A multi-species approach for protected areas ecological network construction based on landscape connectivity

The establishment of ecological networks is crucial for biodiversity conservation, especially at broad spatial scales. It is still challenging to develop an ecological network construction method based on landscape connectivity for multiple species. The purpose of this study is to propose a multi-species framework approach for constructing ecological networks and determine the restoration priority for four focal mammal species across the protected areas in the western mountains of Henan Province, China. We built ecological networks for each species by using circuit theory and least-cost path models, and integrated the ecological corridors and key barrier areas to determine the restoration priority for multiple species. The results showed that the connectivity of the ecological network was closely related to the species dispersal capacity. For species with higher dispersal capacity, all core areas were interconnected and have multiple alternative paths, and the network of protected areas seemed to be well connected. With the decline of species dispersal ability, ecological networks became more complex and not well connected, and more migration corridors that exceed species dispersal capability have emerged. It was important to consider the needs for species-specific management plans. Key ecological corridors and barrier areas, which have significant impacts on species migration, are mainly land use areas dominated by cropland. Our research indicates that the methods proposed in this study can help determine the restoration priority of key ecological corridors and barrier areas, which may facilitate conservation efforts for multiple species, especially in areas with poor species distribution and movement data. •Considering multiple species in construction of ecological networks.•Using Circuit theory to delineate pathways for multi-species movement.•Evaluating landscape connectivity with limited movement patterns data.•Identifying key barrier areas and priority areas for species conservation.