Fine-scale habitat suitability and connectivity analysis for the core populations of Yellow-spotted mountain pond-breeding newt (Neurergus derjugini) in the west of Iran and east of Iraq

Abstract

The evolutionary characteristics of amphibians, especially those more water-dependent, have faced the study of habitat connectivity the challenge of Movement Context (MC), a context for which water and moisture are an integral part. This fine-scale study was conducted to evaluate the distribution of N. derjugini and identify potential displacement paths between the population cores, using the physical elements of the landscape playing an MC role. The distribution modeling was performed by MaxEnt and the inverse of the habitat suitability map was used as the cost map. The connection of population cores was modeled by the Linkage Mapper toolbox. The MC of the population cores was set in the drainage basins regarding the slope position and landform classes. Three scenarios were considered. In Scenario 1, drainage basins, in Scenario 2, the valleys, and in Scenario 3, canyons, shallow valleys, headwaters, and u-shaped valleys were considered MCs. According to the results, slope and altitude variability had the highest effect on the distribution of N. derjugini. The results showed that the proxy did not work well in Scenario 1. Compared to Scenario 2, the connection paths of Scenario 3 were more compatible with the ecological and biological characteristics of the species. fine-scale modeling could lead to reliable results for the displacement of MC-dependent species. The connectivity of the physical structure of landscapes plays a critical role in the connectivity of population cores. Proper distribution of population cores adjacent to each other in valleys and waterways can be considered a successful step in communication.