Identifying priority core habitats and corridors for effective conservation of brown bears in Iran

Scientific Reports, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 11(1)

Опубликована: Янв. 13, 2021

Abstract Iran lies at the southernmost range limit of brown bears globally. Therefore, understanding habitat associations and patterns population connectivity for in is relevant species’ conservation. We applied species distribution modeling to predict suitability identify core areas corridors. Our results showed that forest density, topographical roughness, NDVI human footprint were most influential variables predicting bear distribution. The crucial corridor networks are concentrated Alborz Zagros Mountains. These two predicted be fragmented into a total fifteen isolated patches if dispersal across landscape limited 50,000 cost units, aggregates capable dispersing 400,000 units. found low overlap between corridors, habitats with protected areas, suggesting existing area network may not adequate conservation Iran. suggest effective requires protection both corridors them, especially outside Iran’s areas.

Язык: Английский

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Comparison of habitat suitability and connectivity modelling for three carnivores of conservation concern in an Iranian montane landscape

Landscape Ecology, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 37(2), С. 411 - 430

Опубликована: Янв. 28, 2022

Язык: Английский

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Moving beyond landscape resistance: considerations for the future of connectivity modelling and conservation science

Landscape Ecology, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 37(10), С. 2465 - 2480

Опубликована: Авг. 13, 2022

Abstract Landscape connectivity, the extent to which a landscape facilitates flow of ecological processes such as organism movement, has emerged central focus ecology and conservation science. Connectivity modelling now encompasses an enormous body work across theory application. The dominant connectivity models in use today are based on framework ‘landscape resistance’, is way measuring how structure influences movement patterns. However, simplistic assumptions high degree reductionism inherent resistance paradigm severely limits ability algorithms account for many fundamental aspects animal thus greatly reduces effectiveness relevance practice. In this paper, we first provide overview development surfaces. We then discuss several key drivers absent resistance-based models, with spatiotemporal variation, human interspecies interactions, other context-dependent effects. look at range empirical studies highlight strong impact these effects have predictions. But also promising avenues future research address this: newly emerging technologies interdisciplinary work, developing methodologies, conversations move beyond limiting resistance, so that can better reflect complexities richness movement.

Язык: Английский

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Combined use of urban Atlas and Corine land cover datasets for the implementation of an ecological network using graph theory within a multi-species approach

Ecological Indicators, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 148, С. 110150 - 110150

Опубликована: Март 20, 2023

Ecological sustainability has recently risen to prominence in scientific research and management applications. Approaches measuring ecological connectivity their application optimize network (EN) design are powerful tools against landscape fragmentation biodiversity loss. We focused on building an EN by identifying the most sensitive areas for within Reggio Calabria (Italy) metropolitan area. also proposed a defragmentation scenario improve obtained EN. The CORINE Land Cover Urban Atlas 2018 were used obtain fine-scale representation of study Ten terrestrial mammal species model following multi-species approach. Dispersal distance, patch size, resistance movement identify patches corridors. Vegetational fractional coverage based three years time series Sentinel-2 red-edge normalized difference vegetation index was discriminate with higher naturalness. graph theory metrics test EN’s robustness locations restoration scenario. EN, formed separate components, composed 724 arcs 300 nodes average area 27.04 ha. After hypothesis, only one component, 771 328 26.82 It possible analyze evaluate impact intended enhance connectivity. By comparing several metrics, we highlighted potential land interventions as planning tool future conservation.

Язык: Английский

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Not seeing the forest for the trees: Generalised linear model out-performs random forest in species distribution modelling for Southeast Asian felids

Ecological Informatics, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 75, С. 102026 - 102026

Опубликована: Фев. 18, 2023

Species Distribution Models (SDMs) are a powerful tool to derive habitat suitability predictions relating species occurrence data with features. Two of the most frequently applied algorithms model species-habitat relationships Generalised Linear (GLM) and Random Forest (RF). The former is parametric regression providing functional models direct interpretability. latter machine learning non-parametric algorithm, more tolerant than other approaches in its assumptions, which has often been shown outperform algorithms. Other have developed produce robust SDMs, like training bootstrapping spatial scale optimisation. Using felid presence-absence from three study regions Southeast Asia (mainland, Borneo Sumatra), we tested performances SDMs by implementing four modelling frameworks: GLM RF bootstrapped non-bootstrapped data. With Mantel ANOVA tests explored how combinations influenced their predictive performances. Additionally, scale-optimisation responded species' size, taxonomic associations (species genus), area algorithm. We found that choice algorithm had strong effect determining differences between SDMs' predictions, while no effect. followed species, were main factors driving scales identified. trained showed higher performance, however, revealed significant only explaining variance observed sensitivity specificity and, when interacting bootstrapping, Percent Correctly Classified (PCC). Bootstrapping significantly explained specificity, PCC True Skills Statistics (TSS). Our results suggest there systematic identified produced vs. RF, but neither approach was consistently better other. divergent inconsistent abilities analysts should not assume inherently superior test multiple methods. implications for SDM development, revealing inconsistencies introduced on optimisation, selecting broader RF.

Язык: Английский

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Developing national complementary indicators of SDG15 that consider forest quality: Applications in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru

Ecological Indicators, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 159, С. 111654 - 111654

Опубликована: Фев. 1, 2024

The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goal 15, termed Life on Land, is monitored by indicators and sub-indicators that largely deal with forest extent. In countries structurally complex species-rich forests, of quality are also needed to effectively monitor sustain ecological integrity. goal the paper demonstrate use complementary SDG15 reporting conservation planning. Our objective apply these within Colombia, Ecuador, Peru evaluate spatial patterns trends over time as a basis revealing how results complement official extent in protected areas informing conservation. quantify naturalness, riparian forest, structure integrity, fragmentation, connectivity. We quantified change during 2000–2021 metrics highlighted insights gained from relative based extent, Forests covered about 60–70% forested ecoregions each country 2000 this proportion declined all three approximately 4% 2021. Only subset area was high quality. Natural forests represented 40% Colombian Ecuador 50% Peru. Those proportions declined: 6.3% 6.5% 3.4% Even less Core Forest 2013; than 28% among countries. During 2013–2021, decreased 2.3% 4.5% 6.7% Connected were 17–22% 2013 10.4% 1.6% 3.8% 10–18% 2012 increased 1.1–2% integrity 7–13% by1.4–2% Riparian 7–9% 0.6–1.3% Thus, highly across substantially full high-quality at higher rate 2000–2021. did increase slightly period. association, stand structure, connectivity consideration provides much stronger evaluating success meeting targets alone.

Язык: Английский

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Simulating the impact of Belt and Road initiative and other major developments in Myanmar on an ambassador felid, the clouded leopard, Neofelis nebulosa

Landscape Ecology, Год журнала: 2020, Номер 35(3), С. 727 - 746

Опубликована: Фев. 8, 2020

Abstract Context After decades of political and economic isolation, Myanmar is now the focus large international investments, particularly from China, which raises questions how to balance national development with safeguarding Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. Objective To evaluate impact five major developments in on forest ecosystems, using clouded leopard as a focal umbrella species for wider conservation. Methods Based an empirical habitat relationships model, we identified core areas corridors Myanmar, compared them across scenarios. We simulated population dynamics genetic diversity each scenario individual-based, spatially explicit cost-distance genetics model. Results The predicted current may be larger than carrying capacity landscape, raising possibility that species’ has not yet equilibrated recent loss degradation. All combined resulted 36% decrease landscape connectivity 29% size, including substantial reduction diversity. Each was have negative effect; however, emerging zones had disproportionally impacts (− 24% − 25% size), resulting fragmentation largest areas. Similarly, Indian Highway Silk Road caused habitats, Pipeline Railroad significantly decreased main stronghold leopards. Conclusions Spatially-explicit assessments like one presented here provide quantitative evaluation help optimize trade-offs between rapid increasing surrounding Southeast Asian nations pose enormous threat region. Optimizing trade-off goals conservation essential minimize effects land use change biodiversity.

Язык: Английский

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Prioritizing areas for conservation outside the existing protected area network in Bhutan: the use of multi-species, multi-scale habitat suitability models

Landscape Ecology, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 36(5), С. 1281 - 1309

Опубликована: Март 15, 2021

Abstract Context Understanding the environmental and anthropogenic factors influencing habitat selection of multiple species is a foundation for quantifying human impacts on biodiversity developing effective conservation measures. Objectives To determine effect scales environmental/topographic variables landscape patterns suitability terrestrial mammals in Bhutan, assess effectiveness current protected area network, identify areas high richness outside existing area, evaluate potential indicator umbrella planning. Methods We modelled multi-scale sixteen across Bhutan using data from nation-wide camera trap survey. used predicted distribution maps to multi-species network. performed simulations priority based their suitability, proximity overall connectivity within species. correlation analysis among occurrence multivariate cluster evaluated utility each as by assessing how well optimal that would protect suitable all 16 simultaneously. Results Protected forest cover were strongly associated with use most Additionally, topographical features, like terrain roughness slope position, contributed species, but often different ways. Environmental mostly selected at medium broad scales. Anthropogenic (agriculture built-up areas) negatively both fine Conservation assessment found south-central have terms mean total protected. Similarly, biological corridors region offered protection. Our simulation additional protection abutting southern relative muntjac, wild pig, serow, sambar Asian golden cat are broader tiger, gaur, dhole, clouded leopard, black bear common leopard Conclusions This study highlights need optimally located species-rich areas. kind provides important information optimize future development plans national regional

Язык: Английский

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Investigating Carnivore Guild Structure: Spatial and Temporal Relationships amongst Threatened Felids in Myanmar

ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 10(12), С. 808 - 808

Опубликована: Ноя. 30, 2021

The co-occurrence of felid species in Southeast Asia provides an unusual opportunity to investigate guild structure and the factors controlling it. Using camera-trap data, we quantified space use, temporal activity, multi-dimensional niche overlap tiger, clouded leopard, Asiatic golden cat, marbled leopard cat Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, Myanmar. We hypothesised that spatio-temporal behaviour smaller cats would reflect avoidance larger cats, similar-sized members partition their niches or time reduce resource competition. Our approach involved modelling single-species occupancy, pairwise spatial using Bayesian inference, activity with kernel density estimation, multivariate analyses. assembly appeared be partitioned mainly on a rather than dimension, no significant evidence mesopredator release was observed. Nonetheless, association between three mesopredators inversely related similarity body sizes. largest differences use occurred smallest species. This study offers new insight into carnivore adds substantially knowledge five least known felids conservation concern.

Язык: Английский

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Predicting biodiversity richness in rapidly changing landscapes: climate, low human pressure or protection as salvation?

Biodiversity and Conservation, Год журнала: 2020, Номер 29(14), С. 4035 - 4057

Опубликована: Окт. 9, 2020

Abstract Rates of biodiversity loss in Southeast Asia are among the highest world, and Indo-Burma South-Central China Biodiversity Hotspots rank world’s most threatened. Developing robust multi-species conservation models is critical for stemming both here globally. We used a large geographically extensive remote-camera survey multi-scale, multivariate optimization species distribution modelling to investigate factors driving across these two adjoining hotspots. Four major findings emerged from work. (i) identified clear spatial patterns richness, with main biodiverse centres Thai-Malay Peninsula mountainous region Southwest China. (ii) Carnivores particular, ungulates lesser degree, were strongest indicators richness. (iii) Climate had largest effect on biodiversity, followed by protected status human footprint. (iv) Gap analysis between model current system areas revealed that majority supporting predicted not protected. Our results highlighted several key locations should be prioritized expanding area network maximize effectiveness. demonstrated importance switching single-species approaches highlight high priority conservation. In addition, since mostly occur over multiple countries, we also advocate paradigmatic focus transboundary planning.

Язык: Английский

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