Small patches play a critical role in the connectivity of the Western Tianshan landscape, Xinjiang, China

Small forest patches, often overlooked in conservation efforts, play a critical role in maintaining landscape connectivity in the Western Tianshan region of Xinjiang, China. A study identified 13 critical and 14 important patches for connectivity, including seven small (<5 ha) patches and fifteen clusters that act as stepping stones between larger patches. These small patches are essential for species with limited dispersal distances and should be prioritized in conservation strategies to enhance biodiversity protection.

Han, L., Wang, Z., Wei, M., Wang, M., Shi, H., Ruckstuhl, K., Yang, W., & Alves, J. (2022). Small patches play a critical role in the connectivity of the Western Tianshan landscape, Xinjiang, China. Ecological Indicators, 144, 109542. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2022.109542