Why Connectivity Is Important
A functional network of connected habitats is essential to the continued existence of California's diverse species and natural communities in the face of both human land use and climate change. Habitat is key to the conservation of fish and wildlife. Terrestrial species must navigate a habitat landscape that meets their needs for breeding, feeding and shelter. Natural and semi-natural components of the landscape must be large enough and connected enough to meet the needs of all species that use them. As habitat conditions change in the face of climate change, some species ranges are already shifting and wildlife must be provided greater opportunities for movement, migration, and changes in distribution. In addition, aquatic connectivity is critical for anadromous fish like salmon that encounter many potential barriers as they return upstream to their places of origin.