Landscape Connectivity in South America: An Assessment of the Current Knowledge and A Case Study Using Protected Areas of Argentina

Habitat fragmentation is recognized as a central issue in conservation biology, provoking a discontinuity in the distribution of resources. This in turn, leads to isolation of populations and increases extinction risks. South America holds a very diverse and endemism-rich fauna of mammals, which are being increasingly threatened by habitat fragmentation. In this scenario, protected areas are vital for the conservation of mammals, and the connectivity between them is vital for their success. The study of connectivity in South America is only incipient, with a few references.

Here, we developed a review on connectivity studies for this region, analyzing spatial and temporal trends through an extensive reference search. By identifying knowledge gaps on connectivity studies in Argentina, we also developed a case study analysis on environmental connectivity between Protected Areas for this country, considering land cover categories using circuit theory. We found 75 references for the study area, with an increasing number over the years. Brazil was the country with the highest number of references followed by Colombia. Carnivora was the most studied taxa, with the jaguar Panthera onca as the most targeted single species. Circuit theory was the most used method, followed by Least-Cost Path. The Protected Areas of Argentina showed dissimilar representation and connectivity patterns according to land cover categories, being mostly concentrated in closed forests.

Habitat fragmentation in South America is increasing and follows economic trends and lack of management, escalating the need to conserve the Protected Area systems and their connectivity.