Predicting habitat functionality using habitat network models in urban planning
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21247950 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Oskar Kindvall (0000-0002-7653-1794, Chalmers University of Technology, corresponding author), Meta Berghauser Pont (0000-0002-4000-9064, Chalmers University of Technology), Ioanna Stavroulaki (0000-0001-8337-200X, Chalmers University of Technology), Emy Lanemo (Swedish National Heritage Board), Lena Wigren (Region Västra Götaland), Monika Levan (Swedish Transport Administration) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 52 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Pages | 1482-1497 |
| Publication date | 2025-07-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Environment and Planning B Urban Analytics and City Science (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2399-8083 • E-ISSN: 2399-8091 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/23998083241299165 |
| OpenAlex | W4404244145 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 27 |
Recently, the European Union adopted a Nature restoration law that aims to stop the ongoing decline of biodiversity and even bring back nature to cities. This is challenging as urbanization is an ongoing process that thrives for more land and densification. In this paper we describe a new Open-Source GIS-tool that automates habitat network analyses and simultaneously generates several maps that can be used for assessments, targeting species survival in urban environments. One result of particular interest is the habitat functionality map that combines values of habitat quality and connectivity. We tested the tool’s ability to predict habitat functionality using amphibian occurrence data observed from the city of Gothenburg in Sweden. Our evaluation shows that habitat functionality was generally a good predictor of amphibian distribution. However, the predictability was sensitive to the cartographic representativity of the input biotope map used. Also, predictions of habitat functionality improved when estimating dispersal probabilities using the Cost-distance algorithm, compared to when using Euclidean distance from reproductive habitats. This finding supports the need to use connectivity models that are responsive to variation and changes in roads, traffic volumes and buildings when performing effect analyses on biodiversity in cities. Finally, we demonstrate how the tool can be used to easily identify areas where restoration measures can effectively increase habitat functionality for target species. This can help planners to find efficient solutions for increasing biodiversity within urban areas
Biology · Geography · Habitat · Computer Science · Environmental Science · Land Use and Ecosystem Services · Urban Transport and Accessibility · Wildlife-Road Interactions and Conservation · Ecology
Using Circuit Theory to Model Connectivity in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation
Circuit theory predicts gene flow in plant and animal populations
Integrating ecological networks modelling in a participatory approach for assessing impacts of planning scenarios on landscape connectivity
The spatial distribution and frequency of street, plot and building types across five European cities
Ten years of experience with ecological connectivity analysis and urban planning in Sweden
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |