The connectivity of forests in Lapland

A crucial prerequisite for biodiversity is the ability of species to move between habitats, which depends on having sufficiently strong "ecological connectivity" within the landscape.

A previous research project, carried out in collaboration with the County Administrative Board of Norrbotten, involved methodological development where the entire Norrbotten County was treated as an electrical circuit. Simulations of how current moves through the circuit indicated general ecological connectivity. We conducted the largest-scale and most geographically detailed analysis to date using this method for boreal forests.

In this project, we will examine how well our connectivity maps correspond with reality by systematically comparing our modeled connectivity values with DNA traces from various species. This is the first time ever, internationally as well, that this method has been employed for this purpose.

The results will provide valuable insights into how accurately our connectivity model represents reality. The utility of these maps as decision-making tools in land-use planning in Lapland will thereby become clearer, and we will gain critical information on how to further develop the model to produce even more reliable maps. The outcomes will also lay the groundwork for a planned expansion of the connectivity model to national and international scales. Additionally, the analyses will yield important ecological information serving as a basis for new studies, leading to an even deeper understanding of the ecology of Lapland’s forests.