Open AccessApplying resource selection functions at multiple scales to prioritize habitat use by the endangered C ross R iver gorilla
Author(s) -
Sawyer Sarah C.,
Brashares Justin S.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
diversity and distributions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.918
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1472-4642
pISSN - 1366-9516
DOI - 10.1111/ddi.12046
Subject(s) - habitat , endangered species , ecology , selection (genetic algorithm) , subspecies , range (aeronautics) , scale (ratio) , geography , occupancy , gorilla , biology , cartography , computer science , materials science , artificial intelligence , composite material , paleontology
Aim The critically endangered C ross R iver gorilla is a patchily distributed taxon for which habitat selection has been modelled only at coarse spatial scales, using remotely sensed landscape data and large‐scale species distribution maps. These coarse‐scale models fail to explain why C ross R iver gorillas ( CRG ) display a highly fragmented distribution within what appears to be a large, continuous area of suitable habitat. This study aimed to refine our understanding of CRG habitat use to inform conservation planning both for the subspecies and for other fragmented species of conservation concern. Location Cross R iver gorillas occur only in a discontinuous distribution in the southern portion of the C ameroon‐ N igeria border region, an area that represents one of A frica's biodiversity hotspots. This study was carried out in the Northern M one‐ M t. O ko region, part of the M one/ M bulu forest system located in the M anyu division of the S outh‐west P rovince of C ameroon. Methods We used resource selection functions to understand habitat use by CRG at multiple scales. Specifically, we employed generalized additive models at the scale of the annual subpopulation range and conditional logistic regression at the scale of individual movements. Results Cross R iver gorillas habitat selection is highly scale dependent. Localized measures of habitat quality strongly influenced selection at the subpopulation or landscape scale, while human activity and food availability were the best predictors of selection at finer scales. Main conclusions Understanding why CRG do not occur in seemingly suitable habitat is crucial for designating critical habitat both within and between CRG subpopulations. Our results indicate that conservation planning to maintain critical habitat and connectivity among CRG populations will require an integrative, multi‐scale planning approach incorporating large‐scale landscape characteristics, human use patterns and CRG food availability.