Network Theory: An Evolving Approach to Landscape Conservation

Abstract

Even though natural systems are complicated and difficult to predict,thereare a few lessons we can derive from the current theory. First, connectivityof landscapes can strongly influence their capacity to support a metapopulation(see also Hanski and Ovaskainen 2000). Thus, tools to analyze connectivitypatterns in landscapes are essential to effective management andplanning for metapopulation conservation. Landscape network theory,aspresented here, is one such tool. By protecting both core and stepping-stonepatches in a fragmented landscape, we can greatly increase the likelihoodthat a species will persist. However, analysis of landscape connectivityis butone small part of an integrated conservation management process. Often,the most difficult challenges involve formation of a consensus aboutthetrue nature of the problem and the identification of data, protocols,andanalytical tools to be used as a basis for decision making. Fortunately,therehave been significant advances in decision-support tools and naturalresource-modeling techniques (see Gustafson et al., Chapter 8, thisvolume). Formal system modeling languages are now available that allowboth detailed specification as well as compact communication of thelogicalstructure of models used in decision support. Coupled with advancedmodelingtechniques, these tools can provide substantial improvements in ourability to manage complex ecological systems.