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Temporal Patterns of Structural Sagebrush Connectivity from 1985 to 2020

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  • Erin K. Buchholtz

    (U.S. Geological Survey, South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Lehotsky Hall, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
    U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA)

  • Michael S. O’Donnell

    (U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA)

  • Julie A. Heinrichs

    (Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA)

  • Cameron L. Aldridge

    (U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA)

Abstract

The sagebrush biome within the western United States has been reshaped by disturbances, management, and changing environmental conditions. As a result, sagebrush cover and configuration have varied over space and time, influencing processes and species that rely on contiguous, connected sagebrush. Previous studies have documented changes in sagebrush cover, but we know little about how the connectivity of sagebrush has changed over time and across the sagebrush biome. We investigated temporal connectivity patterns for sagebrush using a time series (1985–2020) of fractional sagebrush cover and used an omnidirectional circuit algorithm to assess the density of connections among areas with abundant sagebrush. By comparing connectivity patterns over time, we found that most of the biome experienced moderate change; the amount and type of change varied spatially, indicating that areas differ in the trend direction and magnitude of change. Two different types of designated areas of conservation and management interest had relatively high proportions of stable, high-connectivity patterns over time and stable connectivity trends on average. These results provide ecological information on sagebrush connectivity persistence across spatial and temporal scales that can support targeted actions to address changing structural connectivity and to maintain functioning, connected ecosystems.

Suggested Citation

  • Erin K. Buchholtz & Michael S. O’Donnell & Julie A. Heinrichs & Cameron L. Aldridge, 2023. "Temporal Patterns of Structural Sagebrush Connectivity from 1985 to 2020," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:12:y:2023:i:6:p:1176-:d:1162384
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kimberly R. Hall & Ranjan Anantharaman & Vincent A. Landau & Melissa Clark & Brett G. Dickson & Aaron Jones & Jim Platt & Alan Edelman & Viral B. Shah, 2021. "Circuitscape in Julia: Empowering Dynamic Approaches to Connectivity Assessment," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-24, March.
    2. Katherine A. Zeller & Rebecca Lewison & Robert J. Fletcher & Mirela G. Tulbure & Megan K. Jennings, 2020. "Understanding the Importance of Dynamic Landscape Connectivity," Land, MDPI, vol. 9(9), pages 1-15, August.
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