Habitat fragmentation, fauna and ecological network planning: Toward a theoretical conceptual framework

Habitat fragmentation has an impact on diversity and ecological processes in different and complex ways. Planning an ecological network is a recently developed strategy aimed at providing the ecological conditions necessary for the ecosystem and species populations to survive in fragmented landscapes. However, public institutions elaborate short‐term territorial plans, underestimating the role of ecologists and wildlife managers. Moreover, the traditional approach is mainly cartographic and ecological, species—specific consequences of habitat fragmentation being poorly investigated in planning strategy. Therefore, the present paper seeks to contribute by elaborating a conceptual framework to be used by planners. The approach followed is based on the theoretical background relative to habitat fragmentation and connectivity and is developed at three levels: structure (focusing on landscape patterns), dynamics and function (on the spatial patterns of distribution, abundance/richness of target species), and planning/management (on a managed and protected area system). An ecological network design with target species approach may provide important clues for the elaboration of conservation strategies as well as address planning in general. Finally, this field of research should stimulate us to make further improved studies on theoretical and applied ecology.