Using movement to inform conservation corridor design for Mojave desert tortoise

摘要: Preserving corridors for movement and gene flow among populations can assist in the recovery of threatened endangered species. As human activity continues to fragment habitats, characterizing natural is important establishing maintaining connectivity within anthropogenic development matrix. The Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) a species occupying variety habitats Colorado Deserts. Desert tortoises have been referred as corridor-dwellers, understanding how they move suitable habitat be crucial defining that will sustain sufficient maintain connections amidst increases development. To elucidate traverse available interact with potentially inhospitable terrain infrastructure, we used GPS dataloggers document fine-scale individuals estimate home ranges at ten study sites along California/Nevada border. Our encompass including mountain passes serve connecting neighboring valleys, are impacted by linear features. We path selection functions quantify movements develop resistance surfaces based on landscape characteristics features, alterations, estimated autocorrelated kernel density methods. Using best supported models ranges, determined known compared them mitigation (remnant patches) integrated into land management decisions Ivanpah Valley. Tortoises avoided areas high slope low perennial vegetation cover, moving near low-density roads, traveled barriers (fences flood control berms). found designated between solar facilities should wide enough retain function. Differences range size our two pass align differences genetic connectivity, suggesting not all provide same functionality. Furthermore, creation fences may unintended consequences function differently than corridors. Understanding different functionality help future managers ensure maintained populations.