Assessment of habitat suitability and connectivity across the potential distribution landscape of the sambar (Rusa unicolor) in Southwest China

Habitat suitability assessment is the basis for wildlife conservation management and habitat restoration. It a useful tool to understand quality of its potential spatial distribution. In order reveal connectivity sambar ( Rusa unicolor ) promote species biodiversity conservation, this study collected records from over 2,000 camera traps in forests Southwest China past 5 years assess overall situation their habitat. The results distribution model revealed that suitable area five major mountain ranges (Minshan, Qionglai, Daxiangling, Xiaoxiangling, Liangshan) 18,231 km 2 , accounting 17.02% total area. most primarily distributed as well intersection areas Minshan. temperature annual range, seasonality, elevation, distance road were important factors affecting sambar. Analysis landscape pattern shows there 273 patches, with maximum patch 9,983 54.8% However, segmentation index separation each 0.99 106.58, respectively, indicating relatively high fragmentation analysis showed Qionglai mountains have largest highest among patches. between very low, suggesting gene flow these probably limited. We therefore recommend strengthening protection habitat, special attention establishment corridors different populations.