Modelling the functional connectivity of the grayish mouse opossum (Tlacuatzin canescens) in a highly threatened tropical dry forest of the Mexican Pacific coast

Abstract

Landscape connectivity between protected natural areas and their surroundings is essential to maintain wildlife movement and to promote gene flow and genetic diversity. The grayish opossum mouse (Tlacuatzin canescens) was used for modeling functional landscape connectivity between the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve, an important biological reserve with large extensions of tropical dry forest in the Mexican Pacific coast, and surrounding vegetation patches. The model was estimated through graph and circuit theory, using a resistance matrix and the calculation of the minimum area of suitable habitat patches. Thirty-eight patches of suitable habitat for T. canescens and 60 potential corridors were identified. Three patches adjacent to the CCBR played the most important role in maintaining the connectivity of the tropical dry forest in the region. In contrast, suitable habitat patches with the lowest connectivity were embedded in a landscape matrix composed of areas for cattle raising and agriculture, increasing the loss and isolation of forest patches. Our results highlight not only the importance of maintaining large patches of suitable habitat, but also smaller patches which might play a significant role as stepping stones, promoting habitat connectivity for T. canescens and similar species.