Application of the continuum suitability index (csi) model to display the permeability of the alpine-dinaric landscape and to define intervention priorities for ecological linkages

Abstract

The Alps and the Dinaric Mountains are European biodiversity hubs and still show one of the lowest levels of landscape fragmentation in Europe, although some parts of the two mountain ranges are subjected to heavy human-related pressures. The aim of the present study was to analyse the current state of landscape connectivity and identify the most important geographical areas for preservation of unimpeded movement of species and the flow of natural processes from northern Italy to northern Greece, using the Continuum Suitability Index (CSI) in combination with a least-cost path (LCP) model.Results show 21.2% of the of the area displays high level of permeability with functioning ecological linkages (named Strategic Connectivity Areas, SACA1) of which 82% are already under environmental protection. However, results indicate a noticeable difference in the proportion of SACA1 area under environmental protection between EU and non-EU countries. The proportion of the national territory assigned to SACA1 varies considerably among countries from 7.2% in Bosnia and Herzegovina to 31.3% in Albania. The identified macro-regional LCP covers 105,669 km2 interlinking 52% of the SACA1 surface. Almost half of the SACA1 are transboundary, indicating high importance of synchronised cross-border conservation efforts and spatial planning. Results of this structural connectivity model are useful for policy maker on the macro-regional scale, however future efforts should focus on functional connectivity on the local and regional scales.