Planning for the restoration of functional connectivity in Brazil

Abstract

Aim Land use and land cover (LULC) change is the main driver of biodiversity loss, causing habitat loss and fragmentation that hinders species movement and negatively impacts populations. While habitat fragments are structurally disconnected, functional connectivity can still occur depending on the species' dispersal abilities. Incorporating landscape connectivity into restoration planning helps identify strategic areas significantly enhancing connectivity. Here, we present an unprecedented, nationwide continuous spatial layer representing each restorable pixel's contribution to functional connectivity, using Brazil as a case study.