A GIS approach to identifying connectivity potential between brown bear (Ursus Arctos) habitat in Northern Greece

Savvantoglou, Angeliki; Steer, Mark

Abstract

The brown bear (Ursus arctos) distribution in Greece is divided between two main large populations, one situated in the Pindos Mountain Range (NW Greece) and the other in the Rhodope Mountain Complex (NE Greece). As a result of recent recolonisation, a number of understudied, separate populations are found in other parts of mainland Greece. This study modelled landscape connectivity of brown bear habitat between recently recolonised areas and larger populations with regard to population dispersal potential. Using Geographical Information System (GIS) software, the species’ home range and a Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) of the study area were integrated to generate an estimate of connectivity potential among known populations. The analysis suggests that recently recolonised areas may be functioning as stepping stones, connecting the core population nuclei, and identified areas which are likely to be important in terms of providing landscape connectivity.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (Published)
• Conference Name: 18th Hellenic Forestry Congress & International Workshop
• Start Date: Oct 8, 2017
• End Date: Oct 11, 2017
• Acceptance Date: Jul 3, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Oct 8, 2017
• Publication Date: Oct 8, 2017
• Deposit Date: Oct 4, 2021
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7564230