Scaling in territorial ecological networks

Territorial ecological networks are coherent assemblages of areas representing natural and semi-natural landscape elements that need to be conserved, managed or, where appropriate, enriched or restored in order to ensure the favourable conservation status of ecosystems, habitats, species and landscapes of regional importance across their traditional range (Bennett, 1998). In this study we demonstrate the hierarchical character of territorial ecological networks, recognize common elements and functional differences between hierarchical levels, and analyze the downscaling and upscaling of the functions of ecological networks. Emerging from the examples of ecological networks at different hierarchical levels, we highlighted following common principles: connectivity, multifunctionality, continuity, and plenipotentiality.