Planning connectivity at multiple scales for large mammals in a human-dominated biodiversity hotspot

摘要: Abstract Connectivity for large mammals across human-altered landscapes results from movement by individuals that can be described via nested spatial scales as linkages (or zones or areas) with compatible land use types, constrictions repeatedly funnel (as corridors) impede it barriers), and the specific paths routes) completely anthropogenic features (such highways). Mitigation to facilitate animal through such requires similar attention scale, particularly when they involve complex topography, diverse types of human use, transportation infrastructure. We modeled connectivity Asian elephant ( Elephas maximus ) gaur Bos gaurus in Shencottah Gap, a multiple-use region separating two tiger reserves Western Ghats, India. Using 840 km surveys signs within 621 km 2 , we landscape resource selection functions integrated resolutions, then potential dispersal corridors these using circuit theoretical models. Within corridors, further identified small-scale busy route least-cost evaluated their viability. Both elephants avoided human-dominated habitat, resulting broken Gap. Predicted corridor locations were sensitive analysis resolution, derived scale-integrated habitat models correlated best quality. Less than 1% detections occurred was poorer quality lowest-quality component path route, suggesting will require improvement. Only 28% area 5% length overlapped upper 50% quantile linkage; thus, jointly modeling three components enabled more nuanced evaluation any them isolation.