There and back again? Combining habitat suitability modelling and connectivity analyses to assess a potential return of the otter to Switzerland

摘要: After a steady decline in the early 20th century, several terrestrial carnivore species have recently recovered Western Europe, either through reintroductions or natural recolonization. Because of large space requirements these and potential conflicts with human activities, ensuring their recovery requires implementation conservation management measures that address environmental, landscape social dimensions problem. Few examples exist such integrated management. Taking case otter (Lutra lutra) Switzerland, we propose multi-step approach allows to (1) identify areas potentially suitable habitat, (2) evaluate connectivity, (3) verify potentiality recolonization from populations neighbouring countries. We showed even though habitat is available for level structural connectivity within Switzerland satisfactory, crucial prioritize strategies favour field. This research first example integrating suitability assessment at different scales other factors recovery.