UNICOR: a species connectivity and corridor network simulator

B. K. Hand; J. Glassy; Samuel A. Cushman; E. L. Landguth; M. A. Sawaya

doi:10.1111/j.1600-0587.2011.07149.x

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UNICOR: a species connectivity and corridor network simulator

Formally Refereed

Authors:

B. K. Hand, J. Glassy, Samuel A. Cushman, E. L. Landguth, M. A. Sawaya

Year:

2012

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0587.2011.07149.x

Source:

Ecography. 35: 9-14.

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Abstract

We introduce UNIversal CORridor network simulator (UNICOR), a species connectivity and corridor identifi cation tool. UNICOR applies Dijkstra's shortest path algorithm to individual-based simulations. Outputs can be used to designate movement corridors, identify isolated populations, and prioritize conservation plans to promote species persistence. The key features include a driver-module framework, connectivity mapping with thresholding and buffering, and calculation of graph theory metrics. Through parallel-processing, computational efficiency is greatly improved, allowing analyses of large extents and entire populations. Previously available approaches are limited by prolonged computational times and poor algorithmic efficiency, restricting problem-size and requiring artificial subsampling of populations.

Keywords

UNIversal CORridor network simulator (UNICOR), species connectivity, corridor network simulator

Citation

Landguth, E. L.; Hand, B. K.; Glassy, J.; Cushman, S. A.; Sawaya, M. A. 2012. UNICOR: a species connectivity and corridor network simulator. Ecography. 35: 9-14.