Two strategies for conservation planning in human-dominated landscapes

This paper discusses the modelling of two strategies for conservation planning in human-dominated landscapes: the enlargement of existing reserve sites and the allocation of stepping stones between these sites. We developed two spatial allocation models that plan new habitat according to these strategies, considering simple ecological rules of thumb to meet the requirements for population sustainability and the suitability of the land for competing land use. The model ENLARGE enlarges the existing sites. The model MENTOR modifies the spatial arrangement of patches by adding new patches that may act as stepping stones between reserve sites. These two models result in different habitat configurations. Both the allocation of stepping stones and the enlargement of existing sites provide a higher percentage of occupied habitat. These models may help to address the question under which conditions either the allocation of stepping stones or the enlargement of existing sites is preferred as strategy for conservation planning in human-dominated landscapes.