Multiscale effects of habitat loss and degradation on occurrence and landscape connectivity of a threatened subspecies

Land use change can result in complex environments of varying habitat quality and permeability that directly indirectly influence the effectiveness natural areas for wildlife conservation. To assess how isolation degradation protected may affect long-term conservation efforts across range a sensitive subspecies, we used multiscale occupancy analysis, species distribution modeling, circuit theory to identify hotspot occurrence potential landscape connectivity among high within between areas. Big Cypress fox squirrels (Sciurus niger avicennia: BCFS) are state-threatened subspecies squirrel endemic forested wetlands southwest Florida, which have been highly altered by human activities. Probability BCFS varied widely due differences environmental features (Hedge's g = 1.4705, 95% CI: 1.074–1.763). Fine-scale indicative degradation, such as increasing midstory vegetation cover decreasing bromeliad cover, negatively influenced occurrence. Home-range-level tree canopy differentially affected probability dependent on proximity urban Additionally, home-range-level summer temperature cypress domes. Habitat was distributed patchily both areas, separated large unsuitable communities urbanized were barriers movement. Considering threat continued development well current impending caused land climate area boundaries, suggest strong need interagency coordination improve, maintain, acquire rights protection additional remaining habitat.