A high resolution spatial modelling framework for landscape-level, strategic conservation planning

Development is needed to improve living standards globally but poses a threat to many species through habitat loss and fragmentation. There is often a legal requirement to ensure new development does not negatively impact protected species and the habitats they depend on, however planners are unable to make informed decisions without a detailed understanding of how species use the landscape. The aim of this study was to develop a spatial modelling framework for protecting biodiversity in the planning process. Using habitat suitability and landscape connectivity modelling we aimed to produce high resolution mapping outputs that can inform development decisions. We illustrate our approach with a detailed case study of a species of conservation concern, the greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), in Somerset, UK. We gathered fine scale data on R. ferrumequinum habitat use with GPS telemetry, mapped habitat using a high resolution, satellite derived land classification, and built a detailed vegetation map with LIDAR. With these data we built models of habitat suitability and landscape connectivity, validated model predictions with an independent dataset, and generated a number of high resolution maps. We present a detailed case study to explore how different mapping outputs can guide development decisions. We propose that robust tools such as integrated spatial modelling should be central to the planning process; our framework can act as a template for implementing this.