Abstract

Habitat loss and fragmentation, due to anthropogenic land transformation, is the leading cause of species declines and biodiversity loss worldwide. Habitat loss and fragmentation transform landscapes into a heterogeneous array of habitat fragments of smaller total habitat area, isolated from each other by a human-dominated matrix. This results in long-term changes in ecosystem structure and function, and an overall reduction in species abundance and movement ability between fragments. Globally, 56% of all terrestrial mammals have transboundary geographic ranges. In contrast, most conservation initiatives do not cross political boundaries. The Adirondack-to-Laurentians (A2L) transboundary wildlife linkage connects wilderness areas in
the northeastern United States with southeastern Canada. Although the region contains many habitats of high ecological integrity and biodiversity, ceaseless anthropogenic land transformation within the A2L may be putting transboundary connectivity at risk. Changes in
landscape structure, due to anthropogenic land transformation, that occurred within the A2L between 1992 and 2018 were quantified, and priority areas for conservation and restoration were identified. The results suggest that to achieve long-term functionality of the A2L, collaborative and coordinated measures will be necessary to preserve the integrity of the Québec portion, restore extensive habitat in eastern Ontario, and reestablish or maintain connectivity throughout the linkage. The results can be used to inform conservation policy and land-use planning throughout the region. Left unaddressed, continued anthropogenic land transformation is likely to have additional detrimental effects on the ability of the A2L to function as a transboundary wildlife linkage.