Identifying landscapes for conservation based on habitat thresholds

The research, conducted by Karl-Olof focuses on identifying key habitat thresholds essential for the survival of various species in southern Sweden. This project aims to guide effective conservation strategies by determining the specific habitat requirements needed to support biodiversity in landscapes affected by habitat loss.

Objectives

Determine habitat thresholds: Establish the minimum habitat requirements necessary for species survival.

Map functional areas: Identify and map regions that have the potential to support sensitive species based on habitat thresholds.

Enhance conservation efforts: Provide recommendations for cost-effective conservation actions to improve habitat quality and connectivity.

Key features studied

Tree species: Investigate old oaks, ash, wych elm, and Norway maple trees.

Semi-natural grasslands: Analyze the extent and condition of grasslands.

Methodology

Data collection: Utilize extensive datasets from citizen science and professional surveys to map large trees and grasslands.

Species analysis: Compile and analyze data on species occurrences, focusing on plants, mosses, lichens, fungi, and invertebrates.

Modeling habitat thresholds: Use statistical models to predict species occurrences based on habitat amounts and identify critical habitat thresholds.

Preliminary findings

Critical habitat amounts: Identified specific habitat amounts necessary to support various species.

Functional landscapes: Mapped regions that meet these habitat thresholds and can support a diverse range of species.

Conservation priorities: Highlighted areas with significant potential for habitat restoration and conservation.

Conservation implications

Guided conservation actions: Provides actionable data to help conservation practitioners focus efforts on the most critical areas.

Habitat restoration: Emphasizes the importance of restoring habitats to meet identified thresholds, ensuring the long-term survival of species.

Public engagement: Encourages the use of citizen science data to enhance conservation strategies and foster community involvement.

This ongoing research is crucial for developing effective conservation plans that address biodiversity loss in southern Sweden. By identifying and mapping critical habitat thresholds, we aim to support the survival of diverse species and maintain ecosystem health.