Key connectivity areas in the Llanganates-Sangay Ecological Corridor in Ecuador: A participative multicriteria analysis based on a landscape species

Research identifies critical connectivity areas within the Llanganates-Sangay Ecological Corridor, essential for sustaining the dispersal of the Mountain Tapir. The study reveals that forest and native grasslands are vital for species movement, while roads pose significant barriers. Additionally, natural vegetation remnants between pastures and crops act as stepping-stones, facilitating connectivity. Using circuit analysis, multi-criteria decision analysis, and spatial suitability modeling, the study prioritizes sub-basins based on their importance for wildlife conservation. Threats to biodiversity and proximity to conservation areas were highlighted as key factors in spatial suitability. This approach integrates scientific data with stakeholder participation, offering a practical framework for balancing conservation needs with land management challenges in human-dominated landscapes.

Ríos-Alvear, G., Meneses, P., Ortega-Andrade, H. M., Santos, C., Muzo, A., López, K. G., Bentley, A. G., & Villamarín, F. (2024). Key connectivity areas in the Llanganates-Sangay Ecological Corridor in Ecuador: A participative multicriteria analysis based on a landscape species. Landscape and Urban Planning, 246, 105039. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2024.105039