Habitat corridors modeling by using projection method in the MaxEnt model case study: wild sheep (Ovis orientalis) of protected areas in Markazi and Hamedan provinces

One of the most commonly used methods for generating resistance maps is reversing habitat suitability (HS). In this study, in order to prepare a cost map, local-scale habitat modeling was conducted in each of the Lashgardar-Golaprabad, Palangab, and Alvand- Chal Khatun- Rasvand areas using the MaxEnt model. At the same time, the results of performing in each area in a wider dimension were extended to a boundary that covers all of the areas. This led to the creation of three scenarios for the relocation of wild sheep. Scenario 1 is HS of Lashgardar-Golaprabad areas as cost map, scenario 2 is HS of Palangab area as cost map and scenario 3 is HS of Alvand- Chal Khatun and Rasvand areas as cost map. Corridor modeling was performed based least cost path method in ArcGIS. Density and suitability metrics of the corridor were investigated. Validation of the corridor and MaxEnt model were performed by the Area under curve (AUC). The adaptation of the designed corridors of each scenario with habitat suitability of different areas was investigated by Friedman test. Eventually, an average of the designed corridors in scenarios 3 was introduced as the main corridor between all areas under study. The results showed that the designed corridor in scenarios 1 and 2 based on AUC, are in well adapted to habitat suitability of the species in other areas; but Friedman's test revealed that the designed corridors in different scenarios have a significant difference (P-value<0.0001) in terms of adaptation to habitat suitability in other areas.