Fragmentation and Connectivity of Island Forests in Agricultural Mediterranean Environments: A Comparative Study between the Guadalquivir Valley (Spain) and the Apulia Region (Italy)

Habitat loss and fragmentation are considered some the main threats to biodiversity. Original forests have suffered an accentuated agricultural homogenization, leaving only areas of natural vegetation, relegated strongly anthropized disconnected patches (island forests, IFs) in a hostile matrix. These original vegetation could be key for design management ecological corridors promote species migration, essential strategy meeting consequences Global Change. This study proposes comparative analysis connectivity IFs Quercus two typically Mediterranean predominantly use: Guadalquivir valley (Spain) Apulia region (Italy). A retrospective comparison is also carried out valley. The aim develop objective new methodology locate most interest using quantitative qualitative data. Reference cartography current island was developed from several digital sources validated with orthoimages field observations. Fragmentation based on graph structures software Conefor 2.6, reliable tool assessment role landscape. Area distance were used as node connector values. Dispersion established 500 m, maximum dispersion acorns. Results indicate that has intensive recent decades. Both regions host relevant potential contribute core habitats creation connections other protected sites. Many residual landscape stepping stones corridors. Our highlights value strategies homogenized available common criteria distances theory analysis. application this help sites highly fragmented allow movement through inhospitable landscapes unique opportunity connect different areas.