Combination of ecoprofile and least-cost model for eco-network planning

The protecting requirements and functional connectivity of species in isolated habitat patches are crucial factors of eco-network planning. This study aimed to improve the method of eco-network planning for species conservation. Ecoprofiling was used to group the species by similar behavior types, namely, choice of ecosystem, area requirement, and short distance dispersal abilities. A least-cost model was used to simulate the optimal corridor location to maintain functional connectivity. A combination of ecoprofile and least-cost model was hired to develop an eco-network that promoted species conservation. A case study was also conducted in Beijing, China. In addition to the required ecosystem, habitat area is an important parameter for habitat extraction. Habitat area can remove noise habitat patches because of lacking area. Short-distance dispersal can be used to identify corridor requirements and avoid unnecessary building requirements. Species with various dispersal abilities exhibit significant differences in terms of corridor length and location requirement. Habitat isolation is the main threat for weakly mobile species, and habitat loss is the major risk of mobile species protection. Different species groups also exhibit distinct landscape pattern demands for an eco-network, and the eco-network planning based on specific species can not protect other species. We proposed that a combination of ecoprofile and least-cost model improved the efficiency of species conservation by eco-network planning.