Contextualizing vulnerability of ecological systems to landscape alteration

Abstract Context A variety of processes, such as urbanization and development projects, can degrade connectivity in habitat systems, presenting significant threats to species persistence. Effective mitigation depends part on knowledge about where when landscape changes may occur well how respond the landscape. Objectives spatial decision support framework for informing planning efforts involving alterations that impact prospects species’ inter-habitat is proposed. Methods As a movement objectives are thought influence perception connectivity, efficient paths supporting among habitats period identified by way multiobjective least-cost path model. This set represent best options particular period. Provided this representation worst-case scenario alteration then identified. multi-level optimization process repeated over periods until has been completely eliminated. Results The results indicate representing with limited reflecting single objective could result an overestimate system’s resilience change time. Representations more diverse tradeoffs offer robust complex biological movements. Conclusions application occurring proximate patches have highest negative connectivity. In addition, whereas no or little one period, coupled future they barriers