Jaguars and wild pigs indicate protected area connectivity in the south-east Atlantic Forest (Brazil)

Despite the highly fragmented landscape of Brazil's south-east Atlantic Forest, both jaguars and wild pigs exhibit connectivity among protected areas. While wild pigs, with their lower environmental requirements, show more connectivity opportunities, the study reveals that even threatened species like jaguars can traverse narrow corridors through protected areas of sustainable use and private reserves. This finding underscores the critical role these areas play in maintaining landscape integrity for both native and invasive species. The research employed expert opinion, Circuitscape analysis, and least-cost-path modeling to assess connectivity, highlighting a concerning dual-use of landscapes that benefits conservation efforts while also facilitating the spread of invasive species.

Silva, M. P., Massi, K. G., Negri, R. G., & Pedrosa, F. (2023). Jaguars and wild pigs indicate protected area connectivity in the south-east Atlantic Forest (Brazil). Environmental Conservation, 50(1), 22–30. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0376892922000479