Evaluating the intersection of a regional wildlife connectivity network with highways

Samuel A. Cushman; Jesse S. Lewis; Erin L. Landguth

doi:10.1186/2051-3933-1-12

Treesearch

Evaluating the intersection of a regional wildlife connectivity network with highways

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Samuel A. Cushman, Jesse S. Lewis, Erin L. Landguth

Year:

2013

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1186/2051-3933-1-12

Source:

Movement Ecology. 1: 12.

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Abstract

Reliable predictions of regional-scale population connectivity are needed to prioritize conservation actions. However, there have been few examples of regional connectivity models that are empirically derived and validated. The central goals of this paper were to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of factorial least cost path corridor mapping on an empirical resistance surface in reflecting the frequency of highway crossings by American black bear, (2) predict the location and predicted intensity of use of movement corridors for American black bear, and (3) identify where these corridors cross major highways and rank the intensity of these crossings.

Keywords

American black bear, connectivity, corridor, crossing structures, highways, northern Rocky Mountains, road effects, UNICOR

Citation

Cushman, Samuel A.; Lewis, Jesse S.; Landguth, Erin L. 2013. Evaluating the intersection of a regional wildlife connectivity network with highways. Movement Ecology. 1: 12.