In today’s world, climate change has emerged as a critical global concern posing a substantial risk to biodiversity at the planetary scale (Bonebrake et al., 2019;Deutsch et al., 2008; Pörtner et al., 2021). A key consequence of climate change is the migration of species (Krosby et al., 2010; Thompson & Gonzalez, 2017; Uroy et al., 2021), which are compelled to shift their distribution ranges due to the warming climate (Platts et al., 2019; Wilson, 2022). Remarkably, these shifts manifest with notable disparities between species, influenced by their respective ability to move (Honnay et al., 2002) as well as by external factors such as the availability of habitat in sufficient quantity and quality within the landscape and by temporal limitations related to climate change. Additionally, genetic diversity within species populations and their ability to navigate through fragmented landscapes play a crucial role. The ongoing decline in biodiversity is frequently attributed to the prolonged effects of habitat loss and fragmentation stemming from human activities (Haddad et al., 2015). This fragmentation, in turn, impedes the movement of species in response to the anticipated impacts of climate change on their habitats (Taylor & Lindenmayer, 2020). Furthermore, populations face increased pressure from human appropriation (Doherty et al., 2021; Le Provost et al., 2021; Tucker et al., 2018), climate change, nitrogen deposition, and biotic exchange (Sala et al., 2000). As we deal with the simultaneous challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change, the importance of habitat connectivity as a vital asset in our efforts becomes increasingly clear. It is important to recognize, however, that the benefits of enhancing ecological connectivity are not evenly distributed among all species (Mony et al., 2022) and hinge on demographic variables (Drake et al., 2022). To unlock advantages for species with limited dispersal abilities and small populations frequently unable to undertake migration journeys, specific planning tools, active monitoring approaches, and tailored management strategies are crucial. This involves embracing methods such as assisted migration and implementation of conservation measures both in their natural habitats and in controlled environments. Forests, which cover 31% of Earth’s land area (UNEP & FAO, 2020), occupy a central position in the discourse on ecological connectivity. Brimming with diverse plant, fungal, vertebrate, and invertebrate life forms, these ecosystems carry significant importance. Even though forests are incredibly important for biodiversity (Liang et al., 2016), climate regulation and ecosystem services, deforestation, and forest degradation remain ongoing issues that have yet to be resolved. Common and ongoing of deforestation and forest degradation lead to a significant decline in biodiversity, especially among specialist species (Sverdrup-Thygeson et al., 2017), exacerbated by the expansion of human land use as the primary cause of these problems (Andronache et al., 2019; Collins et al., 2009; Fahrig, 2003). In this context, ecological connectivity emerges as a vital lifeline for forest ecosystems, playing a crucial role in biodiversity restoration and facilitating adaptation to the rapidly changing climate conditions.
