The concept of landscape connectivity involves species movement between habitat patches influenced by landscape features. It encompasses structural and functional connectivity as well as species-specific considerations. Structural connectivity analyzes spatial patterns of landscapes, while functional connectivity considers the response of organisms to the landscape. Evaluating habitats for connectivity requires accounting for their spatial and temporal variations. Temporal connectivity—often overlooked—is particularly essential for long-term population viability. Conservation planning should therefore integrate monitoring and assessment measures to achieve connectivity objectives in dynamic landscapes affected by land use and climate change. Measuring landscape connectivity considers landscape composition, structure, and heterogeneity as well as the presence of barriers, each varying among species and scales. Assessing connectivity across scales requires considering biological levels of organization from genetic flow to community processes. Modeling connectivity is complex and incorporates patch- and landscape-based approaches. Patch-based models focus on attributes of habitat patches, while landscape-based models consider movement behavior and resistance surfaces. Landscape connectivity research has expanded rapidly in recent decades, and its conceptual foundations are evolving. Recent advances integrate metapopulation dynamics with habitat configuration and movement behavior. Traditional static models are being replaced with dynamic models considering temporal variations in landscape attributes. Further technological advancements such as remote sensing and climate simulators allow more accurate representations of dynamic landscapes, promoting ecosystem understanding and supporting conservation planning.
