The potential connectivity of waterhole networks and the effectiveness of a protected area under various drought scenarios.

ABSTRACT: Landscape connectivity is considered a priority for ecosystem conservation because it may mitigate the synergistic effects of climate change and habitat loss. Climate change predictions suggest changes in precipitation regimes, which will affect the availability of water resources, with potential consequences for landscape connectivity. The Greater Calakmul Region of the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico) has experienced a 16% decrease in precipitation over the last 50 years, which we hypothesise has affected water resource connectivity. We used a network model of connectivity, for three large endangered species (Baird's tapir, white-lipped peccary and jaguar), to assess the effect of drought on waterhole availability and connectivity in a forested landscape inside and adjacent to the Calakmul Bio

SUBMITTER: O'Farrill G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4022619 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature