Landscape ecology and land use planning: critical analysis of an actual planning instrument

摘要

An analysis was made of the methods used in drawing up the provincial land use plan for the province of Venice, NE Italy, focussing on the ecological and nature conservation aspects of the plan such as the provision of ecological corridors for birdsand mammals, and priority reforestation areas. Thematic land use maps were used to assess landscape connectivity, landscape heterogeneity, and the total and percentage land cover assessed as 'favourable' habitat for various bird and mammal wildlife species. The use of quantitative versus qualitative habitat indicators is discussed, as well as the different habitat requirements of different species of conservation concern, and the ambiguity in the practical use of 'keystone' and 'umbrella' species.