring approach in pilot regions in a comparable way. Its primary goal is the collection, harmonization, and dissemination of consistent and reliable geodata regarding the functionality of these cross-border ecological corridors of importance.