Comparison of habitat suitability and connectivity modelling for three carnivores of conservation concern in an Iranian montane landscape

Mohammadi, Alireza; Almasieh, Kamran; Nayeri, Danial; Adibi, Mohammad Ali; Wan, Ho Yi

doi:10.1007/s10980-021-01386-5

Cited by 41 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 86 publications

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“…Connectivity of populations is of paramount importance to both conserve species locally and to secure their range shifts in response to future hazards such as land use change [ 15 , 16 ] and climate change [ 17 – 19 ]. Enhancing conservation network connectivity can help to mitigate the negative effects of habitat loss and fragmentation [ 20 , 21 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identifying connectivity for two sympatric carnivores in human-dominated landscapes in central Iran

et al. 2022

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Central Iran supports a diversity of carnivores, most of which are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation. Carnivore conservation requires the identification and preservation of core habitats and ensuring connectivity between them. In the present study, we used species distribution modeling to predict habitat suitability and connectivity modeling to predict linkage (resistant kernel and factorial least-cost path analyses) for grey wolf and golden jackal in central Iran. For grey wolf, elevation, topographic ruggedness, and distance to Conservation Areas (CAs) were the strongest predictors; for golden jackal, distance to human settlements, dump sites and topographic ruggedness were the most influential variables in predicting the occurrence of this species. Our results also indicated a high potential for large parts of the landscape to support the occurrence of these two canid species. The largest and the most crucial core habitats and corridor paths for the conservation of both species are located in the southern part of the study landscape. We found a small overlap between golden jackal corridor paths and core habitats with CAs, which has important implications for conservation and future viability of the golden jackal populations. Some sections of core areas are bisected by roads, where most vehicle collisions with grey wolf and golden jackal occurred. To minimize mortality risk, we propose that successful conservation of both species will necessitate integrated landscape-level management, as well as conservation of core areas and corridors and development of mitigation strategies to reduce vehicle collisions.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identifying connectivity for two sympatric carnivores in human-dominated landscapes in central Iran

et al. 2022

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“…Hence, habitat selection is extremely important to the reproduction and survival of species (Johnson, 1980;Shang, 1998). Now, fragmentation and the loss of habitat are major threats to biodiversity and may lead to species extinction (Hanski, 2011;Wei et al, 2015;Almasieh et al, 2019;Kaboodvandpour et al, 2021;Mohammadi et al, 2022). Microhabitats-small patches within habitat-have a smaller range and are of significant research interest.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Space use and microhabitat selection of wild giant pandas in Meigu Dafengding National Nature Reserve, China

Chen

Wang²,

Zheng³

et al. 2022

Front. Ecol. Evol.

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The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a special rare and endangered species in China and is the flagship species for global biodiversity conservation. This study used different methods including Kernel density, statistical analysis, and logistic regression analysis to investigated the spatial distribution, migration in different seasons and different distribution areas, as well as the foraging patch selection strategies of wild giant pandas in Meigu Dafengding National Nature Reserve in the Liangshan Mountains. The results demonstrated that, in the study area, giant pandas were mainly distributed in the Wahei-Yizi Yakou Habitat Corridor with an activity area of 144.93 km2, which accounted for 28.59% of the whole reserve. The core distribution area of the species was 92.07 km2 and the population density was 0.24 pcs km–2. There were two significant seasonal domains for the activities of giant pandas: the low-altitude winter habitat of Yushania maculata Yi and Yushania ailuropodina Yi bamboo species, as well as the high-altitude summer habitat of Bashania fangiana species. With seasonal changes, giant pandas migrated among different bamboo distribution regions. Giant pandas were mainly distributed in high-altitude areas that had secondary forest, tall trees with a large diameter at breast height (DBH) and bamboo forest. The spatial distribution pattern and microhabitat selection of giant pandas in Meigu Dafengding National Nature Reserve were determined. The findings of this study provide scientific implications for the local conservation and management of the habitat of wild giant pandas.

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“…In some areas, anthropogenic food sources constitute the primary diet of wolves, allowing them to live in areas with low abundance of wild prey (Ciucci et al, 2020; Mohammadi et al, 2019; Newsome et al, 2016). However, wild prey abundance is not the only factor contributing to dependence of wolves on anthropogenic food sources (Hosseini‐Zavarei et al, 2013; Kikvidze & Tevzadze, 2015; Mohammadi et al, 2022). Many conflict scenarios are associated with livestock or pet depredations or a perceived competition for game (Hosseini‐Zavarei et al, 2013; Suryawanshi et al, 2013; Trbojević et al, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Living with wolves: Lessons learned from Iran

Mohammadi

Alambeigi

López‐Bao

et al. 2022

Conservat Sci and Prac

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Given the complex and dynamic interrelationships of the underlying factors contributing to conflicts associated with wolf presence and persistence in human-dominated landscapes, it is often difficult to clearly identify the ultimate causes of these conflicts. In this study, a system dynamics modeling approach was adopted to simulate human-wolf conflicts in an area with the greatest number of recently fatal wolf attacks on humans in Iran. Data used to build the model were obtained from questionnaire surveys and satellite tracking of wolves. We simulated changes in ecological and social factors that may influence conflicts under different assumptions. Our findings indicate that, in this context, the proximity of wolves to human settlements is one of the determining factors leading to increased wolf attacks on humans and livestock.When the distance between wolf territories and human settlements increases, the likelihood of both wolf incidents and retaliatory killings are expected to decrease. Effective communication of information regarding wolves across local communities is expected to result in a positive shift in attitudes toward the species, as well as a decrease in fear, which in turn will affect the rate of conflicts. Improper disposal of carcasses of domestic animals by the locals, dumping of waste in open dumpsites close to villages, and leaving children unattended on agricultural fields are expected to increase the recurrence of conflicts. We strongly urge Hamadan provincial office of environment and nongovernmental organizations to initiate communication programs to raise awareness on the human-wolf conflict and its mitigation. This includes how to properly handle livestock carcasses at safe distances from human settlements. Furthermore, design and construction of sanitary landfills in the vicinity of each village, as well as providing education on how to properly use these sites could help reduce risky conflicts.

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Comparison of habitat suitability and connectivity modelling for three carnivores of conservation concern in an Iranian montane landscape

Cited by 41 publications

References 86 publications

Identifying connectivity for two sympatric carnivores in human-dominated landscapes in central Iran

Identifying connectivity for two sympatric carnivores in human-dominated landscapes in central Iran

Space use and microhabitat selection of wild giant pandas in Meigu Dafengding National Nature Reserve, China

Living with wolves: Lessons learned from Iran

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