Do Corridors Have Value in Conservation?
Author(s)
Abstract
This case study discusses conservation corridors as a means to reduce the problems of population size and isolation in a fragmented habitat. In an interrupted format, students learn what a corridor is, consider how nature preserves and corridors function, and analyze data from an article in Ecology on the use of corridors by various plant and animal species. As written, this case reviews and applies several topics from an introductory ecology and evolution class (population genetics, population ecology and island biogeography) to the problem of protecting species in fragmented habitats. It could be modified for use in environmental or conservation biology courses.
Objectives
- Understand what a corridor is and how it might be useful in protecting endangered species.
- Apply an array of scientific principles, including those from population, community, and ecosystem ecology and population genetics, to solve a problem in conservation biology.
- Gain greater understanding of techniques for censusing various species.
- Practice data interpretation.
Keywords
Conservation biology; habitat fragmentation; nature preserves; corridors; biodiversity; plant; mammal; insect; butterfly; jaguar; Panthera onca; endangered species; United States–Mexico borderTopical Areas
N/AEducational Level
Undergraduate lower divisionFormat
PDFType / Methods
Discussion, Interrupted, Journal ArticleLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Ecology | Environmental Science | Natural Resource Management | Wildlife Management | Biology (General) |
Date Posted
5/25/2011Teaching Notes
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