The Influence of Land Use and Fences on Habitat Effectiveness, Movements and Distribution of Pronghorn in the Grasslands of North America

摘要: The pronghorn Antilocapra americana is a grassland and shrub-steppe obligate unique to North America. species was driven low abundance during agricultural settlement in the West. Extensive conversion of grasslands crop production early twentieth century severely reduced availability native habitat. Populations have partially recovered with protective legislation common again many areas its original range. Pronghorn are most abundant large open landscapes. Driven by harsh winter conditions (storms deep snow), herds Canadian Provinces north-western United Sates may undertake opportunistic long-distance migration seek forage favourable areas. In Alberta largest recorded return movement doe spring 445 km. Cumulative changes from several types land use continue reduce effectiveness remaining Expansion transportation network, poorly designed fences, urban expansion, exurban development, water development energy reducing area particular, roads combined fences can impede or block movements. Plans that focus on maintaining ecological coherence landscapes for like should benefit conservation other too. We suggest status pronghorn, including distribution relevant landscape metrics (composition, configuration connectivity) could serve as indicators planning at regional scales.