Defining Multi-Scaled Functional Landscape Connectivity for the Sagebrush Biome to Support Management and Conservation Planning of Multiple Species
USGS and Colorado State University scientists are modelling multispecies connectivity through intact and disturbed areas of the sagebrush landscape.
Habitat loss and fragmentation resulting from disturbances threaten the persistence of wildlife populations in the sagebrush biome, in part because they impede animal movement and diminish species’ habitat and functional connectivity. To identify the areas of the sagebrush landscape that may facilitate or impede the movement of multiple key species, scientists are developing a large landscape connectivity analysis. Using a wall-to-wall approach similar to that used to produce the Omniscape model (a connectivity model prepared for the State of California), USGS and Colorado State University scientists will model multispecies connectivity through intact and disturbed areas of the sagebrush landscape. This research can facilitate the identification of priority connections and corridors among key wildlife populations (for example, priority areas of conservation), and identify landscape restoration opportunities that could increase connectivity. These efforts will aid in the conservation and management of habitat connectivity in the sagebrush biome by providing a broad, multispecies view of landscape connectivity that can aid in future development, conservation, and restoration planning.
USGS and Colorado State University scientists are modelling multispecies connectivity through intact and disturbed areas of the sagebrush landscape.
Habitat loss and fragmentation resulting from disturbances threaten the persistence of wildlife populations in the sagebrush biome, in part because they impede animal movement and diminish species’ habitat and functional connectivity. To identify the areas of the sagebrush landscape that may facilitate or impede the movement of multiple key species, scientists are developing a large landscape connectivity analysis. Using a wall-to-wall approach similar to that used to produce the Omniscape model (a connectivity model prepared for the State of California), USGS and Colorado State University scientists will model multispecies connectivity through intact and disturbed areas of the sagebrush landscape. This research can facilitate the identification of priority connections and corridors among key wildlife populations (for example, priority areas of conservation), and identify landscape restoration opportunities that could increase connectivity. These efforts will aid in the conservation and management of habitat connectivity in the sagebrush biome by providing a broad, multispecies view of landscape connectivity that can aid in future development, conservation, and restoration planning.