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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Using Species Distribution Models to Predict Potential Landscape Restoration Effects on Puma Conservation

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Author(s):
Silva Angelieri, Cintia Camila [1, 2] ; Adams-Hosking, Christine [1] ; Micchi de Barros Ferraz, Katia Maria Paschoaletto [3] ; de Souza, Marcelo Pereira [4] ; McAlpine, Clive Alexander [1]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Queensland, Sch Geog Planning & Environm Management, Brisbane, Qld - Australia
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Water Resources & Environm Studies Ctr, Sao Carlos Sch Engn, Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Forest Sci, Luiz de Queiroz Coll Agr, Piracicaba, SP - Brazil
[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Biol, Ribeirao Preto Sch Philosophy Sci & Literature, BR-14049 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: PLoS One; v. 11, n. 1 JAN 6 2016.
Web of Science Citations: 32
Abstract

A mosaic of intact native and human-modified vegetation use can provide important habitat for top predators such as the puma (Puma concolor), avoiding negative effects on other species and ecological processes due to cascade trophic interactions. This study investigates the effects of restoration scenarios on the puma's habitat suitability in the most developed Brazilian region (Sao Paulo State). Species Distribution Models incorporating restoration scenarios were developed using the species' occurrence information to (1) map habitat suitability of pumas in Sao Paulo State, Southeast, Brazil; (2) test the relative contribution of environmental variables ecologically relevant to the species habitat suitability and (3) project the predicted habitat suitability to future native vegetation restoration scenarios. The Maximum Entropy algorithm was used (Test AUC of 0.84 +/- 0.0228) based on seven environmental non-correlated variables and non-autocorrelated presence-only records (n = 342). The percentage of native vegetation (positive influence), elevation (positive influence) and density of roads (negative influence) were considered the most important environmental variables to the model. Model projections to restoration scenarios reflected the high positive relationship between pumas and native vegetation. These projections identified new high suitability areas for pumas (probability of presence >0.5) in highly deforested regions. High suitability areas were increased from 5.3% to 8.5% of the total State extension when the landscapes were restored for >= the minimum native vegetation cover rule (20%) established by the Brazilian Forest Code in private lands. This study highlights the importance of a landscape planning approach to improve the conservation outlook for pumas and other species, including not only the establishment and management of protected areas, but also the habitat restoration on private lands. Importantly, the results may inform environmental policies and land use planning in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 11/11091-1 - Land use planning and conservation of mammals in São Paulo State/Brazil
Grantee:Cíntia Camila Silva Angelieri
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 12/03514-2 - Landuse planning and mammals conservation in São Paulo State, Brazil
Grantee:Cíntia Camila Silva Angelieri
Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate