Restoring connectivity in a fragmented landscape: Creation of a biological corridor in Southwestern Ecuador

Habitat loss and fragmentation are among the main drivers of species extinction and pose a major threat to global biodiversity. Decreasing migration rates between populations separated by a large matrix of unsuitable habitat can lead to a reduction in gene flow between these populations and, inevitably, to loss of genetic diversity and inbreeding. Consequently, conservation and restoration of connectivity between populations have become a priority aspect of biodiversity management. One approach is the establishment of biological corridors to enable or facilitate animal movement and gene flow between disconnected habitat patches. The aim of my project is to generate a scientific basis to establish an ecological corridor in southwestern Ecuador. In this area, the original vegetation of premontane cloud forest has decreased rapidly due to logging and cattle farming, posing a severe threat to native biodiversity. The corridor will connect the Buenaventura Reserve with unprotected areas outside the reserve where natural vegetation cover can still be found. I will explore barriers to animal dispersal within the corridor area using the endangered El Oro Tapaculo (Scytalopus robbinsi), also known as Ecuadorian Tapaculo, as a focal species. This bird’s preference for dense forest cover and reluctance to cross open habitat make it an excellent species to study dispersion barriers in a fragmented, deforested habitat, as is the case in southwestern Ecuador. The dispersal abilities of four other endangered bird species will also be taken into account for the detailed corridor planning. Moreover, I will assess the impacts of climate change on the corridor region and the related biodiversity in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of the corridor.

Ansprechpartner: Hermes C

Projektbeginn: 2015
Projektende: 2018

Hermes C

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
Professur für Wildtierökologie und Wildtiermanagement
Prof. Dr. Storch
Tennenbacher Str. 4
79106 Freiburg

Telefon: + 49 (0) 761 203 - 3663
Fax: + 49 (0) 761 203 - 3667
http://www.wildlife.uni-freiburg.de