Abstract
AbstractHabitat fragmentation and loss of landscape connectivity have resulted in the degradation of natural ecosystem services. Identifying international transboundary ecological network is an integrated approach to maintain regional ecological sustainability. In this study, taking Altai Mountains as a case study area, we suggested a set of procedures to construct an ecological network. First, we identified ecological patches by evaluating the values of the protected area. Second, we generated resistance surfaces based on the land cover characteristics. Third, we integrated habitat patches and resistance surfaces to identify potential corridors using the least-cost path analysis. The ecological network we introduced consists of 22 patches, 65 potential ecological corridors, and 5 stepping-stones. Furthermore, 26 ecological fragmentation points were marked. We proposed to carry out efficient and effective international cooperation between China, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. In addition, the installation of road-crossing structures should be taken into consideration to minimize the negative impacts of the road-related disturbances.
Highlights
Connectivity, the degree to which the landscape facilitates or impedes movement between resources orThe concept of ecological networks was proposed by Forbes in 1887 in the field of biology
The definition of ecological network in landscape ecology is still changing and improving, it normally has the following characteristics: (a) maintaining ecological processes [13]; (b) protecting internal habitats from external disturbances and increasing species habitats [14]; (c) enhancing landscape connectivity and reducing the degree of landscape fragmentation [15]; (d) connecting scattered animal habitats, providing channels for animal migration, increasing species gene exchange, and preventing population segregation [16]; and (e) addressing the threat posed by the global climate change [17]
This study proposed a possible ecological network to strengthen the links among Altai transboundary natural reserves
Summary
The concept of ecological networks was proposed by Forbes in 1887 in the field of biology It referred to the various interactions between species, such as competition, symbiosis, and predation [11]. Stepping-stones are small habitat areas that can serve as stopovers when traveling through the unfavorable matrix between two patches in the network [60]. All these three elements together create possible areas in which species can migrate and, some species can be capable of maintaining the protection to some extent [19]
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