Analysing forest fragmentation using spatial autocorrelation, graphs and GIS

This paper presents a replicable methodology to assess the extent of fragme ntation in forests induced by natural and man-made features and disturbance s. The analysis is presented in the context of conservation ecology researc h and its relevance to the development of environmental protection policy i s discussed. Methodologically, the approach utilizes Geographical Informati on Systems (GIS), Relational Database Management Systems (DBMS), symbolic m athematics software, spatial autocorrelation statistics and graph data stru ctures. The intersection of these technologies and techniques offers a pote ntially fertile area to extend the meaningful definition of natural foreste d areas and their management as well as our understanding of how these area s can be preserved through conservation policy. The paper concludes with su ggestions for further extensions of the research.