Regional connectivity for recolonizing American black bears (Ursus americanus) in southcentral USA

摘要: Abstract Landscape connectivity is vital for species conservation in human-modified landscapes, lessening population declines and genetic depression caused by habitat loss fragmentation. We used concepts from electronic circuit theory to identify potential areas American black bears ( Ursus americanus ) that facilitate between key federally protected areas, determined if higher quality than available, examined their distribution relative human disturbance. developed a regional (Mississippi, Louisiana, eastern Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, USA) model estimating landscape resistance movement using GIS-based features considered affect bear space use: land cover type, distance major rivers, road density, highway presence. selected national forests wildlife refuges as patches among which movement. Using citizen-reported sightings Mississippi we evaluated selection at fine coarse scales, validated our comparing current density random locations. Black occurred of compared locations p