Kamran Almasieh; Alireza Mohammadi; Leila Julaee
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine habitat connectivity and road crossing area for the Persian wild ass (Equus hemionus onager) in the Bahram-e-Goor Protected Area. In this research, habitat suitability modeling was carried out using 57 presence points of the species and six environmental layers implemented ...
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This study was conducted to determine habitat connectivity and road crossing area for the Persian wild ass (Equus hemionus onager) in the Bahram-e-Goor Protected Area. In this research, habitat suitability modeling was carried out using 57 presence points of the species and six environmental layers implemented in the Biomod2 package in the R software based on four species distribution models. Then, the ensemble map obtained from the distribution models was used for habitat connectivity modeling using electrical-circuit method. Finally, the coincidence rate of road crossing with road collision points was assessed. Ourresults revealed that distance from moderate rangelands, distance from roads and slope had the greatest impact on habitat suitability of the Persian wild ass. Furthermore,results of the connectivity modeling revealed that there were high current movements of Persian wild ass individuals between Qatruiyeh National Park and western parts of the Bahram -e- Goor Protected Area. Eventually, seven road collisions were found to be in high coincidence with the modeled current movement along the west border of the Bahram -e- Goor Protected Area.This research highlights the necessity of provision of road crossing facilities (i.e., warning signs and lights, and speed control for vehicles) for conservation of the Persian wild ass by the Department of Environment in the study area.
