Identifying priority areas for landscape connectivity for three large carnivores in northwestern Mexico and southwestern United States

摘要: Large carnivores are crucial to ecosystem functioning, as they enhance the biodiversity of native communities in which live. However, most large threatened with extinction resulting from human persecution, habitat encroachment, and loss connectivity. To identify areas that favor landscape connectivity for three within between northwestern Mexico southwestern United States. We performed a suitability analysis puma (Puma concolor), Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi), black bear (Ursus americanus) by combining ecological niche modeling anthropogenic variables high-quality patches be connected. also developed smaller suitable connecting corridors evaluate their contributions larger populations. found existing large, States could connect through patches. Likewise, we identified pinch-point areas, links high centrality, indicating some biological promote among extensive It is possible maintain even adequate major carnivores, distributional In this regard, decision-makers, academia, civil society need strengthen bonds reduce pressure on these help authorities improve binational plans agreements consolidate conservation actions