A Scoping Review of Modelling Techniques for Ecological Connectivity in Heterogeneous Landscape

Hindrance in the ecological connectivity and gene transfer in the ecosystem affects numerous animals from large mammals to small invertebrates. For foraging, mating, and dispersal, many animal species need wide-ranging habitats such as ungulates—deer, elk, as well as bears, wolves, mountain lions, elephants and tigers. Their access to suitable habitats might be restricted by fragmented landscapes, which can also block essential movement corridors. Moreover, increased human inhabitants and population shift towards the edge of forests provides animals with very less or no scope of living in the wilderness thereby isolating the population. As a result, ecological connectivity analysis and landscape planning are integral part of one another. This paper gives a scoping review of the modelling techniques used to address the ecological connectivity in a landscape. The literature on existing modelling technique, highlighting its uses, advantages, limitations, and developments, is analysed and summarised in the paper. An exhaustive discussion on modelling techniques such as graph theoretic approaches (least cost path analysis, network analysis, etc.), circuit theoretic approaches, agent-based models and machine learning-based approach is compiled for improved decision-making. This review paper aims to support evidence-based decision-making by synthesising the current state of knowledge, identifying research gaps, and providing insights into future directions for advancing connectivity modelling.