HABITAT CORRIDOR PRIORITIZATION FOR JAGUARS (PANTHERA ONCA) AND OTHER FELIDAE SPECIES IN COLOMBIA

Abstract

Creating habitat corridors is a conservation practice that has been growing in adoption throughout the world, representing a simple and efficient framework that connects existing “islands” of pristine habitat. Thus, habitat connectivity increases the total natural resources available for wildlife. This study seeks to understand which set of criteria determine Jaguar habitat and other Felidae species present in Colombia, and to develop prioritized corridors that will connect existing habitats, indicating which corridors are most threatened by anthropogenic sources. To achieve this, I have collected demographic, biodiversity, and geographic datasets, and modeled it on ArcGIS Pro. The present study indicates the corridors most at risk by human encroachment and, therefore, those that should be prioritized in conservation efforts. I recommend that conservation efforts should be focused on the habitat corridors developed herein, accounting for their threat levels.