Identifying and prioritizing ungulate migration routes for landscape-level conservation.

摘要: As habitat loss and fragmentation increase across ungulate ranges, identifying prioritizing migration routes for conservation has taken on new urgency. Here we present a general framework using the Brownian bridge movement model (BBMM) that: (1) provides probabilistic estimate of sampled population, (2) distinguishes between route segments that function as stopover sites vs. those used primarily corridors, (3) prioritizes based upon proportion population uses them. We applied this approach to migratory mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in pristine area southwest Wyoming, USA, where 2000 gas wells 1609 km pipelines roads have been proposed development. Our analysis clearly delineated occurred relative development provided guidance on-the-ground efforts. Mule were characterized by series spent most their time, connected corridors through which moved quickly. findings suggest management strategies differentiate may be warranted. Because some more than others, proportional level use provide reasonable metric can prioritized conservation. The methods outline should applicable wide range species inhabit regions are threatened or poorly understood.