Improving longitudinal habitat connectivity in major river restoration projects through farmland re-allocation

River restoration projects are often accompanied by major land consolidation operations, notably the re-allocation of adjacent farmland, which offers opportunity to create an extensively-managed buffer zone outside levees where specific habitat features installed for endangered terrestrial and semi-aquatic biodiversity. Modern, enrivonmentally-friendly operations might thus not only contribute better integrate newly restored river into landscape, but also reinstate longitudinal ecological connectivity that crudely lacks along channelized rivers. Based on a theoretical agricultural via consolidation, we simulated creation biodiversity-friendly grassland stretch Rhône (SW Switzerland) revitalisation project is under development. We selected series focal species depending palette complementary features, combinations thereof, be created reaching these biodiversity targets. Estimations species-specific patch size requirements as well dispersal abilities were used analyse what would optimal spatial features. Since such will necessarily riverbed, implies different contraints consequential planning strategies, tested two scenarios metapopulation model: (i) arranging key longitudinally or (ii) positioning them in isotropic context. Simulations showed differences between negligible at foreseen scale. conclude targeted farmland could instrumental restoring projects. provide concrete quantitative values promote locally