Type: report

Article abstract: South Coast Missing Linkages developed the linkage designs based on inputs from a series of workshops at which 270 participants from 126 agencies, academic institutions, land managers, planners, conservation organizations, and community groups identified 109 focal species, including 26 plants, 25 insects, 4 fish, 5 amphibians, 12 reptiles, 20 birds and 17 mammals. These focal species cover a broad range of habitat and movement requirements such that planning adequate linkages for their needs is expected to cover connectivity needs for the ecosystems they represent. The linkage designs are based on state-of-the-art GIS analyses informed by experts on each focal species, and contain multiple strands to serve the needs of various species. To identify potential routes between existing protected areas we conducted landscape permeability analyses for selected focal species for which appropriate data were available. Permeability analyses model the relative cost for a species to move between protected core habitat or population areas. We defined a least-cost corridor—or best potential route—for each species, and then combined these into a Least Cost Union. We then analyzed the size and configuration of suitable habitat patches within this Least Cost Union for all focal species to verify that the final Linkage Design would suit the live-in or move through habitat needs of all. Where the Least Cost Union omitted areas essential to the needs of a particular species, we expanded the Linkage Design to accommodate that species’ particular requirements, and ensure that no species was left behind. We also visited priority areas in the field to identify and evaluate barriers to wildlife movement. We also suggest restoration strategies to mitigate those barriers, with special emphasis on opportunities to reduce the adverse effects of transportation barriers.