Ecological connectivity in fragmented agricultural landscapes and the importance of scattered trees and small patches

Abstract Background Fragmentation and habitat loss can restrict species movement reduce connectivity, negatively impacting biodiversity. Characterising the overall connectivity of an area inform better management human modified landscapes. Contemporary modelling methods seldom incorporate fine-scale patterns associated with between fine-scaled structural elements such as scattered trees, roadside corridors small patches habitat. This study aims to characterise within Karuah-Myall catchments, a typical woodland ecosystem that is fragmented by agriculture, using least-cost path analysis graph-theoretic approach; it focuses on how vegetation trees support connectivity. We mapped (and paddock) this agricultural landscape where main land use was pasture. modelled for general representative interpatch dispersal distance gap crossing threshold, resistance from different cover types. The threshold used model features. compared paths without trees. Results Our results show excluding across cleared pasture did not reflect types typically observed field studies, those foray-search strategy medium mammals birds. also shows catchments are well connected provide value biodiversity beyond catchment borders, connecting coastal Great Eastern Ranges national wildlife corridor initiative. Conclusion Connectivity models exclude features small, linear risk misrepresenting patterns. Models regional-scale be influenced presence or absence even smallest features,