Resource selection and connectivity reveal conservation challenges for reintroduced brown bears in the Italian Alps

摘要: Large carnivores are declining worldwide and few examples of successful reintroductions exist, because their large home-ranges, low reproductive rates, penchant for human–wildlife conflict that is the main cause decline. Moreover, studies assess whether habitat suitability predicted before reintroduction, a critical evaluation step, matches post-reintroduction selection. We examined habitat-related factors contributing to brown bear (Ursus arctos) reintroduction in central Europe. Starting 1999, 10 bears were translocated from Slovenia Trentino Italian Alps, this population has since grown by >10%/year. First, we estimated multi-scale resource selection functions (RSF) with GPS collar data validated models k-folds cross validation external VHF data. Then, used Kappa-statistics compare our population-scale RSF model (HSM) developed predict potential reintroduction. Lastly, employed least-cost path (LCP) analyses integrating within home-range scale define movement paths. Overall, HSM well many areas, but orchards shrubs more, mixed/conifer forests pastures less than expected prior Finally, identified road crossings paths between preferred patches. found two Adige Valley, likely biggest constraint study expand eastward impeding dispersal to/from closest (Dinaric–Pindos population). Increasing awareness key habitats corridors, especially ecological traps cultural landscapes, will be necessary carnivore conservation.