Uncertainties in the identification of potential dispersal corridors: The importance of behaviour, sex, and algorithm

摘要: Abstract Modelling landscape connectivity represents one of the central challenges for conservation natural resources, especially in human dominated landscapes. Many different methods have been developed to this effect, but their assumptions and limitations largely ignored. Using high resolution GPS tracking data from brown bears (Ursus arctos) Italy, we investigated influence behavioural state (movement vs other behaviours), sex, algorithms, namely least cost path circuit theory, on identification structural corridors. In particular, considering that most studies does not account states and/or individual characteristics, basically all consider only a single corridor algorithm, performed (1) within-algorithm comparison, under hypothesis both sex would prediction corridors, (2) between-algorithm algorithms predict We found impact was substantial. On average, corridors moving females were 4.7 km apart (st.dev = 7.6 km) males, 5.0 km (st.dev = 7.2 km) behaviour. The same true theory comparison showed two models yielded almost identical results, with >80% falling into top deciles corresponding Our results suggest failure an animal’s intraspecific differences may result misidentification potential misallocation limited resources available.