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

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 (São Paulo State). Species Distribution Models incorporating restoration scenarios were developed using the species' occurrence information to (1) map habitat suitability of pumas in São 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 res

SUBMITTER: Angelieri CC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4703218 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature