Modeling endangered mammal species distributions and forest connectivity across the humid Upper Guinea lowland rainforest of West Africa

摘要: Species distribution data provide critical baseline information for conservation planning and decision making. However, in many of the Earth’s most biodiverse regions, such are lacking species. Here, we used ecological niche modeling connectivity analyses to model distributions endangered species protected area across Upper Guinea Forest (UGF) Global Conservation Hotspot West Africa. We estimated current African forest elephant Loxodonta cyclotis (Vulnerable), western chimpanzee Pan troglodytes verus (Critically Endangered), pygmy hippopotamus Choeropsis liberiensis (Endangered) region optimized two main complexes region. occurrence period 2010–2016 three from well-sampled national parks Liberia (Sapo National Park Gola Park), remotely sensed MODIS enhanced vegetation index 2010–2015. Our models predicted a total 75,157 km2 suitable habitat chimpanzees region, 79,400 km2 elephants, 290,696 km2 hippos. Of these areas, chimpanzees, 30% falls within boundaries proposed or designated likewise 19% had largest blocks contiguous compared other countries but this was largely unprotected. This study identifies priority areas biodiversity reemphasizes practicality tools optimize implementation.