Estudio para la Identificación de Redes de Conectividad de Hábitat Forestales en la Comunidad De Madrid

This study aimed to evaluate the habitat availability and the connectivity of forest habitat fauna species in the Autonomous Community of Madrid. Two different ecoprofiles were used to model connectivity so that management measures could be accurately defined: (1) dense and (2) clear forest habitat species. These were designed according to species habitat type, minimal requirements of habitat and dispersal ability. First, suitable habitat and landscape matrix were defined for both ecoprofiles. Then, dispersal pathways (corridors) susceptible to be used by each group were identified using least-cost modelling. Dispersal pathways and habitat patches were assessed based on the Probability of Connectivity index (PC) to know their contribution to the conservation of connectivity. For these purposes, Linkage Mapper and Conefor software were used. Next, landscape features (corridors and habitat patches) were intersected with protected area boundaries to identify which ones were under any protection figure. Besides, landscape features were intersected with linear infrastructure and studied the land uses in which these occur. Results show that a great number of corridors and habitat patches are protected. However, some very important landscape features for connectivity remain without protection. Moreover, most landscape features intersect linear infrastructure or are established in agricultural or urban areas. This especially happens in the centre, east and south of the region where habitat fragmentation is severe. Accordingly, three different restoration approaches were evaluated depending on the aim of restoration measures and their areas of application (natural, agricultural or urban areas). These results inform about the potential of corridors to improve landscape connectivity if restored. Finally, spatially explicit conservation and restoration measures were suggested to avoid future impacts over the most important landscape features, as well as to prioritize corridors to be restored emphasizing those locations intersecting linear infrastructure.