Carnivores as focal species for conservation planning in the Rocky Mountain region

Viability analysis of well-selected focal species can complement ecosystem- level conservation planning by revealing thresholds in habitat area and lan dscape connectivity. Mammalian carnivores are good candidates for focal spe cies because their distributional patterns often strongly reflect regional- scale population processes. We incorporated focal species analysis of four carnivore species, fisher (Martes pennanti), lynx (Lynx canadensis), wolver ine (Gulo gulo), and grizzly bear (Ursus arctos), into a regional conservat ion plan for the Rocky Mountains of the United States and Canada. We develo ped empirical habitat models for fisher, lynx, and wolverine based on a geo graphically extensive data set of trapping and sighting records. Predictor variables derived directly from satellite imagery were significantly correl ated with carnivore distribution and allowed us to predict distribution in areas lacking detailed vegetation data. Although we lacked similar distribu tional data for grizzly bear, we predicted bear habitat by adapting and ext rapolating previously published, regional-scale habitat models. Predicted h abitat for grizzly bear has high overlap with that for wolverine, intermedi ate overlap with fisher, and low overlap with lynx. High-quality habitats f or fisher and lynx, unlike those for wolverine and grizzly bear, are not st rongly associated with low levels of human population and roads. Neverthele ss, they are naturally fragmented by topography and vegetation gradients an d are poorly represented in existing protected areas. Areas with high biolo gical productivity and low human impact are valuable habitat for all four s pecies but are limited in extent. Predicted habitat values for lynx and wol verine are significantly correlated with trapping data from an area outside the extent of the original data set. This supports the use of empirical di stribution models as the initial stage in a regional-scale monitoring progr am. Our results suggest that a comprehensive conservation strategy for carn ivores in the region must consider the needs of several species, rather tha n a single, presumed umbrella species. Coordinated planning across multiple ownerships is necessary to prevent further fragmentation of carnivore habi tat, especially in the U.S.-Canada border region.