The Use of Focal Species in Designing a Habitat Network for a Lowland Area of Lombardy, Italy

Abstract

Abstract: Ecological networks consist of core areas connected by corridors and shielded by buffer zones. It is now largely accepted that extensive networks need to be established at different scales to conserve biodiversity. We propose using focal species to plan woodland ecological networks because such species encompass the structural and functional needs of entire ecological communities. To this end, we chose (1) the type of landscape to be conserved and (2) the suitable focal species for that task. The study area (2500 km 2 ) was north of Milan where human activity is heavy but wooded patches are mostly protected as regional parks. We used an interpreted satellite image to compare land‐use patterns with the presence or abundance of focal species. This method produced “suitability maps” for focal species—woodland birds and mammalian carnivores—on which ecological corridors can be drawn as lines connecting core areas through the best available habitat in the matrix. These potential corridors are a useful guideline for implementation of a regional ecological network.