Landscape linkages for the distribution of the endangered Hierophis cypriensis in Cyprus

Résumé En

The effects of habitat fragmentation on species distribution are well documented. Measuring habitat connectivity is an important prerequisite for species conservation and management in fragmented landscapes. The aim of this study was to evaluate landscape connectivity in the region of Troodos massif, Cyprus for the distribution of the endangered Hierophis cypriensis, for which information on the ecology and distribution are limited. The methodology employs two approaches to evaluate aspects of habitat connectivity in the landscape. We used Least Cost Path Analysis (LPCA) to identify potential species movement routes between core habitat areas, and a graph analytical approach to identify critical nodes and links for the potential expansion and long-term viability of the species in the region using CONEFOR software. We used the results of these methods to evaluate the spatial configuration of the existing Natura 2000 sites in the study area with reference to the species known distribution. We identified 20 habitat core areas, ranging in size from 0.61km2 to 580.08km2, with a combined extent of 966.62km2, covering 34% percent of the Natura 2000 sites in the area. Pathways length varied from 0.68 to 5.04km transversing 29.6km of inhospitable territory for the species. The LCPA identified important movement routes and demonstrated that there is a good degree of connectivity between habitat core areas. CONEFOR analysis evidenced that in particular three land parcels located in the forest complexes of Paphos, Troodos and Adelfoi are the most important for sustaining connectivity among the 17 examined land parcels.