Abstract
Since habitat fragmentation results in species losses worldwide, considering the influence of buffer zones on the maintenance of connectivity provides a new perspective for buffer delimitation. In our study, the implications of buffer zones around nature reserves were studied at four sites in Fuzhou from the perspective of landscape connectivity based on a distance threshold of 1 km. We applied Graph-based connectivity indices at the landscape level and patch level to reveal the overall connectivity and patterns of change in patch importance for maintaining connectivity with various buffer zones. Based on the results of these analyses, we showed the relationship between structural factors and changes in patch importance by Spearman correlation analysis and redundancy analysis. The results indicate that in the sites with smaller habitat proportion (HP), the connectivity is relatively lower, and the changes in patch importance will be greater when the buffer zone increases. Different buffer zone sizes are suggested in four sites to maximize its benefits. Relatively small patches with high shape complexity and close proximity to patches outside the boundary contribute greatly to connectivity by acting as stepping stones.
Highlights
The implementation of buffer zones to minimize the influence of human activities on nature reserves was first proposed by Shelford [1], and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) later adapted the concept to the Man and Biosphere (MAB) program and Biosphere Reserves (BRs) [2]
Other researchers, such as Wild & Mutebi [4], proposed that scientific research, environmental education, and some kinds of sightseeing should be allowed in buffer zones, these activities may weaken the impacts of ecological protection in core zones and the economic development of neighboring communities
This study reveals the characteristics of patches with various buffer zones that contribute to connectivity and how landscape structural factors influence connectivity to better inform the planning of buffer delimitation
Summary
The implementation of buffer zones to minimize the influence of human activities on nature reserves was first proposed by Shelford [1], and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) later adapted the concept to the Man and Biosphere (MAB) program and Biosphere Reserves (BRs) [2]. Sayer [3] proposed that buffer zones should be established outside the core zone of nature reserves, emphasizing their ecological protection target and forbidding any economic development. Other researchers, such as Wild & Mutebi [4], proposed that scientific research, environmental education, and some kinds of sightseeing should be allowed in buffer zones, these activities may weaken the impacts of ecological protection in core zones and the economic development of neighboring communities. Researchers from Myanmar examined the floristic composition and species richness of moist evergreen forests by applying importance indices, such as the Simpson index, in the buffer zone of the Tanintharyi Nature Reserve to determine the current status of the area and need for further protection [8].
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