A multispecies approach for assessing landscape connectivity in data-poor regions

CONTEXT: Identifying animals movement through the landscape and delineating key corridors is critical for effective management and conservation. Still, assessments of space-use patterns and landscape connectivity are subjected to many limitations, especially in large scales. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study was to assess functional connectivity for four focal mammal species with varying dispersal abilities and diets, across protected areas in a transnational region where only scarce information on movement patterns exists. METHODS: We used models relying on circuit theory, multiple layers of spatial information and graph-theoretical analysis. We delineated potential pathways suitable for species movement and evaluated connectivity status of the protected areas network in the Balkan Peninsula, southeastern Europe. Models were parameterized by combining information from experts and scientific literature, or by applying allometric equations, while novel connectivity metrics were developed. RESULTS: We identified four key, suitable corridors within the transnational study region. The largest one crossed three countries, highlighting the need for international conservation efforts. For species with higher dispersal abilities, the network of protected areas appeared to be well connected and robust while for others it consisted of numerous isolated sites, raising the need for species-specific management plans. CONCLUSIONS: Our study serves as an example of how to set monitoring and conservation priorities in data-poor regions. Our findings highlight the need to identify a number of ecological corridors that could facilitate movement of multiple species with different functional traits and habitat preferences. This information is proved to be critical for setting spatially explicit conservation plans at local, regional and transnational scales.