Omnidirectional connectivity for the Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) across the Colombian Andes

Context Conserving or restoring connectivity is a common objective of landscape-scale conservation initiatives. However, precise species occurrence or movement data to inform or validate spatial models are often lacking. Objectives Our objectives were to (1) produce the first approximation of country-wide connectivity for Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) in Colombia and (2) demonstrate a novel approach for model validation which uses publicly available web and social media records of a flagship species. Methods We used general knowledge about Andean bear habitat associations and indices of ecological integrity to construct a resistance surface across the Colombian Andes. We used this resistance surface to model omnidirectional connectivity using circuit theory. We validated our model with coarse location data acquired from local news stories and social media posts. Results Our model was most sensitive to changes in the resistance values of agricultural landcover and the mid-elevational zone, but uncertainty analysis demonstrated these changes had little impact on our conclusions regarding the municipalities most conducive to Andean bear movement. Just over one-third of those areas most conducive to Andean bear movement were within protected areas, while 8% coincided with agricultural landcover. Conclusions We constructed a model of connectivity that did not rely on independent, empirically derived location data. Our model is coarse (1 km resolution) but can still provide useful information to practitioners in Colombia who are working with scarce ecological data. More information about how Andean bears move through agricultural landscapes would help improve our understanding of connectivity for this species in Colombia.

Automated summary

This study aimed to approximate country-wide connectivity for Andean bears in Colombia using a novel approach that validates the model with publicly available web and social media records. The model was found to be most sensitive to changes in resistance values of agricultural landcover and mid-elevational zones, but still provided valuable insights for conservation practitioners in Colombia. Further research on Andean bear movements through agricultural landscapes is needed to improve understanding of connectivity for this species in Colombia.