Species distribution modelling and landscape connectivity as tools to inform management and conservation for the critically endangered Himalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus) in the Deosai National Park, Pakistan

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: Jan. 13, 2025

The main cause of the global threat to large carnivore populations living in high-altitude areas is human pressure. Himalayan brown bear ( Ursus arctos isabellinus , hereafter bear) listed as a critically endangered species, and it dominates higher altitudes North Western landscapes. Here, we used species distribution modelling landscape connectivity find bears’ suitable habitats corridors Deosai National Park (DNP) surrounding areas. Species models detected bear’s habitat 1,125 km 2 which ca. 73% was covered by DNP. most crucial predictors determining were elevation—particularly if between 3,500 4,500 meters above sea level—as well distance from rivers, cattle, DNP borders. We discovered robust among presence points core study area, particularly within boundaries, using electrical circuit theory models. Landscape values indeed low some outside close confines. Based on our findings, imperative protect that allow bears migrate patches, beyond park’s improve conservation.

Language: Английский

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Modeling climate change impacts on the distribution of an endangered brown bear population in its critical habitat in Iran

The Science of The Total Environment, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 837, P. 155753 - 155753

Published: May 6, 2022

Language: Английский

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Ungulates conservation in the face of human development: Mining and roads' influences on habitat and connectivity in Iran's central plateau

Ecological Informatics, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 81, P. 102656 - 102656

Published: May 29, 2024

Language: Английский

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Exploring habitat patch clusters based on network community detection to identify restored priority areas of ecological networks in urban areas

Urban forestry & urban greening, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 78, P. 127771 - 127771

Published: Oct. 26, 2022

Language: Английский

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Habitat suitability, core habitats and diversity hotspots for the conservation of the mustelid species in Iran

Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 36, P. e02120 - e02120

Published: April 11, 2022

The process of habitat loss and fragmentation is inevitable with increasing human activities, necessitating conservation for the areas highest priorities (i.e., biodiversity hotspots). This study aimed to predict core habitats eight mustelid species (family: Mustelidae) in Iran detect diversity hotspots based on richness these compare them available (CAs). Accordingly, suitability modeling was carried out each through an ensemble approach, were determined by overlaying predicted habitats. results revealed that six overlaid map modeled main along Alborz Mountains Hyrcanian forest northern Iran. There some other Zagros western CAs protected less than half hotspots, which means wildlife managers should take into consideration action plan Besides, it necessary expand or establish new-targeted according hotspots.

Language: Английский

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Identifying core habitats and connectivity paths for the conservation of mouflon (Ovis gmelini) in Western Iran

Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 41, P. e02377 - e02377

Published: Jan. 1, 2023

Connectivity among conservation areas helps to alleviate the negative impacts of habitat fragmentation. Mouflon (Ovis gmelini) as a near threatened species has an unclear connectivity status in west Iran. This study was carried out on mouflon with aim modeling suitability and core habitats An ensemble three machine-learning models factorial least-cost path were used for identifying corridors between them, respectively. Our results revealed that grassland density, elevation, slope distance roads most influential variables predicting occurrence area. Five identified area, about 90% which covered by areas. The north area is highest priority conservation. Conservation northern western parts had best mouflon. To prevent poaching, protection should be considered. In addition, predicted crossed roads, could investigated wildlife managers.

Language: Английский

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Climate change induces habitat shifts and overlaps among carnivores in an arid and semi-arid ecosystem

Ecological Informatics, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 77, P. 102247 - 102247

Published: Aug. 6, 2023

Distribution range shift is inevitable for many species as climate change continues to shape and alter their habitat. Predicting where these shifts occur can help us know what anticipate thus design better programs strategies management. Due projected extreme in arid semi-arid ecosystems, we hypothesized that adapted systems would experience considerable spatial shifts. To test our hypothesis, modelled current future habitats under different scenarios three iconic carnivores (grey wolf, golden jackal, striped hyaena) central of Iran calculated overlaps. Our models predict although each responds differently environmental changes, are heavily influenced by climatic variables, water resources, roads. also suggest the high-quality grey wolves hyaenas will probably expand, while jackals, it decrease. Significant overlap highly suitable habitat exist among species, particularly between jackal hyaena. The overlapped areas all cover 9% 10% whole region at present future. Because decrease rainfall future, may face competition due change. findings crucial establishing conservation conserve carnivore

Language: Английский

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Identifying priority areas for conservation based on the evaluation of ecological network resilience in the Hyrcanian Forest ecosystem

Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 21(3), P. 570 - 582

Published: Jan. 6, 2025

Habitat loss and fragmentation in forest ecosystems are serious threats that lead to reduced resilience. The integrity stability of the ecosystem fostered by recognizing protecting areas essential maintaining resilience ecological network. Research field network has garnered attention recent years, although necessity developing various assessment methods for is evident. Taking Hyrcanian Forest as a case study, this research aimed identify most important enhancing To achieve goal, first, combination morphological spatial pattern analysis method significance services was used extract source areas. Next, utilizing circuit theory least-cost path method, connecting sources constructed, pinch points were identified. After that, high-risk found using habitat risk method. Using integrated approach leads identification valuable vulnerable human disturbances. Finally, node removal coupled with calculation indices, connectivity, efficiency employed prioritize conservation results study indicated nodes located northern edges forest, which have been under threat years. Additionally, region ranked moderately terms indicating importance focusing on patches before complete area. Furthermore, our findings underscore considering landscape connectivity planning policymakers managers aiming protect biodiversity ecosystem.

Language: Английский

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Population trends of striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in Israel for the past five decades

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(1)

Published: March 9, 2023

Abstract The striped hyena ( Hyaena hyaena ) is considered “Near Threatened” globally and “Vulnerable” in the Middle East. In Israel, species has experienced extreme population fluctuations owing to poisoning campaigns during British Mandate (1918–1948) which were also further exacerbated by Israeli authorities mid-twentieth century. We collated data from archives of Israel Nature Parks Authority for past 47 years elucidate temporal geographic trends this species. During period we found a 68% increase estimated density at present 2.1 individuals/100km 2 . This significantly higher than all previous estimates Israel. It appears that major factors contributing their phenomenal number are prey availability because intensification human development, preying on Bedouin livestock, extinction leopard Panthera pardus nimr ), hunting wild boars Sus scorfa other agricultural pests some parts country. Reasons should be sought increasing people's awareness as well advanced technological capabilities have allowed an improved observation reporting system. Future studies need understand effects large concentrations hyenas spatial distribution activity sympatric wildlife ensure continued persistence guilds nature.

Language: Английский

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Spatial modeling of road collisions of striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in Israel

Ecological Research, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 38(5), P. 664 - 675

Published: May 17, 2023

Abstract The striped hyena is an enigmatic species that little studied. It mainly found in semiarid and arid regions described as elusive, cryptic, nocturnal, solitary. global distribution disjunct, the suffers from human persecution. However, specific communities consider them to be commensals. Owing their scavenging behavior, hyenas are disproportionately involved vehicular‐wildlife incidents, most of which fatal. By combining data collected by Scientific Data Department Israel Nature Parks Authority with information remote sensing imaging, we illustrate hyena, identify critical habitats they occur, zones highest conflicts whole West Bank. scale mortality (44.3/year) suggests populations much higher than previous estimates. We more carcasses on road/highway networks urban areas natural surroundings. Our results should help focus efforts mitigate wildlife road kills implementing conservation measures inter‐city highways, a stress mortality.

Language: Английский

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