Application of graph-based indices to map and develop a connectivity importance index for large mammal conservation in a tropical region: A case study in Selangor State, Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Land use changes are driving the fragmentation of natural habitats in Peninsular Malaysia, even within protected areas, which results in a loss of habitat connections. This process directly affects wildlife species, many of which are threatened with extinction, especially large mammals. To better conserve wildlife, these natural habitats must be linked both structurally and functionally. However, sparse data exists for this geographic region with regards to landscape connectivity and the connectivity importance of habitat patches, and this lack may hinder conservation efforts. To close this knowledge gap, we measured landscape connectivity and the connectivity importance of habitat patches in Selangor State of Peninsular Malaysia, and within its protected area system. We used two large mammals as focal species and graph-based connectivity indices (i.e., probability of connectivity) to map and develop a connectivity importance index (CII). Selangor has poor landscape connectivity for large mammals. CII showed only the two largest habitat patches in the study area have a high connectivity importance. All protected areas situated at hilly sites and those with less human interference yielded a high connectivity importance. However, large parts of habitat patches with a high connectivity importance are located outside the protected areas. These findings demonstrate the importance of considering connectivity indices for large mammals when planning protected area placement. Our study provides an approach to evaluate and plan for land conservation targeting wildlife, but also inform wise land use development.