Evaluating the effectiveness of a Safe Harbor Program for connecting wildlife populations

摘要: Conversion of lands to agriculture and development within remaining natural habitats have fragmented ecosystems reduced wildlife populations. The US Fish Wildlife Service has adopted an incentive-based conservation strategy known as the Safe Harbor Program (SHP) reduce vulnerability federally protected species located on private properties. In addition protecting populations, SHP also strives enhance viability by devising strategies (re)connect populations among habitat patches. We empirically evaluated effectiveness initial agreement, developed for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (Picoides borealis, hereafter RCW) in North Carolina Sandhills, enhancing connectivity that species. According our results, breeding territories properties enrolled promoted dispersal RCWs enhanced overall population relative otherwise similar non-SHP Moreover, created extensive stepping-stone corridors throughout region. Our analysis showed RCW will be negatively impacted directly indirectly encroaching urban growth. By combining growth model with estimated connectivity, managers planners can identify which critical are most threatened encroachment. These results help develop strategic actions land based specific movement ability, current landscapes projected