Are all data types and connectivity models created equal? Validating common connectivity approaches with dispersal data

Katherine Zeller; Megan K. Jennings; T. Winston Vickers; Holly B. Ernest; Samuel A. Cushman; Walter M. Boyce

doi:10.1111/ddi.12742

Treesearch

Are all data types and connectivity models created equal? Validating common connectivity approaches with dispersal data

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Katherine Zeller, Megan K. Jennings, T. Winston Vickers, Holly B. Ernest, Samuel A. Cushman, Walter M. Boyce

Year:

2018

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.12742

Source:

Diversity and Distributions. 24: 868-879.

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Abstract

There is enormous interest in applying connectivity modelling to resistance surfaces for identifying corridors for conservation action. However, the multiple analytical approaches used to estimate resistance surfaces and predict connectivity across resistance surfaces have not been rigorously compared, and it is unclear what methods provide the best inferences about population connectivity. Using a large empirical data set on puma (Puma concolor), we are the first to compare several of the most common approaches for estimating resistance and modelling connectivity and validate them with dispersal data.

Keywords

cuit theory, connectivity, corridors, cost distance, dispersal, Puma concolor

Citation

Zeller, Katherine A.; Jennings, Megan K.; Vickers, T. Winston; Ernest, Holly B.; Cushman, Samuel A.; Boyce, Walter M. 2018. Are all data types and connectivity models created equal? Validating common connectivity approaches with dispersal data. Diversity and Distributions. 24: 868-879.