Most ecologically optimal corridors cross privately or institutionally owned parcels, involving many stakeholders. Furthermore, least-cost connectivity models often ignore land ownership, creating a gap between theory and implementation. To narrow this gap, we developed LINK (Landscape Interconnectivity via Niche models and Kirchhoff current theory), a framework that integrates cadastral fragmentation as a socio-institutional layer within standard functional-connectivity modelling, introducing the conceptual novelty that the socio-institutional layer cannot be kept aside. As cadastral fragmentation can either increase or reduce biophysical resistance, we developed the Cadastral Fragmentation Index (CFI), derived from cadastral-parcel data, to quantify parcel fragmentation. When added to the resistance surface, the CFI reveals whether and where priority pinch points shift in planned corridors, while comparison with CFI-free scenarios quantifies how strongly cadastral fragmentation affects corridor feasibility.

Our focal species is the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), a peri-urban ground-dwelling mammal. Using open occurrences from Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), we fitted a habitat suitability model (HSM, MaxEnt) and transformed suitability into a telemetry-free resistance surface. We solved connectivity with Circuitscape to identify pinch points between Natura 2000 nodes.

We first tested LINK on two nodes near Naples (Astroni-Camaldoli). Adding the CFI increased effective resistance between nodes monotonically with its weight (from +150% to +316%) and relocated about 60% of the corridor's pinch points, indicating that cadastral fragmentation reshapes not merely the cost but the spatial priorities of corridor implementation. A second Special Area of Conservation near Rome (Tivoli) is currently being investigated to assess LINK’s transferability.  

Because cadastral parcels are an INSPIRE Annex I (2007/2/EC) harmonised dataset across the European Union, the approach may be transferable beyond Italy to other member states. Built from open data, LINK integrates biophysical and socio-institutional information to prioritise the planning of feasible corridors.