Defining Conservation Priorities for Oak Forests in Central Mexico Based on Networks of Connectivity

Connectivity is a landscape property that promotes gene flow between organisms located in different patches of habitat and provides way to reduce loss by maintaining flux through the landscape; it an important factor for conservation decisions. In this study, we evaluated structural functional connectivity among 510 oak forest remnants basin central Mexico modeling potential distribution seven species inhabit it. The was estimated graph theory. Distribution models all had good level predictability, showing 53.16% suitable oaks. importance varied remnant forests. Large fragments highest values connectivity, small acted as steppingstones favoring movement fragments. southern region basin, connected forests conformed large network, but northern region, were mostly isolated. Conservation requires protection remaining preserving both ones restoring biological corridors isolation