Individual-based modeling highlights the importance of mortality and landscape structure in measures of functional connectivity

摘要: Functional landscape connectivity is vital for the conservation of wildlife species. Landscape models often overlook factors such as mortality and asymmetry in resistance that can have a significant impact on functional connectivity. Individual-based (IBMs) be used to explore through implementation mechanistic dispersal behavior. Furthermore, population-level patterns animal resulting from simulation alternative landscapes or scenarios behavior compared. Use an IBM evaluate effects disperser mortality, asymmetrical due structure, land-use change between two populations reintroduced American martens Martes americana. We applied previously calibrated marten simulate movement Wisconsin Michigan, USA. machine learning analyses determine how each factor affected (connectivity) across five consecutive generations. was not always correlated with more traditional metrics, distance. Mortality had greatest Land-use configuration mostly when incorporated into simulations. These experimental stronger effect long-distance than local dispersal. Conservation planning may benefit accounting risks within matrix habitat. The development individual-based incorporate heterogeneity complex behaviors investigating provide unique specific insights both conservation.