This dataset uses human modification ( Theobald 2020 - https://essd.copernicus.org/articles/12/1953/2020/ ) and forest cover data to identify key areas of importance for forest landscape connectivity across North America. This dataset uses a 700-meter search radius to evaluate landscape connectivity. In large, unfragmented areas with intact forest cover, forest dependent species may move freely across the landscape. These areas may provide options for maintaining ecological connections. In highly developed and altered landscapes, where forest cover is largely absent, species movement is impeded and restricted, reflecting the difficulty species may experience in moving through these human-modified landscapes. In areas with adjacent natural and modified lands, where forest cover is limited in distribution, species movement is concentrated in areas (pinch points or bottlenecks) where few alternative movement pathways exist. These concentrated movement areas may be particularly important for maintaining or restoring ecological connectivity for forest-dependent species and processes. Areas with the top 30% of connectivity scores are identified, representing areas where very highly, highly, and concentrated forest connectivity occurs. - (Belote et al. unpublished; Belote et al. 2022 - https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/article/70/2/122/5680447)

Spatial Extent: CONUS

Units: Categories of connectivity (diffuse - very highly concentrated)