Title:
Functional connectivity within conservation networks: delineating corridors for African elephants
Publication Year:
2013
Abstract:
Managing multiple parks, reserves, and conservation areas collectively as conservation networks is a recent, yet growing trend. But in order for these networks to be ecologically viable, the functional connectivity of the landscape must be ensured. We assessed the connectivity between six African savanna elephant populations in southern Africa to test whether existing conservation networks were functioning and to identify other areas that could benefit from being managed as conservation networks. We used resource selection function models to create an index of habitat selection by males and female elephants. We employed this habitat use index as a resistance surface, and applied circuit theory to assess connectivity between adjacent elephant populations within six clusters of protected areas across southern Africa. Circuit theory current flow maps predicted a high likelihood of connectivity in the central portion of our study area (i.e. between the Chobe, Kafue, Luangwa, and Zambezi cluster). Keywords: African elephant, Circuit theory, Corridor, Habitat selection, Loxodonta africana, Resource selection function.
Publication Title:
Biological Conservation
Volume:
157
Pages:
128-135
Item Type:
Journal Article
Language:
en

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