From science to impact: Conserving ecological connectivity in large conservation landscapes

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Naidoo, Robin; Aylward, Cody; Elliott, Wendy; Keeley, Annika; Kinnaird, Margaret; Knight, Michael; Papp, Cristian- Remus; Thapa, Kanchan; Antelo, Rafael
• 署名单位: World Wildlife Fund; University of British Columbia; Nelson Mandela University; Babes Bolyai University from Cluj
• 刊物名称: PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0027-9614
• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2410937122
• 发表日期: 2025-08-05
• 关键词: genetic connectivity; population-structure; wildlife; implementation; management; tigers; areas; water

摘要

Implementing ecological connectivity conservation in large landscapes requires cutting- edge science combined with consideration of ecological, socioeconomic, and cultural factors that collectively shape the outcomes of conservation efforts. We outline a theory of change (ToC) for connectivity conservation to improve the ecological condition of landscapes and biodiversity and the ecosystem services upon which humans depend. We review connectivity conservation efforts on four continents in large landscapes that span gradients of latitude, fragmentation, biodiversity value, socioeconomic characteristics, and the richness of data used to assess connectivity and target action. We share the substantial but variable progress made in each landscape and outline specific challenges to achieving conservation goals. Opportunities and challenges in public and private sectors can further leverage the potential of large- scale connectivity conservation to reduce isolation and improve gene flow in functional landscapes worldwide.