Coffee Plantation Biophysical Characteristics and Application to Improve Habitat Connectivity with Conservation Corridors in Costa Rica

摘要

This research employed geospatial data to analyze the relationships of coffee plantations to biophysical growth ranges and their proximity to protected areas and corridors in a Costa Rica study area. Coffee crops were in close proximity to the corridors but further away from reserves and other protected areas. Almost 96 percent of the coffee crops were in the 500 - 1700 meter elevation range; 70 percent were in the 1800-2800 mm/yr precipitation range and; 80 percent were on slopes less than 30 percent. Three land segments were identified as strategic geographic zones to strengthen shade coffee and woody habitat connectivity to the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. A biophysical and ecological spatial modeling approach, combined with socioeconomic evaluation criteria, is recommended to assist scientists and decision-makers in assessing opportunities to improve the habitat matrix and linkage to corridors and protected areas in otherregions.