Spatial-explicit assessment of current and future conservation options for the endangered Corsican Red Deer (Cervus elaphus corsicanus) in Sardinia

摘要: The Corsican red deer, a sub-species of the European deer endemic to Sardinia and Corsica, was abundant on both islands at beginning 1900. It went extinct in Corsica reached minimum 100 individuals by 1970. Numbers have recovered with more than 1,000 rutting males now present; 1980s reintroduced but Sardinian population remains fragmented. We developed potential distribution model using Ecological Niche Factor Analysis. To assess deer’s protection status we compared existing proposed conservation areas investigated different scenarios relation expansion its current range resilience future changes land use predicted trends desertification. According our results over 70% is unsuitable nevertheless high suitability (Mediterranean forests away from main roads) are available throughout island, particularly south central-eastern part. Existing protected do not provide for public owned forests, where hunting prohibited, extend some level protection, Regional administration, if implemented, will be increasing this protection. Three emerged as priorities guarantee adequate future. Our approach provides valuable data inform policy, could easily replicated other parts Mediterranean.