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Cited by 0Wildlife-Road Interactions and ConservationLand Use and Ecosystem ServicesRangeland and Wildlife Management

Mapping human modification and conservation priorities across critical linkages of the Florida Wildlife Corridor

Open access
Bohnett, Eve, Hoctor, Thomas, O’Brien, Michael, Thompson, Elizabeth, Smith, Daniel J., Frank, Kathyrn, Oetting, Jon, Noss, Reed·2026·Discover Conservation
DOI 10.1007/s44353-026-00078-y
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Abstract

The Florida Wildlife Corridor is increasingly affected by intensifying human pressures, leading to cascading environmental changes that threaten ecological integrity and connectivity. To inform conservation strategies and land management decisions, we developed a geographically explicit statewide Human Modification Index (HMI) for Florida. This index captures the extent of anthropogenic pressure across the landscape, incorporating infrastructure development, population density, transportation networks, energy production, agriculture, recreational use, and pollution. Using three distance-based kernel categories, we modeled the spatial influence of human activities on surrounding landscapes. We integrated the HMI with a Landscape Integrity layer—representing ecological condition based on land cover and road fragmentation—and applied the Omniscape algorithm to model cumulative and normalized current flow, highlighting both broad connectivity patterns and constrained, channelized movement areas known as “pinch points”. We then developed a novel composite index by multiplying these layers with potential habitat richness and natural community data to identify areas of high ecological value and landscape connectivity. The top 20% of composite scores defined high-priority areas, which were further evaluated using tax parcel data to estimate just value and land value. We focused on ten critical linkages within Priority 1 areas of the Florida Wildlife Corridor to (1) map connectivity across ten critical linkages, (2) identify “pinch-point” bottlenecks with high biodiversity and natural community scores, and (3) quantify the economic value of key areas. High-value composite pinch points occupy just 70,400 ha (1.6% of 4.45 M ha of linkages) yet comprise 57% of top tier cumulative connectivity flow in the critical linkages. The results demonstrate substantial variability in connectivity, vulnerability, and economic stakes across the corridor, emphasizing the strategic importance of conserving pinch points to maintain landscape permeability. Our study presents a novel, data-driven framework that integrates ecological integrity and land valuation to inform actionable insights for protecting Florida’s most critical wildlife corridors.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

The paper develops a statewide Human Modification Index and Omniscape connectivity model for Florida’s ten Priority 1 Wildlife Corridor critical linkages, then combines connectivity, biodiversity, natural-community, and parcel-value data to identify high-priority pinch points. It finds that a tiny fraction of linkage area—about 70,400 ha (1.6%)—channels most top-tier connectivity flow and represents over $948 million in just value and $307 million in land value.

Key findings

  • Pinch points occupy just 70,400 ha (1.6% of 4.45 M ha of linkages) yet carry 57% of top-tier cumulative connectivity flow in the abstract, while the Results and Discussion report 58%. Across the ten linkages, the top 20% connectivity composite covers 124,080 ha, and pinch-point composite area is 70,400 ha.
  • The proportion of top flow concentrated in pinch points ranges from 49% in Kissimmee-Caloosahatchee to 77% in Eglin-Apalachicola. High-concentration corridors (>0.65) are Eglin-Apalachicola and Suwanee.
  • Total just value and land value of the top 20% pinch-point composite parcels exceed $948 million and $307 million, respectively. Ocala-St Johns-Kissimmee leads with $436 million just value, $105 million land value, and 20,234 ha pinch-point area; Nature Coast has $140 million just value, and Kissimmee-Caloosahatchee has $106 million just value.
  • Intact no-distance-decay habitats are concentrated in Caloosahatchee-Big Cypress (9,523 ha) and Big Bend (7,220 ha), while Osceola-Ocala, Nature Coast, and Suwanee retain only 28 ha, 86 ha, and 103 ha, respectively.

Methods

  • Study area: Florida, focusing on ten critical linkages within Priority 1 of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, encompassing over 4,451,546 ha. The Human Modification Index was built at 10-m resolution from infrastructure, population and housing density, agriculture, energy and mining, transportation, pollution, and recreation layers, using distance-decay kernels and a fuzzy-sum algorithm to produce cumulative HMI.
  • The HMI was integrated with a Landscape Integrity layer as a resistance surface for Omniscape in Julia 1.8.5, using a moving window radius of 100 pixels and block size of 21 under three distance-decay scenarios (no, low, high). Outputs included cumulative and normalized current flow, classified into impeded, diffuse, channelized, and intensified flow.
  • A composite index multiplied cumulative current flow × normalized current flow × potential habitat richness × priority natural communities. The top 20% of composite values defined high-priority pinch points, which were evaluated with Florida tax parcel just value and land value after removing Florida Managed Conservation Areas and National Conservation Easements.

Limitations

  • Stated: the HMI and Omniscape outputs are modelled abstractions sensitive to input data quality, parameter choices, and decay functions; small-scale habitat degradation, species-specific stressors, and emerging land-use pressure remain underrepresented due to data limitations or coarse spatial resolution. Parcel-level value estimates reflect current market data and do not account for transaction costs, future appreciation, or non-market ecosystem services, and the study does not incorporate cost-effectiveness optimization. Social dimensions, including landowner attitudes, local governance, and equitable engagement, warrant further study.
  • Evident from the text: the abstract reports 57% of top-tier flow in pinch points while the Results and Discussion report 58%; total linkage area and pinch-point area also vary slightly across the abstract, tables, and discussion (e.g., 4.45 M ha vs. 4,454,830 ha vs. 4,425,246 ha; 70,400 ha vs. 70,337 ha).

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1007/s44353-026-00078-y

Cites

63 of 63 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 44 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    The proportion of top flow concentrated in pinch points ranges from 49% in Kissimmee-Caloosahatchee to 77% in Eglin-Apalachicola.

    “Vulnerability across linkages varies considerably, with the proportion of top flow concentrated in pinch points ranging from 49% in Kissimmee-Caloosahatchee to 77% in Eglin-Apalachicola.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The pixel-based multiplication and summation of pressure and biodiversity layers adequately represents the spatial co-occurrence and interaction of cumulative pressures and biodiversity.
    • Rests on an assumption: The top 20% of composite values within each critical linkage adequately identifies pinch points.
    • Rests on an assumption: The ten critical linkages and Priority 1 regions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are correctly delineated for the analysis.
  • Findingown data

    Osceola-Ocala exhibits a slightly lower proportion of flow in pinch points (57%).

    “Smaller linkages, such as Osceola-Ocala, exhibit a slightly lower proportion of flow in pinch points (57%), suggesting that while overall connectivity may be moderate, pinch points still represent important management targets.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The pixel-based multiplication and summation of pressure and biodiversity layers adequately represents the spatial co-occurrence and interaction of cumulative pressures and biodiversity.
    • Rests on an assumption: The top 20% of composite values within each critical linkage adequately identifies pinch points.
    • Rests on an assumption: The ten critical linkages and Priority 1 regions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are correctly delineated for the analysis.
  • Findingown data

    The top 20% of the connectivity composite carries 124,080 ha of flow across the ten critical linkages.

    “The combined area of all ten linkages totals 4,454,830 ha, carrying 124,080 ha of flow in the top 20% of connectivity composite.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The pixel-based multiplication and summation of pressure and biodiversity layers adequately represents the spatial co-occurrence and interaction of cumulative pressures and biodiversity.
    • Rests on an assumption: The ten critical linkages and Priority 1 regions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are correctly delineated for the analysis.
  • Findingown data

    Pinch points carry 58% of the top 20% highest connectivity flow composite.

    “Pinch points-where movement is most constrainedcover 70,400 ha and carry 58% of high-value flow.”
    • Also stated in: § 4.1.1 Pinch points and their ecological significance · plain
      “Across the ten linkages, pinch points occupy only 70,400 ha (≈ 1.6% of total corridor area) but channel 58% of top-tier connectivity flow, emphasizing their critical role in maintaining landscape permeability.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The pixel-based multiplication and summation of pressure and biodiversity layers adequately represents the spatial co-occurrence and interaction of cumulative pressures and biodiversity.
    • Rests on an assumption: The top 20% of composite values within each critical linkage adequately identifies pinch points.
    • Rests on an assumption: The ten critical linkages and Priority 1 regions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are correctly delineated for the analysis.
  • Findingown data

    Total just value of the top 20% of areas highlighted in the pinch point composite mean scores in the critical linkages exceeds $948 million.

    “Total just value and land value of the top 20% of areas highlighted in the pinch point composite mean scores in the critical linkages exceed $948 million and $307 million, respectively, underscoring their ecological and economic significance (Table 6).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Just value and land value from the Florida tax parcel database provide a valid measure of economic pressure on key connectivity zones.
    • Rests on an assumption: The ten critical linkages and Priority 1 regions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are correctly delineated for the analysis.
  • May combine two claims. 29
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 19

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Pinch points cover 70,400 ha, which is 1.6% of the total corridor area.

    “Pinch points-where movement is most constrainedcover 70,400 ha and carry 58% of high-value flow.”
    • Also stated in: § 3.2 Cumulative flow and pinch point composites · plain
      “Across these linkages, pinch points occupy a surprisingly small portion of corridor area-just 70,400 ha (1.6% of total), yet they channel a disproportionately large share of the top 20% of highest connectivity flow composite, highlighting the increasing human pressure constraining the connectivity of areas of low human pressure, high biodiversity and natural communities in the linkages.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The pixel-based multiplication and summation of pressure and biodiversity layers adequately represents the spatial co-occurrence and interaction of cumulative pressures and biodiversity.
    • Rests on an assumption: The top 20% of composite values within each critical linkage adequately identifies pinch points.
    • Rests on an assumption: The ten critical linkages and Priority 1 regions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are correctly delineated for the analysis.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    High-value composite pinch points occupy just 70,400 ha (1.6% of 4.45 M ha of linkages) yet comprise 57% of top tier cumulative connectivity flow in the critical linkages.

    “High-value composite pinch points occupy just 70,400 ha (1.6% of 4.45 M ha of linkages) yet comprise 57% of top tier cumulative connectivity flow in the critical linkages.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Higher HMI values correspond to higher resistance.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The Ocala-St Johns-Kissimmee linkage has cumulative current flow of 14,810 ha in the top 20% and the largest pinch point area (8,200 ha).

    “The Ocala-St.Johns-Kissimmee linkage exemplifies this dynamic, possessing the largest share of constrained movement, with cumulative current flow (14,810 ha in the top 20%) and largest pinch point area (8200 ha).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The pixel-based multiplication and summation of pressure and biodiversity layers adequately represents the spatial co-occurrence and interaction of cumulative pressures and biodiversity.
    • Rests on an assumption: The top 20% of composite values within each critical linkage adequately identifies pinch points.
    • Rests on an assumption: The ten critical linkages and Priority 1 regions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are correctly delineated for the analysis.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Value is highly concentrated: Ocala-St Johns-Kissimmee accounts for $436 million (46% of total), Nature Coast $140 million (15%), and Kissimmee-Caloosahatchee $106 million (11%); together these three represent over 72% of pinch-point protection costs.

    “Value is highly concentrated: Ocala-St Johns-Kissimmee alone accounts for $436 M (46% of total), Nature Coast $140 M (15%), and Kissimmee-Caloosahatchee $106 M (11%).Together these three represent over 72% of pinch-point protection costs, underscoring intense development pressure in ecologically critical bottlenecks.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Just value and land value from the Florida tax parcel database provide a valid measure of economic pressure on key connectivity zones.
    • Rests on an assumption: The ten critical linkages and Priority 1 regions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are correctly delineated for the analysis.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Nature Coast's pinch points span 3,130 ha (2.8% of its 111,950 ha linkage) and hold $140 million in just value.

    “Nature Coast's pinch points span 3,130 ha (2.8% of its 111, 950 ha linkage) yet hold $140 M in just value-an outsized return on any investment in land protection there.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Just value and land value from the Florida tax parcel database provide a valid measure of economic pressure on key connectivity zones.
    • Rests on an assumption: The ten critical linkages and Priority 1 regions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are correctly delineated for the analysis.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Eglin-Apalachicola has a just value of $66.3 million, a land value of $31.2 million, and a flow-to-pinch point ratio of 0.77.

    “Eglin-Apalachicola has a just value of $66.3 million and land value of $31.2 million, paired with one of the highest flow-to-pinch point ratios (0.77), underscoring that protecting the pinch points also protects a majority of the connected areas of low human pressure.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Just value and land value from the Florida tax parcel database provide a valid measure of economic pressure on key connectivity zones.
    • Rests on an assumption: The ten critical linkages and Priority 1 regions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are correctly delineated for the analysis.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The highest-value pinch point composites account for just 1.6% of the Critical Linkages land area and could require up to 1 billion dollars to protect.

    “For example, the highest-value pinch point composites identified in this study, which account for just 1.6% of the Critical Linkages land area, could require up to 1 billion dollars to protect.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Just value and land value from the Florida tax parcel database provide a valid measure of economic pressure on key connectivity zones.
    • Rests on an assumption: The ten critical linkages and Priority 1 regions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are correctly delineated for the analysis.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Eglin-Apalachicola's pinch point area is 8,744 ha (2.6% of its 336,041 ha linkage) and carries $66 million in market value.

    “Likewise, Eglin-Apalachicola's 8, 744 ha pinch point area (2.6% of its 336, 041 ha linkage) carries $66 M in market value.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Just value and land value from the Florida tax parcel database provide a valid measure of economic pressure on key connectivity zones.
    • Rests on an assumption: The ten critical linkages and Priority 1 regions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are correctly delineated for the analysis.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Ocala-St Johns-Kissimmee leads in area within the top 20% flow (37,222 flow-hectares) and pinch-point area (20,234 hectares), and has $436 million in just value and $105 million in land value.

    “Ocala-St Johns-Kissimmee leads in sheer scale of area within the top 20% flow (37,222 flow-hectares) and pinch-point area (20,234 hectares), where it also tops the economic stakes with $436 million in just value and $105 million in land value.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Just value and land value from the Florida tax parcel database provide a valid measure of economic pressure on key connectivity zones.
    • Rests on an assumption: The ten critical linkages and Priority 1 regions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are correctly delineated for the analysis.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    The largest linkage by total area is Caloosahatchee-Big Cypress (~1.4 million hectares), and it has the highest level of 9,520 hectares classified as No Distance Decay.

    “The largest linkage by total area is the Caloosahatchee-Big Cypress (~ 1.4 million hectares), so it is not surprising that it also has the highest level of 9520 hectares classified as No Distance Decay.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The pixel-based multiplication and summation of pressure and biodiversity layers adequately represents the spatial co-occurrence and interaction of cumulative pressures and biodiversity.
    • Rests on an assumption: The ten critical linkages and Priority 1 regions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are correctly delineated for the analysis.

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    Florida's critical wildlife corridors can be categorized into three groups based on the proportion of flow concentrated in pinch points: low (≤0.55), medium (0.56-0.65), and high (>0.65).

    “Based on the proportion of flow concentrated in pinch points, Florida's critical wildlife corridors can be categorized into three groups (Table 7).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The proportion of flow concentrated in pinch points is a valid indicator of corridor vulnerability.
    • Rests on an assumption: The ten critical linkages and Priority 1 regions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are correctly delineated for the analysis.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Omniscape is a landscape connectivity modeling tool that simulates movement across heterogeneous landscapes, accounting for both ecological and anthropogenic influences.

    “Omniscape is a landscape connectivity modeling tool that simulates movement across heterogeneous landscapes, accounting for both ecological and anthropogenic influences.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [31]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [41]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [48]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • Rests on an assumption: Higher HMI values correspond to higher resistance.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    This shortfall, often compounded by large-scale geographic data, highlights the need for precise, region-specific high resolution human footprint mapping.

    “This shortfall, often compounded by large-scale geographic data, highlights the need for precise, region-specific high resolution human footprint mapping.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The fuzzy sum algorithm integrates multiple stressor layers into a cumulative HMI, capturing the combined influence of infrastructure, land use, and other human pressures while avoiding overestimation inherent in simple additive approaches.

    “The fuzzy sum algorithm (Eq. 1) integrates multiple stressor layers (Hs) into a cumulative HMI (H), capturing the combined influence of infrastructure, land use, and other human pressures while avoiding overestimation inherent in simple additive approaches.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [9]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Unlike traditional additive methods, which often assume stressors are independent and can result in a model that is disproportionately influenced by the number of stressors included, the fuzzy sum method avoids such pitfalls and provides a more accurate reflection of cumulative environmental stress.

    “Unlike traditional additive methods, which often assume stressors are independent and can result in a model that is disproportionately influenced by the number of stressors included, the fuzzy sum method avoids such pitfalls and provides a more accurate reflection of cumulative environmental stress.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [68]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [69]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    As populations and consumption increase, these pressures are expected to intensify, challenging the long-term viability of ecosystems.

    “As populations and consumption increase, these pressures are expected to intensify, challenging the long-term viability of ecosystems [56].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [56]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The final output is not a representation of the highest areas of current flow, but rather, the areas that have high flow and are also considered pinch points with intensified and channelized flow that are being squeezed by incompatible land uses, although they still retain features that make them less affected by human pressure.

    “The final output is not a representation of the highest areas of current flow, but rather, the areas that have high flow and are also considered pinch points with intensified and channelized flow that are being squeezed by incompatible land uses, although they still retain features that make them less affected by human pressure.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Higher HMI values correspond to higher resistance.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The composite Landscape Integrity surface provides a robust, statewide representation of ecological intactness and serves as the foundational input for assessing human modification and landscape condition within the HMI framework.

    “This combined layer provides a robust, statewide representation of ecological intactness and serves as the foundational input for assessing human modification and landscape condition within the HMI framework.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    In Florida, rapid population growth and infrastructure expansion over the next 50 years are expected to amplify pressures on remaining natural systems.

    “In Florida, rapid population growth and infrastructure expansion over the next 50 years are expected to amplify pressures on remaining natural systems [20,59,77,81].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [20]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [59]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [77]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [81]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This classification helps prioritize areas for conservation or restoration by highlighting zones where landscape connectivity is most vulnerable to human modification.

    “This classification helps prioritize areas for conservation or restoration by highlighting zones where landscape connectivity is most vulnerable to human modification.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Higher HMI values correspond to higher resistance.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Premisecitation

    Wildlife corridor planning has emerged as essential for maintaining connectivity among protected areas and ensuring viable dispersal pathways for species.

    “Wildlife corridor planning has emerged as essential for maintaining connectivity among protected areas and ensuring viable dispersal pathways for species [7,18,34].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [7]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [18]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [34]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    CLIP 4.0 Potential Habitat Richness data identifies areas of suitable habitat for up to 62 rare or vulnerable terrestrial vertebrate species in Florida, with species richness defined as the number of overlapping species per location, up to 13 in this dataset.

    “We used Potential Habitat Richness data from the Critical Lands and Waters Project (CLIP 4.0), developed by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, which identifies areas of suitable habitat for up to 62 rare or vulnerable terrestrial vertebrate species in Florida, with species richness defined by the number of overlapping species per location-up to 13 in this dataset [53].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [53]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    This classification allows planners to prioritize areas most in need of protection, where maintaining or enhancing connectivity is critical and at greatest risk.

    “This classification allows planners to prioritize areas most in need of protection, where maintaining or enhancing connectivity is critical and at greatest risk.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Higher HMI values correspond to higher resistance.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    A block size of 21 was used to maintain spatial resolution within each moving window; previous studies have found that blocking of this magnitude has minimal effect on connectivity outputs while substantially reducing computation time.

    “A block size of 21 was used to maintain spatial resolution within each moving window; previous studies have found that blocking of this magnitude has minimal effect on connectivity outputs while substantially reducing computation time [5,6].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [5]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [6]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • Rests on an assumption: Higher HMI values correspond to higher resistance.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Addressing landscape modification in a meaningful way demands relevant, high-quality data, as many global conservation efforts lack granular insights into human-environment interactions at regional, state, and county levels.

    “Addressing landscape modification in a meaningful way demands relevant, high-quality data, as many global conservation efforts lack granular insights into human-environment interactions at regional, state, and county levels [80].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [80]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Over the past two decades, global indices such as the Human Footprint, Landscape Development Intensity (LDI), and Landscape Integrity indices have advanced the measurement of anthropogenic influence by combining and ranking the magnitude and footprint of variables like land cover, population density, and infrastructure.

    “Over the past two decades, global indices-such as the Human Footprint, Landscape Development Intensity (LDI), and Landscape Integrity indices-have advanced the measurement of anthropogenic influence by combining and ranking the magnitude and footprint of variables like land cover, population density, and infrastructure [12,37,46,63,64,68,71].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 7 sources checked
    • cites [12]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [37]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [46]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [63]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [64]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [68]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [71]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    The normalized flow classifications provide ecologically meaningful distinctions, where impeded areas indicate limited movement due to high resistance, diffuse areas reflect broadly distributed connectivity, channelized areas correspond to concentrated movement along corridors, and intensified areas highlight critical connectivity hotspots.

    “These classifications provide ecologically meaningful distinctions, where impeded areas indicate limited movement due to high resistance, diffuse areas reflect broadly distributed connectivity, channelized areas correspond to concentrated movement along corridors, and intensified areas highlight critical connectivity hotspots.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [73]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • Rests on an assumption: Higher HMI values correspond to higher resistance.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    CLIP 4.0 Priority Natural Communities data highlights the presence of one or more rare or ecologically significant natural community types, prioritized based on global rarity (G-rank) and landscape context using the Land Use Intensity Index and FNAI's Potential Natural Areas.

    “We also used Priority Natural Communities data from CLIP 4.0, highlighting the presence of one or more rare or ecologically significant natural community types, such as sandhill, pine flatwoods, or coastal wetlands.These communities are prioritized based on their global rarity (G-rank) and landscape context, using the Land Use Intensity Index and FNAI's Potential Natural Areas [53].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [53]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The results demonstrate substantial variability in connectivity, vulnerability, and economic stakes across the corridor.

    “The results demonstrate substantial variability in connectivity, vulnerability, and economic stakes across the corridor, emphasizing the strategic importance of conserving pinch points to maintain landscape permeability.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Higher HMI values correspond to higher resistance.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Florida's Ecological Greenways Network (FEGN) represents a planning blueprint for statewide connectivity planning, and yet the underlying Landscape Integrity index primarily captures coarse-scale land use and major transportation corridors.

    “Florida's Ecological Greenways Network (FEGN) represents a planning blueprint for statewide connectivity planning, and yet the underlying Landscape Integrity index primarily captures coarse-scale land use and major transportation corridors [34].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [34]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Existing planning methods often underrepresent the cumulative nature of human pressures and struggle to account for both ecological and economic dimensions of conservation decisions.

    “Existing planning methods often underrepresent the cumulative nature of human pressures and struggle to account for both ecological and economic dimensions of conservation decisions [4].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [4]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    At our raster resolution, the moving window radius of 100 pixels was sufficient to encompass dispersal-relevant landscape context, including habitat patches and small anthropogenic barriers, while remaining computationally feasible for statewide modeling.

    “At our raster resolution, this radius was sufficient to encompass dispersal-relevant landscape context, including habitat patches and small anthropogenic barriers, while remaining computationally feasible for statewide modeling.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Higher HMI values correspond to higher resistance.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Green infrastructure, particularly ecological networks, serves as a spatial framework for conserving biodiversity while providing ecosystem services in an increasingly developed landscape.

    “Green infrastructure, particularly ecological networks, serves as a spatial framework for conserving biodiversity while providing ecosystem services in an increasingly developed landscape [8,13,16].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [8]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [13]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [16]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    We applied a moving window radius of 100 pixels to balance fine-scale sensitivity with statewide coverage, following simulations indicating larger moving windows were more appropriate for regional-scale connectivity analyses.

    “We applied a moving window radius of 100 pixels to balance finescale sensitivity with statewide coverage, following simulations indicating larger moving windows were more appropriate for regional-scale connectivity analyses [5,6].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [5]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [6]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • Rests on an assumption: Higher HMI values correspond to higher resistance.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    While these frameworks have improved understanding of human modification, they often operate at global or continental scales and omit fine-grained regional variation.

    “While these frameworks have improved understanding of human modification, they often operate at global or continental scales and omit fine-grained regional variation [40].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [40]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    This gap highlights the need for a more integrated and spatially nuanced statewide Human Modification Index that captures the full spectrum of anthropogenic influence beyond land cover classifications.

    “This gap highlights the need for a more integrated and spatially nuanced statewide Human Modification Index that captures the full spectrum of anthropogenic influence beyond land cover classifications.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Protecting hydrologically significant landscapes that overlap with high-value pinch points would simultaneously support species movement corridors and enhance human resilience to climate change impacts.

    “Protecting these zones would simultaneously support species movement corridors and enhance human resilience to climate change impacts.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The pixel-based multiplication and summation of pressure and biodiversity layers adequately represents the spatial co-occurrence and interaction of cumulative pressures and biodiversity.
    • Rests on an assumption: The ten critical linkages and Priority 1 regions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are correctly delineated for the analysis.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationown data

    The dual ecological and economic significance of pinch points strengthens the rationale for conceptualizing corridor protection as both ecological and economic infrastructure.

    “This dual ecological and economic significance strengthens the rationale for conceptualizing corridor protection as both ecological and economic infrastructure.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Just value and land value from the Florida tax parcel database provide a valid measure of economic pressure on key connectivity zones.
    • Rests on an assumption: The ten critical linkages and Priority 1 regions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are correctly delineated for the analysis.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The HMI and Omniscape current-flow outputs are modelled abstractions sensitive to input data quality, parameter choices, and the decay functions used.

    “The HMI and Omniscape current-flow outputs are modelled abstractions, sensitive to input data quality, parameter choices, and the decay functions we used.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Parcel-level value estimates reflect current market data and do not account for transaction costs, future appreciation, or non-market ecosystem services.

    “Parcel-level value estimates reflect current market data and don't account for transaction costs, future appreciation, or non-market ecosystem services.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Economic considerations influence the feasibility and prioritization of conservation actions.

    “Economic considerations are known to influence the feasibility and prioritization of conservation actions [61,81], which has prompted the development of optimization methods designed to minimize costs or maximize ecological outcomes relative to investment [49].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [61]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [81]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Pinch points channel a disproportionately large share of the top 20% highest connectivity flow composite, highlighting increasing human pressure constraining connectivity of areas of low human pressure, high biodiversity, and natural communities in the linkages.

    “Across these linkages, pinch points occupy a surprisingly small portion of corridor area-just 70,400 ha (1.6% of total), yet they channel a disproportionately large share of the top 20% of highest connectivity flow composite, highlighting the increasing human pressure constraining the connectivity of areas of low human pressure, high biodiversity and natural communities in the linkages.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The pixel-based multiplication and summation of pressure and biodiversity layers adequately represents the spatial co-occurrence and interaction of cumulative pressures and biodiversity.
    • Rests on an assumption: The top 20% of composite values within each critical linkage adequately identifies pinch points.
    • Rests on an assumption: The ten critical linkages and Priority 1 regions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are correctly delineated for the analysis.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Eglin-Apalachicola and Nature Coast exhibit concentrated flow within fragmented pinch points, rendering these linkages vulnerable to disruption from parcel loss despite their ecological value.

    “Similarly, Eglin-Apalachicola and Nature Coast exhibit concentrated flow within fragmented pinch points, rendering these linkages vulnerable to disruption from parcel loss, despite their ecological value.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The pixel-based multiplication and summation of pressure and biodiversity layers adequately represents the spatial co-occurrence and interaction of cumulative pressures and biodiversity.
    • Rests on an assumption: The top 20% of composite values within each critical linkage adequately identifies pinch points.
    • Rests on an assumption: The ten critical linkages and Priority 1 regions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are correctly delineated for the analysis.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Cost-based optimization techniques, including return on investment frameworks, have improved conservation planning by identifying areas where limited resources yield the greatest ecological benefit.

    “Cost-based optimization techniques, including return on investment (ROI) frameworks, have improved conservation planning by identifying areas where limited resources yield the grea ecological benefit [2,42,57].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [2]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [42]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [57]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

44 of 44

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Integrating ecological importance, exposure to threats, and land value can identify areas where conservation is both urgent and feasible, helping planners balance ecological gains with implementation costs.

    “Integrating ecological importance, exposure to threats, and land value can identify areas where conservation is both urgent and feasible, helping planners balance ecological gains with implementation costs.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Higher HMI values correspond to higher resistance.

    “Higher HMI values correspond to higher resistance.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The pixel-based multiplication and summation of pressure and biodiversity layers adequately represents the spatial co-occurrence and interaction of cumulative pressures and biodiversity.

    “To quantify the cumulative impacts of multiple anthropogenic pressures on biodiversity, we operationalized the conceptual cumulative pressure-biodiversity model (CP-B) using ArcGIS Pro 3.2.1, in which the spatial co-occurrence and interaction of pressures and biodiversity are assessed through a pixel-based multiplication and summation process [21].”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The top 20% of composite values within each critical linkage adequately identifies pinch points.

    “We further delineated pinch points representing the top 20% of composite values within each critical linkage and summarized the total acreage of these pinch points for each linkage, as well as the just value and land value of the area, which we describe as pinch points that are also considered high value for both biodiversity and natural communities.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Just value and land value from the Florida tax parcel database provide a valid measure of economic pressure on key connectivity zones.

    “Summarized land value and just value statistics were compiled for each linkage's top 20% of pinch point composite only, providing a measure of economic pressure on key connectivity zones.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The proportion of flow concentrated in pinch points is a valid indicator of corridor vulnerability.

    “Based on the proportion of flow concentrated in pinch points, Florida's critical wildlife corridors can be categorized into three groups (Table 7).”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The ten critical linkages and Priority 1 regions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are correctly delineated for the analysis.

    “The HMI was calculated across Priority 1 regions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, which have been divided into 10 critical linkages, highlighting areas with varying degrees of human disturbance.”
7 of 7

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Eglin-Apalachicola's total area is described as flow area

    Major

    The results call 335,973 ha Eglin-Apalachicola's top-20% flow area and say it has the largest such area. Table 5 identifies 335,973 ha as its total area and gives its flow area as 11,361 ha.

  • Ocala linkage flow and pinch-point areas conflict with Table 5

    Major

    The discussion gives 14,810 ha of top-20% flow and 8,200 ha of pinch points for this linkage; Table 5 gives 37,222 ha and 20,234 ha, respectively.

2 of 2

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 4

  1. FAC. Chapter 5I-7 of the Florida Administrative Code (FAC). Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP). 2023.
  2. Hoctor T, Volk M, Farrah D, O’Brien M. Sea level 2040/2070. Florida’s rising seas: mapping our future. Gainesville, FL: Center for Landscape Conservation Planning and 1000 Friends of Florida; 2023.
  3. Noss R, LaRoe E III, Scott JM. Endangered ecosystems of the united states: A preliminary assessment of loss and degradation. Washington, D.C.: National Biological Service; 1995.
  4. Sparks GM. Conserving working landscapes and open space: a socio-spatial analysis of private parcels suitable for conservation easements in Calveras County, California. Humboldt: California State Polytechnic University; 2021.

Authors
Bohnett, E., Hoctor, T., O’Brien, M., Thompson, E., Smith, D. J., Frank, K., Oetting, J., & Noss, R.
Affiliations
  • University of Florida (US)
  • Florida State University (US)
Corresponding author
Bohnett, Eve
ORCID
Venue
Discover Conservation
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2026-02-28
Volume
3
Issue
1
ISSN
3004-9784 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1007/s44353-026-00078-y
OpenAlex
W7131901567
Semantic Scholar
f202c8a225467adfd02adf8e3873a9b25c17e77c
Cited by
0
References
62
FWCI
0.00
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Discover Conservation (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Florida State Legislature
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Ecology › Wildlife-Road Interactions and Conservation
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Global and Planetary Change › Land Use and Ecosystem Services
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Ecology › Rangeland and Wildlife Management
Keywords
landscape connectivity, pinch points, ecological corridors, conservation prioritization, kernel density, road fragmentation, land valuation, habitat richness, anthropogenic pressure

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-17.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-17.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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