Context Ecological networks are systems of interconnected components that support biodiversity, ecological processes and ecosystem services. Such structures play a crucial role for nature conservation and people well-being in anthropogenic landscapes. Assessing connectivity by using efficient models and metrics is a sine qua non condition to preserve and improve appropriately these ecological networks. Objectives This study aims to present a novel methodological approach to assess and model connectivity for species conservation ( Bufo calamita ; the natterjack toad) and human recreation in the city. Methods The study used a combination least cost and circuit models to identify priority corridors in the City of Liège, Belgium. Green areas, habitats and relevant movement parameters were derived based on existing studies around (i) the occurrence, ecology and biology of the natterjack toad and (ii) human behavioural studies on urban pedestrians. Combining the two models allowed the assessment of connectivity for both species via two different metrics visualised using priority corridors on maps. Results The connectivity assessments identified lack of connectivity as the potential route to extinction of natterjack toads at one of the source sites. Conclusions This study provides examples of how combining least cost and circuit models can contribute to the improvement of urban ecological networks and demonstrates the usefulness of such models for nature conservation and urban planning.

中文翻译：

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一种提高城市空间生态网络连通性和共同利用的多步骤方法

背景 生态网络是支持生物多样性、生态过程和生态系统服务的相互关联组成部分的系统。这种结构对人为景观中的自然保护和人类福祉起着至关重要的作用。通过使用有效的模型和指标评估连通性是适当保护和改善这些生态网络的必要条件。目标 本研究旨在提出一种新的方法论方法来评估和模拟城市中物种保护（蟾蜍；蟾蜍）和人类娱乐的连通性。方法 该研究结合使用最低成本和电路模型来确定比利时列日市的优先走廊。绿地、栖息地和相关运动参数是根据围绕 (i) 发生、natterjack 蟾蜍的生态学和生物学以及 (ii) 对城市行人的人类行为研究。结合这两个模型，可以通过使用地图上的优先走廊可视化的两个不同指标来评估两个物种的连通性。结果 连通性评估将连通性的缺乏确定为源点之一的 natterjack 蟾蜍灭绝的潜在途径。结论 本研究提供了结合最低成本和循环模型如何有助于改善城市生态网络的示例，并证明了此类模型对自然保护和城市规划的有用性。结合这两个模型，可以通过使用地图上的优先走廊可视化的两个不同指标来评估两个物种的连通性。结果 连通性评估将连通性的缺乏确定为源点之一的 natterjack 蟾蜍灭绝的潜在途径。结论 本研究提供了结合最低成本和循环模型如何有助于改善城市生态网络的示例，并证明了此类模型对自然保护和城市规划的有用性。结合这两个模型，可以通过使用地图上的优先走廊可视化的两个不同指标来评估两个物种的连通性。结果 连通性评估将连通性的缺乏确定为源点之一的 natterjack 蟾蜍灭绝的潜在途径。结论 本研究提供了结合最低成本和循环模型如何有助于改善城市生态网络的示例，并证明了此类模型对自然保护和城市规划的有用性。