Habitat Connectivity and Wildlife Corridors

Habitat linkages are components of the landscape that facilitate the movement of species and promote ecological contiguity between large blocks of natural open space. Habitat linkages contribute to population viability by facilitating gene flow among sub-populations, allowing dispersal and recolonization among blocks of habitat, and allowing movement of individuals into appropriate habitat during different life stages. Species use habitat linkages at time scales ranging from permanent residence to temporary occupancy for rest or cover. Habitat linkages may be continuous or made up of discrete islands that function as stepping stones, and may function at spatial scales ranging from local to regional.