Assessing Landscape Connectivity and Fragmentation in Clematis hirsutissima: Implications for Conservation and Restoration
Faculty Mentor
Robin L. O'Quinn
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
May 2025
End Date
May 2025
Location
PUB NCR
Primary Discipline of Presentation
Biology
Abstract
This study investigates the landscape connectivity of Clematis hirsutissima, a perennial forb native to Inland Pacific Northwest prairies, with a focus on the effects of habitat fragmentation. Fragmentation restricts gene flow and alters population connectivity, but the extent to which this affects C. hirsutissima populations is unclear. The objectives of this study are to (1) assess landscape connectivity using resistance surfaces, which model how difficult it is for organisms to move across the landscape based on environmental features; (2) evaluate potential movement corridors between populations; and (3) quantify the effects of fragmentation on gene flow. To achieve these goals, we integrate ArcGIS Pro for creating resistance surfaces based on habitat suitability derived from a Species Distribution Model (SDM), Fragstats for quantifying landscape fragmentation metrics, and Circuitscape and Graphab for simulating and evaluating connectivity and movement corridors. Resistance values are assigned based on ecological traits and habitat preferences of C. hirsutissima, incorporating factors such as land cover type, soil permeability, slope, and anthropogenic barriers. Results will inform the identification of critical areas for conservation and habitat restoration, as well as provide insights into the impact of fragmentation on plant population connectivity.
Recommended Citation
Ogle, Ashley Grace and O'Quinn, Robin L., "Assessing Landscape Connectivity and Fragmentation in Clematis hirsutissima: Implications for Conservation and Restoration" (2025). 2025 Symposium. 36.
https://dc.ewu.edu/srcw_2025/ps_2025/p1_2025/36
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Assessing Landscape Connectivity and Fragmentation in Clematis hirsutissima: Implications for Conservation and Restoration
PUB NCR
This study investigates the landscape connectivity of Clematis hirsutissima, a perennial forb native to Inland Pacific Northwest prairies, with a focus on the effects of habitat fragmentation. Fragmentation restricts gene flow and alters population connectivity, but the extent to which this affects C. hirsutissima populations is unclear. The objectives of this study are to (1) assess landscape connectivity using resistance surfaces, which model how difficult it is for organisms to move across the landscape based on environmental features; (2) evaluate potential movement corridors between populations; and (3) quantify the effects of fragmentation on gene flow. To achieve these goals, we integrate ArcGIS Pro for creating resistance surfaces based on habitat suitability derived from a Species Distribution Model (SDM), Fragstats for quantifying landscape fragmentation metrics, and Circuitscape and Graphab for simulating and evaluating connectivity and movement corridors. Resistance values are assigned based on ecological traits and habitat preferences of C. hirsutissima, incorporating factors such as land cover type, soil permeability, slope, and anthropogenic barriers. Results will inform the identification of critical areas for conservation and habitat restoration, as well as provide insights into the impact of fragmentation on plant population connectivity.
