Illawarra Shoalhaven Habitat and Connectivity Modelling to Support Regional Planning

Brief description

This dataset models habitat and connectivity for native vegetation and is used to define the [Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Biodiversity Corridors](https://datasets.seed.nsw.gov.au/dataset/illawarra-shoalhaven-regional-biodiversity-corridors-2023) which is a sub-component of [High Environmental Value (HEV) land](https://datasets.seed.nsw.gov.au/dataset/high-environmental-values-of-the-illawarra-regional-growth-planning-area-detailed5c7b3-clone-c024), as mapped and referred to in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan (DPIE 2021). The modelling identifies areas of native vegetation that are most likely to function as habitat for native fauna settlement, living and breeding, or dispersal and movement through the landscape. The modelling is based on the findings of many studies of native fauna and how they use and move through native habitat in fragmented landscapes. As well as fauna habitat connectivity values, smaller patches of native vegetation have been shown to be critically important for the conservation of all biodiversity.