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Aim: Species‐specific conservation strategies are frequently formulated based on species distribution maps, which are challenging to produce, especially at large spatial scales. Our aim was to use a novel empirical approach to predict the national distribution for all six large carnivore species found in Kenya to guide conservation and management decisions by identifying knowledge and conservation gaps. Location: Kenya. Methods: We collected data on carnivore presence and absence through questionnaire and sightings‐based surveys and analysed the combined data set using single‐season false‐positive occupancy models, which account for imperfect detections and false positives. To predict potential distributions and inform conservation strategies, we used the occupancy outputs to make predictions for unsampled areas and create occupancy‐based distribution maps where ψ > 0.50, to (1) quantify differences with IUCN Red List range maps, (2) quantify overlap with wildlife areas and (3) identify areas of high carnivore richness. Results: Large carnivore occupancy was associated with land conversion, habitat and prey availability. Our results suggest that all six species are widely distributed across Kenya and reveal substantial differences to distribution maps compiled by the IUCN Red List. More specifically, our occupancy‐based distribution maps predict much larger distribution for African wild dog (5.09X), lion (4.77X) and leopard (1.46X), similar distribution for cheetah, and smaller distribution for spotted hyaena (0.84X) and striped hyaena (0.65X). For all large carnivores, the vast majority (~80%) of their predicted distribution falls outside wildlife areas and northern Kenya is predicted to have the highest large carnivore richness. Main conclusions: Our results are encouraging as large carnivores may be widely distributed across Kenya, in some cases potentially more so than previously acknowledged. However, much of this range lies outside wildlife areas and represent areas of concern both for conservation and human livelihoods illustrating the challenges of conserving large carnivores across their range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Pleistocene climatic fluctuations have been identified as a dominant factor in evolutionary and ecological processes underlying contemporary species distribution. In contrast, anthropogenic activity during the Holocene has been largely neglected in phylogeographic inference. Here, by integrating archaeological evidence, phylogeographic analyses and a climatic niche‐based approach, the role of Holocene human activity in determining the evolutionary trajectory of insect pests is investigated using Hyalopterus arundiniformis (HAR) as a model. Location: Eurasia. Methods: We compiled archaeological records and historical data for the host plant (i.e. peach) of HAR. Phylogeographic structure, genetic diversity and gene flow were estimated. Historical demographic dynamics were explored using coalescent‐based analyses. The origin and dispersal history were assessed using an approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) approach. The changes in climatic niche breadth during geographic expansion were evaluated via niche comparison analyses. Results: Our results revealed that HAR originated in Southwest China and dispersed to Southeast and Northwest China, and it was then introduced to western Eurasia from Northwest China. The climatic niche shifted significantly with range expansions, and niche expansion explained the largest proportion of niche dynamics. Population size expansion occurred in the Holocene and coincided with the domestication and trans‐Eurasian trade of peach. Main conclusions: The geographic range, effective population size and climatic niche breadth of HAR expanded following the human‐mediated dispersal of its host plant during the Holocene. Our results highlight that the expansion of Neolithic agriculture and trans‐Eurasian crop exchange along ancient communication routes may have played an important role in shaping the distribution and demographic dynamics of herbivorous insects. This study also provides essential information for pest management and biological invasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Waterbirds that travel seasonally between Europe and Africa use wetlands along four major Palearctic‐Afrotropical flyways. However, it is unknown to what extent the overall connectivity of these flyways may be threatened by ongoing habitat loss and degradation. Here, we contrasted the wetland connectivity along these four flyways, applying graph‐theoretic connectivity metrics on an intercontinental scale. We also explored for which flyway connectivity is most at risk. We then identified the most important wetlands by their contribution to connectivity in each flyway. Location: Western Palearctic, Afrotropics. Methods: Based on high‐resolution wetland maps, we calculated directional probabilistic connectivity metrics. Estimates of overall connectivity of each flyway were obtained, as well as the relative importance of wetlands, for birds with different migration strategies: short‐distance hoppers and long‐distance jumpers. Results: The East‐Atlantic flyway and Eastern Mediterranean flyway had higher overall functional connectivity than the two central routes, reflecting the larger barrier represented by the Mediterranean Sea and Sahara Desert. Fewer than 5% of all wetlands supported more than 70% of the total connectivity of the network in each flyway, regardless of the considered migration strategy. These wetlands were either large, strategically positioned or both. Removing non‐protected wetlands from the analysis showed that the connectivity of some flyways could be jeopardized and that the East‐Atlantic and Eastern Mediterranean flyway may be most vulnerable to additional habitat loss. Main conclusions: Our results illustrate (i) the major contribution of unprotected wetlands to flyway connectivity, (ii) the importance of integrating migration ecology into site‐based connectivity analyses and (iii) the utility of graph‐based connectivity metrics to inform conservation prioritization under present and future scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: In the sagebrush ecosystems of the western United States, identifying and enhancing habitat for large ungulates has become an increased priority for many management agencies, as indicated by Department of Interior Secretarial Order 3362. Estimating and understanding current and future habitat suitability and connectivity is important for successful long‐term management of these species. Location: Great Basin ecoregion, western USA. Methods: We focussed on pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in the Great Basin ecoregion and used a variety of data sources (GPS telemetry, aerial surveys, observation locations) to develop multi‐scale ensemble habitat suitability models for the current and two future time steps (years 2050 and 2070). We also developed dynamic resistant kernels to model pronghorn connectivity. We combined the habitat suitability and connectivity outputs to derive and quantify changes in pronghorn habitat networks through time as well as identify areas that are resilient to climate and land use change. Results: We observed a 33.4% decline in highly suitable pronghorn habitat by 2070, assuming a high carbon emission scenario. Patches of suitable habitat reduced in number and size, whilst the distance amongst patches increased, indicating elevated importance of connectivity for pronghorn in the future. Future connectivity decreased to a greater degree than habitat suitability (47.2%–80.0%, depending on the pronghorn movement threshold used). We also found highly suitable habitat (70%) to be more resilient to climate change than areas of connectivity (10%–15%). Main conclusions: Our results show a loss of high‐quality pronghorn habitat and areas of connectivity with projected climate change. Connectivity was more sensitive than habitat, indicating connectivity may become a limiting factor for pronghorn populations in the Great Basin. These results can help managers prioritize resource investments and conservation efforts in areas most likely to be successful towards long‐term pronghorn conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aim: As part of the Gaborone Declaration for Sustainability in Africa, Liberia has pledged to include the value of nature in national decision making through natural capital accounting. Surveying species of concern, such as the western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus), which was recently reclassified as "critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and identifying protection priority areas are critical first steps towards achieving Liberia's goal to conserve 30% of its remaining forests and supporting the wave of conservation projects taking place in the country. Location: Liberia, Africa. Methods: We modelled western chimpanzee habitat suitability, focusing on determining relevant environmental predictors and the most appropriate scale for modelling species–habitat relationships. We built models at six resolutions (30–960 m) to identify scale domains where relationships remain constant. We include several habitat variables that have not been included in prior modelling efforts. We then used the suitability map as the conductance input into a connectivity analysis using Circuitscape. Results: The amount of forest within 1–3 km was the most important predictor of chimpanzee occurrence. Variable ranks and importance shifted considerably between modelling scales, supporting the need for multiscale investigations, but scale domains were present. Several important corridors for chimpanzee habitat and movement overlap considerably with existing timber and palm oil concessions and overlap mining and rubber concessions to a lesser degree. Main conclusions: The proportion of primary forest within 1–3 km is critically important for chimpanzee habitat. Ongoing conservation projects and efforts taking place in Liberia including the Good Growth Partnership and the Gaborone Declaration for Sustainability in Africa can utilize the spatial findings on connectivity provided by this study to inform future conservation decisions, particularly expanding exiting protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Hierarchical stream habitat conditions influence patterns of fish abundance and population dynamics. The spawning period is important for stream fishes but coincides with unpredictable environmental conditions and stressors. Thus, identifying habitats that confer suitable spawning is crucial to managing vulnerable fish populations, including narrow‐range endemics. Here, we evaluate reach‐ and catchment‐scale habitat features related to Neosho Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu velox) nest presence, abundance and aggregations (clusters) and quantify nest microhabitat. Location: Ozark Highlands ecoregion, USA. Methods: We conducted snorkel and habitat surveys from 2016 to 2018 to quantify nest abundance, describe nest cluster characteristics and quantify nest microhabitat. We used field‐collected and geospatial variables and developed generalized mixed models to evaluate the influence of multi‐scale habitat features on nest cluster presence and nest abundance. Results: Nest clusters, scarcely known for other Smallmouth Bass populations, contained 25% of all documented nests. Presence of nests was more likely in warmer stream reaches with wide, shallow channels and more pool habitat. Nest cluster presence was more likely with greater nest densities and earlier in the spawning season. The abundance of Smallmouth Bass nests was related to several reach‐scale habitat conditions, with greater nest counts in warmer reaches and reaches with deeper pool habitat. Regardless of cluster behaviour, nesting Smallmouth Bass used similar microhabitats, including a range of depths (0.26–1.85 m), low velocities (<0.1 m/s) and typically gravel substrates. Main conclusions: Our results indicate plasticity in nesting ecology within Neosho Smallmouth Bass populations and highlight the need to consider multiple aspects of stream habitat when developing conservation and management plans. The importance of reach‐scale habitat features suggests it may be important to limit landscape and channel alterations. Nest clustering behaviour suggests these populations may be vulnerable to human influence during the nesting season, but also provides management opportunities for protection during critical time periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Article impact statement: Combining native and non‐native species to evaluate biodiversity is overly simplistic and may undermine the conservation of ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Wild biodiversity and agrobiodiversity are affected by challenges such as agricultural intensification. However, it is unknown whether or not both components of biodiversity respond similarly to environmental factors and to these challenges. Here, we examine the spatial relationships between the distributions of wild biodiversity and agrobiodiversity, to quantify how and where they covary across the geography. Location: Mainland Spain, a European region that harbours high values of both wild and agro‐ biodiversity. Methods: We used geographically weighted regression models to analyse the spatial variation in the relationships between the distribution of wild vertebrates and environmental and agrobiodiversity variables. We modelled the spatial gradients in species richness of native terrestrial vertebrates—that is, specific groups of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals—as a function of local livestock breed richness—that is, bovine, ovine, caprine, asinine, equine and porcine—climate variables and human footprint. Results: We found significant covariation between the distribution of native vertebrate species richness and climate, human footprint and livestock diversity. Overall, the association between species richness of the four wild terrestrial vertebrate groups and local livestock breed richness is positive across most of the studied area. However, local breed richness of cattle and sheep breed displays contrasting patterns, where cattle breeds associate positively to most wildlife vertebrates and sheep breeds show negative associations. Main conclusion: Wildlife diversity distributions are significantly associated with livestock agrobiodiversity. These spatial relationships are mediated by large‐scale environmental gradients. Since both, wildlife and livestock agrobiodiversity, tend to co‐occur spatially, future strategies for conservation in agricultural landscapes could benefit from integrated approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Identifying the variables that influence animal home range size is important for understanding the biological requirements of individuals and their social interactions. Given their often broad distributions, carnivores are model organisms for studying range‐wide determinants of home range size. Here, we test predictions about environmental determinants of home range size for one of the world's most widely distributed carnivores, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Location: Global. Methods: We compiled a database of 70 mean home range estimates from 62 studies and four continents, which we analysed according to site‐based temperature, precipitation, environmental productivity and human influence variables. Results: We found a very strong negative effect of the Human Footprint Index (HFI), with fox home range size decreasing as the level of human impact increased. When analysing the constituent components of the HFI separately, we found that human population density was the only well‐supported variable (cf. built environments, croplands, pasture lands, nightlights, railways, roads and navigable waterways). Predicted home range size at the highest human population densities (0.75 km2) was 93% lower than at the lowest population densities (10.83 km2). We also found that home range size increased as mean annual temperature and temperature seasonality increased. The analyses did not support our prediction that home ranges would be smaller in areas of higher environmental productivity or precipitation. Main conclusions: Smaller home range sizes observed in highly disturbed areas can be attributed to increased food availability from anthropogenic sources. The lack of an effect of environmental productivity contrasts with previous studies that have shown a negative relationship with carnivore home range size. It may be that anthropogenic food sources have negated the impacts that low‐productivity environments have on fox home ranges. Our results emphasize the strong potential for human activities to transform animal space use across the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photo credit: Virginie Marques. A couple of butterflyfish ( I Chaetodontidae i ) on the coral reef lagoon of the Fakarava atoll in French Polynesia. The cover image relates to the Biodiversity Methods https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13142 "GAPeDNA: Assessing and mapping global species gaps in genetic databases for eDNA metabarcoding" by Marques et al. [Extracted from the article]

A young chimpanzee chews on a leaf in Liberia, where establishing corridors that maintain habitat connectivity is essential for their long-term survival GLO:EU3/01jul21:ddi13335-toc-0001.jpg PHOTO (COLOR): . gl The cover image relates to the Research Article https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13270 "Connectivity and conservation of Western Chimpanzee I (Pan troglodytes verus) i habitat in Liberia" by Amy E. Frazier et al. [Extracted from the article]

We investigated the spatial genetic structure of the tiger meta-population in the Satpura-Maikal landscape of central India using population- and individual-based genetic clustering methods on multilocus genotypic data from 273 individuals. The Satpura-Maikal landscape is classified as a global-priority Tiger Conservation Landscape (TCL) due to its potential for providing sufficient habitat that will allow the long-term persistence of tigers. We found that the tiger meta-population in the Satpura-Maikal landscape has high genetic variation and very low genetic subdivision. Individual-based Bayesian clustering algorithms reveal two highly admixed genetic populations. We attribute this to forest connectivity and high gene flow in this landscape. However, deforestation, road widening, and mining may sever this connectivity, impede gene exchange, and further exacerbate the genetic division of tigers in central India.