Ecological connectivity networks in rapidly expanding cities

Area of Science:

• Urban ecology
• Conservation biology
• Landscape ecology

Background:

• Urban expansion leads to landscape fragmentation, reducing green space connectivity and ecological function.
• Restoring urban green space functionality requires re-establishing ecological connectivity within city environments.
• Identifying effective ecological corridors that integrate structural and functional connectivity remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel methodological approach for assessing and modeling ecological connectivity in urban areas.
• To identify potential priority corridors for ecological connectivity networks for specific bird species.
• To provide reliable ecological connectivity network models for rapidly expanding cities.

Main Methods:

• Combined circuit models, connectivity analysis, and least-cost models.
• Integrated green space structure (vegetation density, patch size, distance) and landscape resistance based on bird behavior.
• Assessed connectivity for Eurasian tree sparrow and Yellow-vented bulbul in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Metro Manila.

Main Results:

• Identified potential priority corridors and least-cost pathways for target bird species.
• Demonstrated the integration of structural and functional connectivity measures.
• Revealed the effectiveness of combined modeling approaches for urban connectivity assessment.

Conclusions:

• The integrated modeling approach effectively assesses urban ecological connectivity for biodiversity conservation.
• Improvements to identified corridors can enhance green space connectivity in cities.
• This methodology supports improved urban planning and biodiversity conservation in rapidly developing urban landscapes.