Scientists press for more biological corridors

Mexico is using voluntarily conserved property such as this, a combination of ejido and private land in Jalisco state, to create biological corridors. (Courtesy photo)

As deforestation and other human-driven land-use changes rapidly fragment natural habitat around the world, it’s no wonder scientists are warning of a sixth mass extinction. Nor is it surprising they are calling increasingly for biological corridors, a conservation strategy recognized for over a half a century but not used anywhere near as widely as experts deem necessary. Biological corridors connect two or more larger areas of habitat—ideally protected lands—to enable the movement of animals and plants between them, thereby strengthening the genetic diversity of flora and fauna in both locations. To serve their purpose, the corridors can be “adjoining areas of secondary vegetation or non-intensive production,” says Juan Bezaury-Creel, director and founder of the nonprofit Mexican Biodiversity Foundation (FBD). Non-intensive production, such as agroforestry, can help ensure local livelihoods without disrupting the connectivity of flora and fauna, he notes. Activities such as monocrop... Read more →