Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Paul Savary, Jean Christophe Foltete, Stephane Garnier
Summary: Least-cost path modeling is crucial for biodiversity conservation and landscape planning, but it is also influenced by cost scenarios. The study found that the spatial overlap of LCPs is more sensitive to cost scenarios, and highly correlated CD matrices can be derived from different cost scenarios. Therefore, when using LCP modeling, factors such as the range of cost values, landscape composition, and configuration variables should be considered.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
A. Mohammadi, K. Almasieh, D. Nayeri, F. Ataei, A. Khani, J. V. Lopez-Bao, V. Penteriani, S. A. Cushman
Summary: Research on brown bears in Iran found that forest density, topographical roughness, NDVI, and human footprint are key factors influencing distribution. Core areas and corridor networks important for conservation are concentrated in the Alborz and Zagros Mountains, suggesting the need for protection beyond the existing network of protected areas.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Abigail H. H. Sage, Vicken Hillis, Rose A. A. Graves, Morey Burnham, Neil H. H. Carter
Summary: Landscape connectivity is crucial for wildlife conservation in areas shared with humans. However, differences in human attitudes and behaviors can lead to spatial variation in the risks humans pose to wildlife. We conducted a survey of ranchers in the High Divide region and found that ranchers surrounded by more conservation easements and wildland-urban interface were more accepting of grizzly bears. Additionally, ranch size, experience with bears, and off-ranch income sources further explained ranchers' attitudes towards grizzlies. Our predictive map of acceptance provides valuable information for conflict mitigation and understanding changes in human attitudes as grizzly bear populations expand.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Lindsi Seegmiller, Takeshi Shirabe, C. Dana Tomlin
Summary: This paper proposes a method to solve the raster-based least-cost corridor problem with reduced distortion by adapting a distortion reduction technique. The proposed method is theoretically guaranteed to generate accurate solutions in polynomial time and expected to generate more accurate solutions in practice, as demonstrated experimentally.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Charlie C. Nicholson, Jen J.-M. Hayes, Samantha Connolly, Taylor H. Ricketts
Summary: The study showed that population density of important crop pollinators increased when crop floral resources were continuously available. However, wild bee abundance, diversity and body size did not respond to resource continuity. Raspberry farms with greater crop diversity, providing more resources, had larger bumble bee populations.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Anthropology
Andrew McLean, Xavier Rubio-Campillo
Summary: This paper explores the potential impact of Circuit Theory analysis on maritime mobility in archaeological landscapes, revealing that CT provides more quantitative data than traditional Least Cost Paths. The study demonstrates the significant influence of potential mobility on site distribution, with urban centers often located in areas with higher potential mobility values. The complexity of population hierarchy in urban centers suggests that additional factors beyond mobility played a significant role in determining hierarchy and site distribution.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yiwei Yang, Ziyan Wang, Beining Li, Jinjin Guan
Summary: This paper analyzes the potential impacts of PV projects on ecological networks through quantitative assessment. The results show that PV projects can decrease corridor patency and connection strength, and universally reduce corridor length. The research provides scientific planning suggestions for the healthy development of the regional ecological network and method reference and data support for PV site selection and ecological impact assessment in mountainous areas.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Gerardo Ceballos, J. Antonio de la Torre, Heliot Zarza, Marco Huerta, Marco A. Lazcano-Barrero, Horacio Barcenas, Ivonne Cassaigne, Cuauhtemoc Chavez, Gerardo Carreon, Arturo Caso, Sasha Carvajal, Andres Garcia, Jonathan Job Morales, Oscar Moctezuma, Octavio Monroy-Vilchis, Fernando Ruiz, Erik Joaquin Torres-Romero
Summary: By evaluating the effects of different variables on habitat suitability for jaguars in Mexico, this study identified priority areas for jaguar conservation in the country. It also highlighted the importance of strengthening established protected areas, creating new ones, implementing sustainable development programs, and developing mitigation measures for infrastructure to protect jaguars and their habitat in Mexico.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sarah N. Sells, Cecily M. Costello, Paul M. Lukacs, Lori L. Roberts, Milan A. Vinks
Summary: Habitat and corridor mapping are crucial for conservation programs. This study used integrated step selection functions (iSSFs) developed from GPS-collared grizzly bears to predict areas of connectivity and evaluate conservation goals in the US.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Landon R. Jones, Scott A. Johnson, Cassie M. Hudson, Patrick A. Zollner, Robert K. Swihart
Summary: Understanding habitat selection of top predators is crucial for predicting their impacts on ecological communities and interactions with humans. This study analyzed the habitat selection of bobcats in south-central Indiana and found that their preferences align with the early stages of population expansion. Bobcats showed a preference for forest edges, avoidance of agriculture, and selection of habitats with low to intermediate heterogeneity. They also exhibited a peak probability of use near major roads, further from minor roads, and close to developed areas, indicating tradeoffs between hunting quality and mortality risk. The study highlights the importance of refined models for predicting suitable habitat for recovering populations and informing conservation efforts.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hassan Mahmoudzadeh, Hassan Masoudi, Firouz Jafari, Ali Mohammad Khorshiddoost, Asghar Abedini, Amir Mosavi
Summary: Landscape fragmentation and the reduction of urban green spaces due to human activities have put pressure on urban sustainability. This study presents a practical approach and framework for assessing and enhancing landscape ecological connectivity, using the Tabriz metropolitan as a case study. The results show that the urban landscape in Tabriz has become more fragmented over the past three decades, leading to a loss of connectivity. To address this issue, the study proposes the development of an ecological corridor network based on core ecological patches.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Viorel D. Popescu, Madeline Kenyon, Ryan K. Brown, Marissa A. Dyck, Suzanne Prange, William E. Peterman, Catherine Dennison
Summary: Terrestrial carnivores, such as bobcats, facing endangerment worldwide are showing signs of resilience and recovery in human-dominated landscapes. This study analyzed habitat selection and connectivity for the expanding bobcat population in Ohio. The research found that bobcats exhibit selective preferences for forested habitats at both population and individual levels. Additionally, habitat connectivity models were created to identify dispersal corridors, highlighting the importance of maintaining heterogeneous forested habitat for the rebounding felid population.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
David D. Hofmann, Dominik M. Behr, John W. McNutt, Arpat Ozgul, Gabriele Cozzi
Summary: This study evaluated the adequacy of KAZA-TFCA transboundary conservation area using dispersal data of African wild dogs, showing regional differences in landscape permeability related to human activities and natural geographical features. It highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts to maintain or restore connectivity, especially in areas with transboundary dispersal.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Karen F. Beazley, Jessica D. Hum, Christopher J. Lemieux
Summary: Canada has initiated a new National Program for Ecological Corridors to protect and restore ecological connectivity across the country, and seven enabling conditions have been identified to support the effective implementation of the program.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Richard Pither, Paul O'Brien, Angela Brennan, Kristen Hirsh-Pearson, Jeff Bowman
Summary: Governments worldwide acknowledge the need for urgent action to conserve and restore ecological connectivity and reverse biodiversity decline. This study tested the hypothesis that functional connectivity for multiple species can be estimated using a single, upstream connectivity model in Canada. They developed a movement cost layer and conducted a connectivity analysis, resulting in a national connectivity map that can help prioritize land management decisions for conservation.
Article
Zoology
Nicholas J. DeCesare, Byron Weckworth, Kristine L. Pilgrim, Andrew B. D. Walker, Eric J. Bergman, Kassidy E. Colson, Richard B. Harris, Mark Hebblewhite, Brett R. Jesmer, Jesse R. Newby, Jason R. Smith, Rob B. Tether, Timothy P. Thomas, Michael K. Schwartz, Rob Corrigan
JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY
(2020)
Article
Ecology
Derek B. Spitz, Mark Hebblewhite, Thomas R. Stephenson
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Ecology
Paul F. Jones, Andrew F. Jakes, Daniel R. Eacker, Mark Hebblewhite
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniel Fortin, Philip D. McLoughlin, Mark Hebblewhite
Letter
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chris Geremia, Jerod A. Merkle, P. J. White, Mark Hebblewhite, Matthew J. Kauffman
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2020)
Article
Fisheries
Kadie B. Heinle, Lisa A. Eby, Clint C. Muhlfeld, Amber Steed, Leslie Jones, Vincent D'Angelo, Andrew R. Whiteley, Mark Hebblewhite
Summary: This study investigated the impact of climate warming on native trout populations in the Rocky Mountains, with a focus on the distribution of westslope cutthroat trout in the North Fork Flathead River. The findings suggest that increasing stream temperatures will lead to a higher probability of westslope cutthroat trout presence, while factors such as channel gradient and the presence of bull trout will have a decreasing effect on their distribution. Predictions based on the model show an increase in suitable habitat for westslope cutthroat trout under high emissions scenarios, with potential implications for the thermal tolerances of other co-occurring native fish species.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
T. J. Clark, Mark Hebblewhite
Summary: Predator removal experiments have shown a 13% increase in ungulate demographic responses, particularly in young individuals, but the effects on adult survival and abundance are less clear. Experimental design factors play a role in the uncertainty of ungulate responses to predator removal, and there is evidence of publication bias favoring studies with positive results. More rigorous experimental practices are recommended, especially for endangered species where predator removal may have a more significant impact.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
T. J. Clark, Jon S. Horne, Mark Hebblewhite, Angela D. Luis
Summary: This study found that predator pits in predator-prey systems only emerge when stochasticity is included in the model, which is crucial for understanding alternative stable states in ecological systems. As carrying capacity decreases, low density equilibria with a high likelihood of extinction become more prevalent in prey populations.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ellen E. Brandell, Paul C. Cross, Meggan E. Craft, Douglas W. Smith, Edward J. Dubovi, Marie L. J. Gilbertson, Tyler Wheeldon, John A. Stephenson, Shannon Barber-Meyer, Bridget L. Borg, Mathew Sorum, Daniel R. Stahler, Allicia Kelly, Morgan Anderson, H. Dean Cluff, Daniel R. MacNulty, Dominique E. Watts, Gretchen H. Roffler, Helen Schwantje, Mark Hebblewhite, Kimberlee Beckmen, Peter J. Hudson
Summary: Based on a study of North American wolf populations, it was found that pathogen exposure rates are not significantly correlated with latitude, but rather depend more on specific mechanistic factors. Individual host characteristics and inherent features of ecosystems have a greater impact on pathogen exposure risk.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Justin P. Suraci, Kaitlyn M. Gaynor, Maximilian L. Allen, Peter Alexander, Justin S. Brashares, Sara Cendejas-Zarelli, Kevin Crooks, L. Mark Elbroch, Tavis Forrester, Austin M. Green, Jeffrey Haight, Nyeema C. Harris, Mark Hebblewhite, Forest Isbell, Barbara Johnston, Roland Kays, Patrick E. Lendrum, Jesse S. Lewis, Alex McInturff, William McShea, Thomas W. Murphy, Meredith S. Palmer, Arielle Parsons, Mitchell A. Parsons, Mary E. Pendergast, Charles Pekins, Laura R. Prugh, Kimberly A. Sager-Fradkin, Stephanie Schuttler, Cagan H. Sekercioglu, Brenda Shepherd, Laura Whipple, Jesse Whittington, George Wittemyer, Christopher C. Wilmers
Summary: A study on 24 mammal species in North America found that 33% of species showed reduced occurrence or activity in response to increasing human presence and footprint, while 58% of species were positively associated with increasing disturbance. The study also revealed that species traits such as size, diet, and reproductive rate were strong predictors of their responses to human footprint, with smaller, less carnivorous, and faster-reproducing species being favored. Differential responses to human presence and footprint highlight the importance of considering these two forms of human disturbance separately when estimating anthropogenic impacts on wildlife.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Matthew J. Kauffman, Francesca Cagnacci, Simon Chamaille-Jammes, Mark Hebblewhite, J. Grant C. Hopcraft, Jerod A. Merkle, Thomas Mueller, Atle Mysterud, Wibke Peters, Christiane Roettger, Alethea Steingisser, James E. Meacham, Kasahun Abera, Jan Adamczewski, Ellen O. Aikens, Hattie Bartlam-Brooks, Emily Bennitt, Joel Berger, Charlotte Boyd, Steeve D. Cote, Lucie Debeffe, Andrea S. Dekrout, Nandintsetseg Dejid, Emiliano Donadio, Luthando Dziba, William F. Fagan, Claude Fischer, Stefano Focardi, John M. Fryxell, Richard W. S. Fynn, Chris Geremia, Benito A. Gonzalez, Anne Gunn, Elie Gurarie, Marco Heurich, Jodi Hilty, Mark Hurley, Aran Johnson, Kyle Joly, Petra Kaczensky, Corinne J. Kendall, Pavel Kochkarev, Leonid Kolpaschikov, Rafal Kowalczyk, Frank van Langevelde, Binbin V. Li, Alex L. Lobora, Anne Loison, Tinaapi H. Madiri, David Mallon, Pascal Marchand, Rodrigo A. Medellin, Erling Meisingset, Evelyn Merrill, Arthur D. Middleton, Kevin L. Monteith, Malik Morjan, Thomas A. Morrison, Steffen Mumme, Robin Naidoo, Andres Novaro, Joseph O. Ogutu, Kirk A. Olson, Alfred Oteng-Yeboah, Ramiro J. A. Ovejero, Norman Owen-Smith, Antti Paasivaara, Craig Packer, Danila Panchenko, Luca Pedrotti, Andrew J. Plumptre, Christer M. Rolandsen, Sonia Said, Albert Salemgareyev, Aleksandr Savchenko, Piotr Savchenko, Hall Sawyer, Moses Selebatso, Matthew Skroch, Erling Solberg, Jared A. Stabach, Olav Strand, Michael J. Suitor, Yasuyuki Tachiki, Anne Trainor, Arnold Tshipa, Munir Z. Virani, Carly Vynne, Stephanie Ward, George Wittemyer, Wenjing Xu, Steffen Zuther
Article
Ecology
Anna K. Moeller, J. Joshua Nowak, Lalenia Neufeld, Mark Bradley, Micheline Manseau, Paul Wilson, Samantha McFarlane, Paul M. Lukacs, Mark Hebblewhite
Summary: Population monitoring for elusive and endangered species can be challenging due to difficulties in data collection and sampling small populations. Integrated population models can integrate data from multiple sources to provide more precise estimates of population trends, serving as a flexible tool for biologists to monitor populations.
Article
Ecology
Jodi E. Berg, Jody Reimer, Peter Smolko, Holger Bohm, Mark Hebblewhite, Evelyn H. Merrill
Summary: Loss of migratory behavior or shifts in migratory ranges are concerning to wildlife managers due to their impact on wildlife populations. The study on elk population showed that regardless of migratory tactics and time periods, elk prioritize safety from predators over high-quality foraging opportunities during calving, which can affect their long-term reproductive success. Elk consistently selected calving areas with abundant forage resources, with different risk exposures to bear and wolf predation based on their migratory tactics. Patterns in exposure to predation risks during calving were consistent with changes in elk populations following different migration tactics.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Guillemette Labadie, Philip D. McLoughlin, Mark Hebblewhite, Daniel Fortin
Summary: This study demonstrates how the introduction of insect pests can impact predator-prey relationships among large mammals, potentially affecting the entire ecosystem. Human activities may also exacerbate these impacts.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Mariana Nagy-Reis, Melanie Dickie, Anna M. Calvert, Mark Hebblewhite, Dave Hervieux, Dale R. Seip, Sophie L. Gilbert, Oscar Venter, Craig DeMars, Stan Boutin, Robert Serrouya
Summary: Habitat loss is a major cause of species endangerment and recovery challenges, with critical gaps between recovery planning and habitat management actions affecting iconic endangered species like woodland caribou.
Caribou subpopulations in Alberta and British Columbia, Canada experienced loss of forest cover, mainly due to factors like forest fire and forest harvest, despite efforts under federal and provincial recovery plans.
Short-term recovery actions may only delay caribou extinction, with effective planning and management actions needed to address the cumulative impacts of land-uses for achieving self-sustaining woodland caribou populations.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2021)