Aarhus Universitets segl

Landscape ecology, habitat connections and corridors

Main subject area: Connectivity, habitat protection and habitat quality, nature and biodiversity, Habitat fragmentation, hedgerows and corridors, GIS, remote sensing

Short project description

Biodiversity is globally and in Denmark declining at a rapid pace. Habitat fragmentation and physical barriers in the landscape are crucial factors to the ongoing decline in biodiversity. To mitigate the barrier effect of for example roads and traffic, fauna crossings can be implemented to allow species to cross without exposure to traffic. Besides these man-made constructions a better habitat connectivity is needed. This project aims to map and assess the current fauna crossings in Denmark and analyse the potential for a better habitat connectivity through hedgerow management.

Project start

Any time

Physical location of project and students work

AU Viborg

Extent and type of project

30 ECTS: Theoretical thesis based on literature studies and/or analysis of issued and edited data sets.

45 ECTS: Experimental theses in which the student is responsible for collection and analysis of his/her own original data

60 ECTS: Experimental theses in which the student is responsible for planning, trial design and collection and analysis of his/her own original data

Additional information

Vogt, P., Riitters, K.H., Iwanowski, M., Estreguil, C., Kozak, J. and Soille, P., 2007. Mapping landscape corri-dors. Ecological indicators, 7(2), pp.481-488.

Hilty, J.A., Lidicker Jr, W.Z. and Merenlender, A.M., 2012. Corridor ecology: the science and practice of linking landscapes for biodiversity conservation. Island Press.

Beier, P. and Noss, R.F., 1998. Do habitat corridors provide connectivity?. Conservation biology, 12(6), pp.1241-1252.