Bridging the divide: The search for an integrative approach to landscape corridor design

Habitat fragmentation caused by humans threatens the planet's biodiversity. Conservation and restoration are important strategies for wildlife protection; however, recent trends in resource management suggest that more effective approaches integrate human and wildlife needs. This research explored how landscape corridors can be designed to be integrative environments that support both wildlife movement and human recreation. Landscape requirement compatibility was assessed by evaluating the effects of human preference-based guidelines on corridor width and connectivity criteria. Highly compatible strategies had low spatial impact or dealt with details and materials, while less compatible strategies promoted edge habitats. Thematic mapping revealed the corridor spectrum concept, which formed the basis for an integrative Bridge Framework for corridor design. This tool recommends locally adaptable design strategies based on the goal of the corridor, providing a means to reconcile the human appetite for space with the need to protect wildlife habitats.