Nodes, networks, and MUMs: preserving diversity at all scales

• Published in: Environmental management (New York) 1986-05, Vol.10 (3), p.299-309
• Main Authors: Noss, R.F, Harris, L.D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ANALISIS DE REDES; ANALYSE DE RESEAU; CONSERVACION DE LA NATURALEZA; CONSERVATION DE LA NATURE; ECOSISTEMA; ECOSYSTEME; ECOSYSTEMS; LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION; MULTIPLE USE MODULES; NATURE CONSERVATION; NETWORK ANALYSIS; PATCH DYNAMICS; USES; USOS; UTILISATION
• ISSN: 0364-152X; 1432-1009
• DOI: 10.1007/BF01867252

The authors present a conceptual scheme that evaluates not only habitat content within protected areas, but also the landscape context in which each preserve exists. Nodes of concentrated ecological value exist in each landscape at all levels in the biological hierarchy. Integration of these high quality nodes into a functional network is possible through the establishment of a system of interconnected multiple-use modules (MUMs). The MUM network protects and buffers important ecological entities and phenomena, while encouraging movement of individuals, species, nutrients, energy, and even habitat patches across space and time. An example is presented for the southeastern USA (south Georgia-north Florida), that uses riparian and coastal corridors to interconnect existing protected areas. This scheme will facilitate reintroduction and preservation of wide-ranging species such as the Florida panther, and help reconcile species-level and ecosystem-level conservation approaches.