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Data for: Beyond Protected Areas: The importance of mixed-use landscapes for the conservation of Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus sumatranus)

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Sep 08, 2023 version files 135.88 MB

Abstract

Elephants were once widely distributed across the Indonesian island of Sumatra but now exist in small, isolated populations. Using the best data currently available on elephant occurrence, we mapped suitable habitat for elephants on Sumatra (Elephas maximus sumatranus). We used direct sightings and indirect observations of elephant signs, as well as six remotely-sensed proxies of surface ruggedness, vegetation productivity and structure, and human land use and disturbance, to model habitat suitability in a Google Earth Engine (GEE) environment. We validated the habitat suitability prediction using an independent geolocation dataset collected from global positioning system (GPS) collars fitted on elephants, and also assessed the functional connectivity between known elephant population ranges by deriving a resistance surface for Circuitscape from this prediction. Thirty-two percent (135,646 km2) of Sumatra’s land area was predicted to be suitable habitat, with 43 patches of suitable habitat located across Sumatra. Areas with high connectivity were concentrated in the Riau and North Sumatra provinces. Though our analysis highlights the need to improve the quality of data collected on Sumatran elephants, it suggests that more suitable habitat remains on Sumatra than is used by known populations. Targeted habitat conservation, especially of the suitable habitat in and by the Lamno, Balai Raja, Tesso Tenggara, Tesso Utara, Bukit Tigapuluh, Seblat, Padang Sugihan, and Bukit Barisan Selatan ranges, may improve the long-term viability of the critically endangered species.