Prioritization of landscape connectivity for the conservation of Peary caribou.

摘要: Adequate connectivity between discontinuous habitat patches is crucial for the persistence of metapopulations across space and time. Loss landscape often a direct result fragmentation caused by human activities but also can be indirectly through anthropogenic climate change. Peary caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi) are widely dispersed islands Canadian Arctic Archipelago rely on sea ice to move seasonally island habitats throughout their range. Seasonal provided necessary maintain genetic diversity facilitate dispersal recolonization areas from which have been extirpated. We used least-cost path analysis circuit theory model range, future projections investigate how this might affected warming climate. Further, we measures current flow centrality estimate role High in maintaining populations identify prioritize those linkages most important conservation. Our results suggest that Bathurst Island complex plays critical facilitating populations. Large islands, including Banks, Victoria, Ellesmere limited roles connecting caribou. Without rigorous greenhouse gas emission reductions our indicate 2100 all more southern will lost spring early-winter movement periods. Continued Archipelago, possibly persistence, ultimately hinges global commitments limit research highlights priority where, addition reductions, conservation efforts would effective.