title: Geotechnology-Based Modeling to Optimize Conservation of Forest Network in Urban Area.
abstract: Forest network development in urban areas faces the challenge from forest fragmentation, human-induced disturbances, and scarce land resources. Here, we proposed a geotechnology-based modeling to optimize conservation of forest network by a case study of Wuhan, China. The potential forest network and their priorities were assessed using an improved least-cost path model and potential utilization efficiency estimation. The modeling process consists of four steps: (i) developing species assemblages, (ii) identifying core forest patches, (iii) identifying potential linkages among core forest patches, and (iv) demarcating forest networks. As a result, three species assemblages, including mammals, pheasants, and other birds, were identified as the conservation targets of urban forest network (UFN) in Wuhan, China. Based on the geotechnology-based model, a forest network proposal was proposed to fulfill the connectivity requirements of selected species assemblages. The proposal consists of seven forest networks at three levels of connectivity, named ideal networks, backbone networks, and comprehensive network. The action priorities of UFN plans were suggested to optimize forest network in the study area. Additionally, a total of 45 forest patches with important conservation significance were identified as prioritized stepping-stone patches in the forest network development. Urban forest conserve was also suggested for preserving woodlands with priority conservation significance. The presented geotechnology-based modeling is fit for planning and optimizing UFNs, because of the inclusion of the stepping-stone effects, human-induced pressures, and priorities. The framework can also be applied to other areas after a sensitivity test of the model and the modification of the parameters to fit the local environment.
authors.affiliation: College of Horticultural & Forestry Sciences/Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China. tengmingjun@hotmail.com.|Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection/Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Environment of the State Forestry Administration, Chinese Academy of Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China. tengmingjun@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Mingjun
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Teng
authors.affiliation: College of Horticultural & Forestry Sciences/Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China. whzhouzx@126.com.
authors.forename: Zhixiang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.affiliation: College of Horticultural & Forestry Sciences/Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China. pengchengwang@163.com.
authors.forename: Pengcheng
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection/Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Environment of the State Forestry Administration, Chinese Academy of Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China. xiaowenf@caf.ac.cn.
authors.forename: Wenfa
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Xiao
authors.affiliation: College of Horticultural & Forestry Sciences/Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China. wcg1129@163.com.
authors.forename: Changguang
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.affiliation: Department of Geography & Program in Planning, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. elizabeth.lord@utoronto.ca.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lord
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds; D002681:China; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D065928:Forests; D006801:Humans; D008322:Mammals; D008962:Models, Theoretical
keywords: Forest fragmentation; Forest management; Landscape planning; Priority; Stepping-stone effect; Urbanization