This digest launches our new Policy Digest series, with regular updates on news and policy advancements about connectivity and corridors. * NOTE: Map last updated May 2023 *
Wildlife corridors connect dynamic landscapes between ecologically sound habitat areas. They support the flow of wildlife and the natural processes upon which they rely. Corridors contribute to the resilience of a land- or seascape by allowing species to adapt and complete their life cycles with the resources they require for survival. However, increasing habitat fragmentation, and anticipated shifts in the climate have put these essential movements at risk.
While there are a whole suite of advantages related to protecting the areas and linkages that promote wildlife movement, the major benefits of wildlife corridor protection can be broken down into five main points:
- The ability to safely reach food and water;
- To reproduce – minimizing the barriers to finding a mate increases the likelihood of successfully producing offspring;
- To adapt to natural and climate related changes to their environment;
- To avoid conflict with vehicles; and
- To avoid conflict with people – adequate corridors are likely to minimize wildlife encroachment into human-dominated areas
The U.S. State Connectivity Policy Library provides current state-by-state information on legislation pertaining to connectivity. (Click to access the full library)
In light of the urgent need to conserve native wildlife and improve human safety, numerous U.S. states have taken action in recent years to protect wildlife corridors. A list of policies organized by state can now be accessed via Conservation Corridor’s new U.S. State Connectivity Policy Library, which provides information on each state policy and links to the original text. This information provides a starting point to understand how legislation recognizes and addresses connectivity across the land- and seascape of the U.S.
