Presentation given at the 2014 North American Congress on Conservation Biology July 13-16, 2014 in Missoula Montana
Abstract:
The Crown of the Continent Ecosystem (CCE) is considered an ecologically intact ecosystem and one of the most diverse in North America, but like many natural areas, habitat fragmentation represents one of the area’s most pressing concerns. Species perceive and move through landscapes in different ways; understanding how these differences impact connectivity is vital to conservation efforts. Using resistant kernel connectivity modelling, this study explores connectivity in the CCE using a suite of hypothetical species to understand the synoptic patterns of connectivity in the CCE for multiple species. Using a set of realistic resistance surfaces and dispersal distance, the models are able to describe migration rates at every location in the CCE. By providing a comprehensive look at connectivity over the CCE, this work offers managers important information on the ecology of the region needed to make collaborative and appropriate management decisions.
