The underestimated role of small fragments for carnivore dispersal in the Atlantic Forest

Abstract

Designing protected areas capable of supporting organism flow is critical for species persistence across wide scales. Here, we evaluated the capacity and protection level of forest fragments to sustain connectivity for carnivores in the Atlantic Forest. We simulated potential dispersal considering species spatial demands and quantified the importance of patches with different sizes in sustaining species movement. We found that patches smaller than species home-range size represented more than 95% of the patches used during species dispersal. These small remnants play a key role in upholding connectivity for carnivores, especially for species capable of moving long distances. Although the forest structure did support most species movements, our results showed that some species must cross matrices composed by crops and pasture to complete their trajectories. Moreover, between 29% and 70% of the area around the species' movement paths, which could act as potential corridors, overlap with human activities. Current established protected areas – mainly targeted for sustainable use – cover only 15% of the entire extension of small remnants enrolled in species dispersal. We reinforce that conservation efforts should not overlook the potential of small forest fragments to improve connectivity. Integrating key fragments with forest restoration and matrix management would benefit long-term species persistence.