Landscape patterns simulation with a modified random clusters method

A new modified random clusters method for the simulation of landscape the m atic spatial patterns is presented. It produces more realistic and general results than landscape models that have been commonly used to date in the f ield of landscape ecology. Simulated patterns are said to be realistic, apa rt from their patchy and irregular appearance, because the values of the sp atial indices as a function of habitat abundance measured in real landscape patterns (number of patches, edge length and patch cohesion index) can be replicated with the proposed landscape model. It allows a wide range of spa tial patterns to be obtained, in which fragmentation and habitat abundance can be systematically and independently varied. Furthermore, a degree of co ntrol over the irregularity of the shapes of the simulated landscapes can b e achieved, and it is also possible to simulate patterns with anisotropy. T he proposed method is easy to implement and requires little computation tim e, which enhances the practical possibilities of this method in different a reas of landscape ecology.