Ecological Connectivity of Vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) in a Remote Area of Chile and Conservation Implications

Abstract

Ecological connectivity is key for the long-term viability of species and is necessary when facing disturbance or global change, and geospatial analysis tools are key to exploring it with conservation aims. The vicuña is an ungulate endemic from South American highlands that faced extinction risk fifty years ago and is now slowly expanding and increasing in numbers. At present, it has a patchy distribution that may partially reflect connectivity limitations, an issue which can be key for its conservation under climate change. We developed a habitat suitability model using MaxEnt and location data of vicuñas in the Tarapacá region (Northern Chile), combined with spatial layers derived from remotely sensed imagery. We then used these results as the basis for a cost surface layer, and we examined habitat connectivity using least-cost and graph theory methods. Results showed the relevance for the species of habitat patches in the Southern part of the study area, out of protected areas, and the fact that ecological connectivity relies mainly on the intra-patch and flux components. These results should guide conservation actions for the species in the area and exemplify the relevance of remote sensing and geospatial models in the study of remote areas.