Advanced Ecological Network Models for Understanding Animal Social Dynamics and Enhancing Habitat Connectivity

Abstract

Nature reserves and protected areas are essential for biodiversity conservation, but habitat
fragmentation poses a significant challenge, interfering with species movement and ecosystem
function. This paper will evaluate how ecological network models can be used to augment
connectedness in the broken Sundarbans Mangrove Forest (India and Bangladesh), which forms a
crucial habitat for particular species such as the Bengal tiger and the Olive Ridley sea turtle. These
species, which occupy large territories and engage in migration, are especially susceptible to
fragmentation, and the number of Bengal tigers has dropped by around 50 % in the past ten years due
to habitat loss. In the conservation corridors model linking the conservation areas, it will be discussed
how the corridors can alleviate the effects of fragmentation, promote natural movement, reduce
inbreeding risks, and increase genetic diversity. The properly designed corridors may enhance the
movement of species by a factor of 30 to enhance gene flow and stability of populations. The paper
also explores the effects of these corridors on social behaviors, foraging, and reproduction, which are
fundamental to species survival. It employs the best ecological network modelling to determine the
major corridors and the efficacy of connectivity plans. The results emphasize the role of the protection
areas in ensuring the sustainability of the ecosystem services, including flood control, carbon
sequestration, and enabling adaptation to climate change by providing secure migration pathways.
This study gives practical results on how to enhance the habitat connectivity in the Sundarbans, which
can be used as practical solutions on how biodiversity conservation can be improved, as well as
informing any future policies on landscape management.