Potential Habitat Research Articles

Challenges faced by spotted seals born in captivity and released into the wild

The artificial reproduction of endangered marine species populations is becoming increasingly crucial. Determining the potential for reintegration into their natural ecological niche remains a persistent obstacle in conservation biology. Spotted seals (Phoca largha) are a flagship species in the Chinese marine ecosystem. Efforts have been made to artificially breed them to prevent local extinction. Our study monitored 18 captive-born (nine) and rehabilitated (nine) individuals released into the Bohai Sea between 2010 and 2020. We examined the ecological niche-seeking behavior of captive-born seals (CS) using rehabilitated wild seals (RS) as benchmarks. It encompassed three oceanic gradients, habitat patterns, and potential threats. The findings demonstrated that CS did not return to the appropriate latitudes, horizontals, and sea surface salinity gradients in the ocean. Despite a larger potential habitat area for CS, it exhibited high temporal variability (with an average monthly fluctuation of 53 %) and demonstrated limited spatial overlap with the RS habitat (27 % overlap in July), and four indices, including the Splitting and Global Moran's Indices indicated a higher level of habitat fragmentation. Additionally, the number of shipping hotspots and collision risk within the CS habitats were twice those of the RS. These findings suggest that the released CS did not fully integrate into its native ecological niche. Our objective is to offer a pragmatic approach and framework for monitoring and assessing marine species released into the ocean.

Habitat suitability and distribution patterns of Rouget's rail (Rougetius rougetii Guérin-méneville, 1843) in Ethiopia.

Geographical distribution and diversity patterns of bird species are influenced by climate change. The Rouget's rail (Rougetius rougetii) is a ground-dwelling endemic bird species distributed in Ethiopia and Eritrea. It is a near-threatened species menaced by habitat loss, one of the main causes of population declines for bird species. The increasing effects of climate change may further threaten the species' survival. So far, the spatial distribution of this species is not fully documented. With this study, we develop current potential suitable habitat and predict the future habitat shift of R. rougetii based on environmental data such as bioclimatic variables, population density, vegetation cover, and elevation using 10 algorithms. We evaluated the importance of environmental factors in shaping the bird's distribution and how it shifts under climate change scenarios. We used 182 records of R. rougetii from Ethiopia and nine bioclimatic, population density, vegetation cover, and elevation variables to run the 10 model algorithms. Among 10 algorithms, eight were selected for ensembling models according to their predictive abilities. The current suitable habitats for R. rougetii were predicted to cover an area of about 82,000 km2 despite being highly fragmented. The model suggested that temperature seasonality (bio4), elevation, and mean daily air temperatures of the driest quarter (bio9) contributed the most to delimiting suitable areas for this species. R. rougetii is sensitive to climate change associated with elevation, which leads shrinking distribution of suitable areas. The projected spatial and temporal pattern of habitat loss of R. rougetii suggests the importance of climate change mitigation and implementing long-term conservation and management strategies for this threatened endemic bird species.

Freshwater Turtles in an Arid Land: Population Ecology, Habitat and Ecological Niche Modelling of Pelomedusa subrufa olivacea in the Sahel

ABSTRACTTurtle ecology and conservation have been poorly explored in the West African Sahel regions, and this scarce information has produced a suboptimal management of their populations in the wild. In order to enhance the knowledge on the Sahelian turtle ecology, a field study was carried out in Burkina Faso on the ecology of Pelomedusa subrufa olivacea, a freshwater species inhabiting a wide range of waterbodies throughout West Africa. Reasoned sampling was carried out, resulting in the collection of a total of 196 individuals of Pelomedusa subrufa olivacea. This species shows a relatively balanced distribution of age and sex classes of individuals surveyed in the different study areas. The majority of individuals were observed in specific habitats, confirmed by an aggregative distribution. The potential habitats identified by the MaxEnt model highlight key areas for the conservation of this species in Burkina Faso. Conservation efforts should focus on protecting and restoring temporary and permanent aquatic habitats, and managing human activities to minimize the impact on turtle populations in the West African Sahel.

Habitat shifts of the vulnerable crinoid Leptometra phalangium under climate change scenarios

Crinoid beds of Leptometra phalangium (Müller, 1841) have been identified as sensitive habitats by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) due to their high vulnerability to bottom trawl fisheries. Poorly resilient to physical damage, L. phalangium has been listed as a potential indicator of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) in the Mediterranean Sea. If fishing activities represent the main cause of habitat destruction for this species, the ongoing changes in climate conditions may rapidly exacerbate the process. In this study, we developed an ensemble Species Distribution Modeling framework to predict the potential habitat of L. phalangium for present-days in the Mediterranean Sea, and used the model to infer potential changes in its spatial distribution by 2050 under two different climate scenarios (IPCC Representative Concentration Pathways RCP2.6 and RCP8.5). True presence-absence records were used and correlated to a parsimonious set of environmental predictors considered as important drivers of benthic species distribution. In present conditions, L. phalangium seems to be widely distributed along the continental slopes of the western and central Mediterranean. This crinoid is often described as confined to the continental shelf-break (100–200 m), but our results show that it can be found over a wider depth range, between 100 and 500 m. Our predictions obtained for the mid-21st century indicate an important habitat loss for L. phalangium under future climate conditions, mainly in the central and southern basins. Declines of 50 to 70 % in its suitable habitat were predicted under RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 compared to present-day predictions. Climate refugia (i.e., areas where environmental conditions remain suitable for the species in the future) were restricted to the northwestern basin (e.g., Gulf of Lion, the Catalan Sea, the Balearic Sea, Ligurian Sea) and in the southern Adriatic Sea. Provided by a robust statistical framework, climate refugia predictions, along with uncertainty assessments, must support the identification of priority areas for the conservation of VME indicator species by governmental bodies and regional management organizations.

Martian Impact Fracturing Pervasively Influences Habitability

AbstractOn Mars, the lack of either plate tectonics or a prominent erosional hydrological cycle since the Noachian means geological changes caused by asteroid and comet impact events have been preserved. On Earth, surviving impact‐induced fractures are localized to the relatively few preserved craters on the planet. We estimate that the shell of impact‐fractured rock on Mars (the “impact‐sphere”) could provide between 9,200 times the surface area of a Mars radius sphere and up to 100 times this value, depending on the assumptions made, as potential microbially accessible space. Although >93% of craters we consider are smaller than 10 km in diameter, they contribute only about 5% of the total fracture surface area generated by all craters, making complex craters the dominant process for potential habitat formation. Microbiological data from terrestrial impact craters suggest that these fractures could have significantly enhanced local habitability by providing pathways for fluid flow, and thus nutrients and energy. However, unlike on Earth, the geological history of Mars means that pervasive impact fractures may also have provided pathways for Hesperian and Amazonian brines to infiltrate the subsurface and locally reduce habitability. Combining the fracture data with previous microbiological observations provides testable hypotheses for Martian drilling missions.

Habitat suitability and protected area coverage for an expanding cougar Puma concolor population in Canada.

Successful conservation of expanding large carnivore populations and management of human-wildlife conflict to promote coexistence requires sufficient spatiotemporal knowledge to inform appropriate action. In Canada, cougars (Puma concolor) are expanding their range eastwards and little research is available for use in decision making by land managers and conservation planners. To inform proactive management regarding expanding populations of cougars in Canada, we utilized open-source cougar presence and land-cover data in a maximum entropy habitat suitability model to determine potentially suitable habitat for cougars across the country. We then used a gap analysis to determine the effectiveness of existing formal protected areas to protect potential cougar habitat. Suitable habitat exists for range-expanding cougars dispersing eastwards through the central and eastern provinces to the Atlantic coast. While the habitat is highly fragmented, the highest suitability occurs in areas of medium road density, indicating that the potential for new human-cougar conflict will likely involve residents of exurban and rural areas. Protected areas offered 16% coverage of suitable habitat, although most protected areas that overlap predicted cougar habitat are not large enough to effectively conserve the large home range requirements of cougars. Synthesis and Applications: High fragmentation of suitable habitat and the potential for human-wildlife conflict requires proactive management to ensure appropriately sized and connected areas are maintained for the establishment of expanding cougar populations. Many of the management actions intended to aid in the conservation of cougars and their habitat can also serve to mitigate potential human-cougar conflict arising as a consequence of an expanding population, such as highway wildlife crossing structures and formal habitat protection.

Identification of potential biological corridors for the bobcat (Lynx rufus) in a multipurpose area of northeastern Mexico

The objectives of the research were i) to determine patches and points of origin forthe establishment and connectivity of biological corridors, ii) to estimate the costarea for the establishment of biological corridors, iii) to define biological corridorswith viability for the dispersal of the bobcat (Lynx rufus) in a multipurpose area inReynosa, Tamaulipas. To monitor behavioral patterns, capture and recapturerecords were generated using the photographic sampling method. To calculatedensity, the results were entered into the statistical program CAPTURE. To modelthe potential habitat, the maximum entropy method (MaxEnt) was used. The costsurfaces were obtained with the maps in MaxEnt. The results showed that: i) thereare six patches and points of origin for the establishment and connectivity ofbiological corridors, which presented a mature community of Tamaulipanthornscrub, ii) most of the study area presents values ranging from medium to highon the cost scale, which is correlated with intense landscape modification, and iii)11 potential biological corridors were defined for the dispersal of the bobcat (Lynxrufus) in a multipurpose area in Reynosa, Tamaulipas.

Using cumulative human impact assessment to support adaptive management of the threatened species’ habitats in the Yangtze River Estuary

The conflict between multiple functions of human use and habitat conservation represents an intractable challenge for environmental management. While numerous studies on marine conservation prioritize cumulative impact assessments (CIA) to tackle this issue, estuaries — despite their immense conservation significance amidst intense human activities — remain overlooked. Taking the Yangtze River Estuary (YRE) as the case study area, it is one of the most intensely human-utilized estuaries globally, yet it serves as a critical habitat and migratory corridor for the endangered Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis).We employed ecological indicators and quantitative modeling to assess habitat suitability and cumulative anthropogenic impacts on this endangered species in the YRE. The results demonstrated that suitable habitat distribution and human impact varied for juvenile Chinese sturgeon in the YRE. The suitable habitat distribution for juvenile Chinese sturgeon was concentrated in Chongming Dongtan and the North Channel. Ship density, submarine optical cables, and smooth cord grass invasion were the main anthropogenic factors impacting the Chinese sturgeon's migrating habitat in the YRE. Moreover, existing Chinese sturgeon habitats remain at risk, with 36.24 % of potential habitats and 56.60 % of high human impact areas requiring enhanced protection. Adaptive management strategies were proposed, tailored to the spatial and environmental protection needs across the dynamic habitat demands of aquatic species. Our spatially explicit and indicator-based findings provide key scientific support for enlarging protected areas and implementing adaptive management of human activities to balance conservation and sustainable use in this highly utilized ecosystem.

Dynamic occupancy modelling of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) reveals increasing landscape use in Nepal

Large mammals with general habitat needs can persist throughout mixed used landscapes, however, human-wildlife conflict frequently leads to their restriction to protected areas. Conservation efforts, especially for reducing conflicts with humans, can enhance tolerance of humans towards species like Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in human-dominated landscapes. Here, we examine how elephant use in the Chure Terai Madhesh Landscape (CTML) covering the entire elephant range of Nepal changed between 2012 and 2020 in relationship to protection status and environmental conditions. We systematically surveyed ~ 42,000 km2 of potential habitat, by dividing the study area into 159 grid cells of 15 × 15 km2 and recorded elephant signs during the cool, dry season in three years (2012, 2018 and 2020). We analyzed the survey data in a single-species, multi-season (dynamic) occupancy modeling framework to test hypotheses regarding the influence of environmental conditions and protected area status on landscape use by elephants over time. The best-supported model included protected area effects on initial use, colonization, and detection probability as well as temporal variation in colonization and detection probability. Initial use and colonization rates were higher in protected areas, however elephants increasingly used cells located both inside and outside the protected areas, and the difference in use between protected areas and outside declined as elephants use became prevalent across most of the landscape. While elephant use was patchily distributed in the first year of surveys consistent with past descriptions of four sub-populations, elephant use consolidated into a western and eastern region in subsequent years with a gap in their distribution occurring between Chitwan and Bardiya National Parks. Our manuscript highlights the increasing landscape use by elephants in both protected areas and areas outside protected areas and suggests that management interventions that focus on reducing conflicts can promote greater use of both protected areas and areas outside of protected areas.

A new dawn? Population baselines of snow leopards and other mammals of the Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, India

AbstractAccurately assessing the status of threatened species requires reliable population estimates. Despite this necessity, only a small proportion of the global distribution range of the vulnerable snow leopard (Panthera uncia) has been systematically sampled. The Indian section of the Greater Himalayas, which includes Kishtwar High Altitude National Park (KHANP), harbours potential snow leopard habitat. Nevertheless, there has been limited ecological and conservation research focusing on species that are specific to KHANP, as well as limited research on the broader biodiversity of the Greater Himalayas. We used Spatially Explicit Capture‐Recapture (SECR) models to provide—to our knowledge—the first robust snow leopard population density and abundance estimates from KHANP. We also provide a Relative Abundance Index (RAI) for non‐volant mammals (excluding small rodents). Our study sampled three catchments within the Dachhan region of KHANP—Kibber, Nanth and Kiyar—using 44 cameras over a 45‐day period between May and June 2023. We identified four unique snow leopard individuals across 15 detections in nine camera locations. SECR analysis estimated a density of 0.50 snow leopards per 100 km2 (95% confidence interval: 0.13–1.86), corresponding to an abundance of four individual (4–9) adults. Camera trapping revealed a total of 16 mammal species, including the endangered Kashmir musk deer (Moschus cupreus). Marmots (Marmota caudata) had the highest RAI of 21.3 (±0.2). Although the estimated density and abundance of snow leopards in our study area had relatively wide 95% confidence intervals, our combined results of snow leopard densities and RAIs of prey species such as ibex and marmots indicate that KHANP is a potentially important area for snow leopards. Given the geopolitical history of Jammu and Kashmir in India, the region where KHANP is located, wildlife research remains a low priority. We hope our study encourages authorities to support further research. This study is an initial step towards evaluating the potential of KHANP as a conservation landscape under the Government of India's Project Snow Leopard.

Unveiling the overlooked: Current and future distribution dynamics of kissing bugs and palm species linked to oral Chagas disease transmission

Chagas disease, a neglected global health concern primarily transmitted through the bite and feces of kissing bugs, has garnered increasing attention due to recent outbreaks in northern Brazil, highlighting the role of oral transmission facilitated by the kissing bugs species Rhodnius robustus and Rhodnius pictipes. These vectors are associated with palm trees with large crowns, such as the maripa palm (Attalea maripa) and moriche palm (Mauritia flexuosa). In this study, we employ maximum entropy (MaxEnt) ecological niche models to analyze the spatial distribution of these vectors and palm species, predicting current and future climate suitability. Our models indicate broader potential habitats than documented occurrences, with high suitability in northern South America, southern Central America, central Africa, and southeast Asia. Projections suggest increased climate suitability by 2040, followed by a reduction by 2080. This study identifies present and future areas suitable for kissing bugs and palm tree species due to climate change, aiding in the design of prevention and management strategies.

Predicting the current and future potential habitat of Taxus species over Indian Himalayan Region using MaxEnt model

Predicting the current and future potential habitat of Taxus species over Indian Himalayan Region using MaxEnt model

Predicting the Population Size and Potential Habitat Distribution of Moschus berezovskii in Chongqing Based on the MaxEnt Model

The forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) is a national Class I protected wild animal in China, and the IUCN Red list classifies it as globally endangered. It has significant value in traditional Chinese medicine and spices. However, wild M. berezovskii has faced a severe population decline due to human hunting, habitat loss, and fragmentation. Thus, studying its population size and distribution pattern is of great importance to develop effective conservation measures. Here, we determined the optimal MaxEnt model and used stratified sampling and the fecal pile counting method to predict the population size and potential habitat distribution of wild M. berezovskii in Chongqing using 133 species distribution points and 28 environmental variables. The results were as follows: (1) When the optimal model parameters were RM = 3.5 and FC = LQHPT, it had high model prediction accuracy (AUC = 0.909 ± 0.010, TSS = 0.663). (2) Under various climatic, topographic, vegetation, and anthropogenic disturbance scenarios, M. berezovskii was primarily distributed in northern, eastern, southwestern regions of Chongqing, covering an area of approximately 5562.80 km2. (3) The key environmental factors affecting the potential habitat distribution of M. berezovskii were elevation (36.5%), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI, 16.6%), slope (11.8%), and land-use type (7.6%), whereas climate and anthropogenic disturbance factors had relatively little influence. (4) A population estimation for M. berezovskii identified approximately 928 ± 109 individuals in Chongqing. We recommend prioritizing the preservation of high-altitude habitats and native vegetation to mitigate human interference and minimize road damage. In summary, our results can enhance the understanding of M. berezovskii distribution and provide a basis for effective conservation and management initiatives.

Exploring glaciers and glacier environments as potential habitats for cold-loving bacterial taxa with diverse industrial and environmental implications

Exploring glaciers and glacier environments as potential habitats for cold-loving bacterial taxa with diverse industrial and environmental implications

Impact of carbon neutralization policy on the suitable habitat distribution of the North China leopard

The Chinese government has introduced a carbon neutral policy to cope with the rapid changes in the global climate. It is not clear what impact this policy will have on wildlife. Therefore, this study analyzed the suitable habitat distribution of China’s unique leopard subspecies in northern Shaanxi, and simulated the potential suitable habitat distribution under different carbon emission scenarios at two time points of future carbon peak and carbon neutralization. We found that in the future SSPs 126 scenario, the suitable habitat area and the number of suitable habitat patches of North China leopard will continue to increase. With the increase of carbon emissions, it is expected that the suitable habitat of North China leopard will continue to be fragmented and shifted. When the annual average temperature is lower than 8 °C, the precipitation seasonality is 80–90 mm and the precipitation of the warmest quarter is greater than 260 mm, the probability of occurrence of North China leopard is higher. The increase in carbon emissions will lead to the reduction, migration, and fragmentation of the suitable habitat distribution of the North China leopard. Carbon neutrality policies can protect suitable wild habitats. In the future, the impact of carbon neutrality policies on future wildlife habitat protection should be carried out in depth to effectively promote the construction of wildlife protection projects.

Coupling of potential habitat models with particle tracking experiments to examine larval fish dispersal and connectivity in deep water regions.

Computing Lagrangian trajectories with ocean circulation models is a powerful way to infer larval dispersal pathways and connectivity. Defining release areas and timing of particles to represent larval habitat realistically is critical to obtaining representative dispersal pathways. However, it is challenging due to spatial and temporal variability in larval density. Forward-tracking particle experiments were conducted to study larval connectivity of four species (neritic or mesopelagic) in the Gulf of Mexico's (GoM) deep-water region. A seasonal climatology coupled with predicted potential larval habitat models based on generalized additive models was used to delimit the particle dispersal origin. Two contrasting mesoscale circulation patterns were examined: (1) high Loop Current (LC) intrusion, absence of recently detached LC anticyclonic eddies (LC-ACE), and no interaction between LC-ACEs and the semi-permanent cyclonic eddy (CE) in the Bay of Campeche (BoC), and (2) limited LC intrusion, a recently detached LC-ACE, and interaction between LC-ACEs and the BoC's CE. To simulate larval transport, virtual larvae were randomly released in the potential habitats and advected for 30 days with the velocity fields of the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model with hourly-resolution assimilation. Potential habitat location and size played a major role in dispersal and connectivity. A greater percentage of particles were retained in potential habitats restricted to the southern BoC, suggesting lower connectivity with other GoM regions than those encompassing most of the BoC or the central Gulf. Mesoscale feature interactions in the western GoM and BoC led to greater dispersion along the western basin. By contrast, the absence of ACE-CE interaction in the BoC led to greater retention and less connectivity between the southern and northern GoM. Under high LC intrusion, particles seeded north of the Yucatan Shelf were advected through the Florida Straits and dispersed within the GoM. Coupling potential habitat models with particle experiments can help characterize the dispersal and connectivity of fish larvae in oceanic systems.

Whole genome resequencing reveals the evolutionary history and geographic isolation of the eastern Asian Hickory (Carya)

Societal Impact StatementUnraveling the genetic intricacies and evolutionary history of Asian Hickories through advanced genome sequencing gives valuable insights into their ecological adaptations. Understanding the impact of historical dynamics, climate fluctuations, and geographical barriers on Asian hickories not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also empowers policymakers with evidence‐based decisions and guides conservationists in their efforts to protect vulnerable species. The identification of potential habitats, especially for the endangered Carya kweichowensis, offers a promising avenue for targeted conservation efforts, aligning with global initiatives to preserve Earth's precious biodiversity, but also ensures the conservation of a vital genetic reservoir for nut‐bearing economic tree species.SummaryBiogeographic characteristics of disjunct distribution play a vital role in plant geography and the endangered mechanism. The whole genome resequencing provides an opportunity to study the genetic relationship, population diffusion, and floristic evolution of disjunctive‐distribution flora. Based on the SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) data generated by the whole genome deep resequencing of five EA (Eastern Asian) Carya species, we constructed the phylogenetic tree, genetic structure, and species distribution modeling to clarify the phylogenetic relationships and to predict the potential distribution area of EA Carya. Phylogenetic analysis of Carya revealed two distinct clades, separating EA Carya from NA (North America) Carya. C. kweichowensis, an endangered species, showed the lowest nucleotide diversity and the earliest divergence among studied EA Carya species. Species distribution modeling predicted suitable habitats for five EA Carya species, revealing the potential distribution of endangered C. kweichowensis. Importantly, minimal spatial overlap was observed among distribution regions of EA Carya species during different time periods. The uneven regional distribution of EA Carya is believed to be a consequence of Quaternary climate fluctuations, mountain barriers hindering species dispersal, and the limited cold tolerance of these trees. EA Carya highlights the significant role of climate and geological changes in their regional distribution and migration routes in Asia. Furthermore, the discovery of potential habitats offers a promising avenue for the conservation of C. kweichowensis.

Identification of Potential Future Areas for Sustainable Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Nut Production in Togo Using the Maxent Model

Understanding present and potential habitats is critical for developing climate-resilient cashew-growing techniques and sustainable management strategies. This study aims to identify the existing distribution of Anacardium occidentale L. in Togo and anticipates the possible impact of climate change on its habitat distribution by 2050 using two global circulation models (HadGEM3-GC3.1-L and MIROC6) and two shared socioeconomic paths (SSP245 and SSP585). The maximum entropy algorithm, 2538 species occurrence records, and a set of seventeen (17) climatic and soil variables were used. The findings revealed that soil, followed by annual precipitation (bio12) and temperature seasonality (bio4), are the most important environmental variables influencing cashew distribution in Togo. According to the present model, 78.92% of Togo's topography is very favourable to sustainable cashew-growing practices. According to the MOROC6 Model, very favourable cashew nut production areas will be decreased to 5.24% in the SSP 245 scenario and altogether disappear with the SSP585 scenario by 2050. However, for the HadGEM3-GC3.1-L model by 2050, the areas of sustainable cashew nut production in Togo will be reduced to 3.71% and 0.26% respectively for the SSP245 and 585 scenarios. In short, the results of this study, which was carried out for the first time in Togo, point out the need to put in place a strategy for the conservation and sustainable cultivation of cashew trees in Togo.

Urban Green Infrastructure Connectivity: The Role of Private Semi-Natural Areas

Green spaces and blue spaces in cities provide a wealth of benefits to the urban social–ecological system. Unfortunately, urban development fragments natural habitats, reducing connectivity and biodiversity. Urban green–blue infrastructure (UGI) networks can mitigate these effects by providing ecological corridors that enhance habitat connectivity. This study examined UGI connectivity for two indicator species in a rapidly developing city in the southern United States. We mapped and analyzed UGI at a high resolution (0.6 m) across the entire city, with a focus on semi-natural areas in private land and residential neighborhoods. Integrating graph theory and a gravity model, we assessed structural UGI networks and ranked them based on their ability to support functional connectivity. Most of the potential habitat corridors we mapped in this project traversed private lands, including 58% of the priority habitat for the Golden-cheeked Warbler and 69% of the priority habitat for the Rio Grande Wild Turkey. Riparian zones and other areas with dense tree cover were critical linkages in these habitat corridors. Our findings illustrate the important role that private semi-natural areas play in UGI, habitat connectivity, and essential ecosystem services.

Species distribution models predict potential habitat for the endangered New Mexico jumping mouse

AbstractThe New Mexico jumping mouse (Zapus luteus) is a federally endangered species that relies on riparian sites of the southwestern United States. Only isolated populations occur throughout its range and detecting potential suitable environments and identifying new populations are important for long‐term conservation of genetic diversity and habitat restoration by management agencies. We used a presence‐only data approach compiled from multiple surveys since 2000 in Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico with bioclimatic and vegetation variables to generate species distribution models for the species. Our models predicted environmentally suitable areas outside the current species management units that could be prioritized in surveys. Our models also highlighted opportunities for collaboration among federal, state, tribal, and private landowners and managers to secure habitat and connectivity for the species and its long‐term survival.