Ecological Connectivity Review
Introduction
An ecological corridor, biological corridor, green corridor or conservation corridor is a route designed to connect natural areas that share similar environmental characteristics[1] with the aim of preserving biodiversity, preventing the fragmentation of habitats and promoting the migration, dispersal, linkage and interrelation of populations of wild flora and fauna.[2].
The establishment of ecological corridors is an effective conservation strategy.[3] Ecological corridors maintain the composition, structure and function of the ecosystems and landscape they link. It is made up of natural areas under special administration regimes, such as core zones, national parks, buffer zones, or multiple uses.[4].
The concepts of biological corridor and ecological corridor are derived from landscape ecology, one of the branches of biogeography.[5] They describe the structures of the ecological landscape (sites and networks of sites) that meet the conditions for the movement of a species (animal, plant or fungi) or the community of species, or their genes. All these corridors make up, within the framework of a complex mesh, the ecological network at a local and global level.
Purpose
Biological corridors are designed to protect the set of native species and fulfill the basic functions of connectivity while maximizing the sustainable use of the forest and the benefits derived from environmental services.
According to Forman, corridors solve six public policy problems: biological diversity, water resources, agriculture and wood products, recreation, community and cultural cohesion, and climate change.[6].
Advantages and disadvantages
A certain environmental corridor constitutes a continuous or almost continuous link of protected areas surrounded by an inhospitable environment. The corridor will only exercise a facilitating function for the species associated with this specific habitat. As examples of corridors, we can mention those formed by boundary hedges in certain agricultural landscapes, corridors made up of river beds and banks, forest corridors, etc.
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