Walking the line: Investigating biophysical characteristics related to wildlife use of linear features

Abstract Habitat restoration is a necessary component of wildlife conservation in anthropogenic landscapes. To ensure initiatives achieve the desired effects on communities, it useful to investigate how animals use landscape features. Understanding relationships between and ecological cues provides specific measurable targets that can be used measure success. In western Canada, linear feature networks formed by seismic lines, pipelines roads have altered boreal forest resulted population declines for woodland caribou. Restoration aimed at supporting caribou recovery deterring predators ungulate competitors. Information characteristics facilitate or deter supports providing restoration. Here, we track sign data biophysical related features canines, bears, deer, elk moose ranges west‐central north‐western Alberta British Columbia. We built generalized mixed models consistent with three hypotheses could explain likely mechanisms use: (1) ease movement, (2) risk avoidance (3) resource availability (prey forage). Moose, bears were more either human game trails. Bears canines less lines greater lateral vegetation cover taller vegetation, respectively. deer forage taxa such as willow, birch, sedges forbs. These results suggest focusing trails, online structure type should prey species overall benefit Our study corroborates findings other research recommending structural functional using high‐intensity line blocking vegetative regeneration. provide assist prioritization according objectives, which translates broader goal linking local‐level actions landscape‐level goals. This approach has implications any major system experiencing change.