Assessing Suitable Habitat and Functional Connectivity for Margay ( <i>Leopardus wiedii</i> ) in Central Western Forests in Michoacán, México

Background and Research Aims: Habitat fragmentation is currently one of the main threats to biodiversity. Temperate and tropical forests in Michoacán, located in central México, are increasingly fragmented. The margay is the most vulnerable feline to forest loss due to its arboreal lifestyle. Considering this, The aims of this study were: i) to determine the distribution of suitable habitat conditions for the margay in the state of Michoacán, México, and ii) to evaluate the study region’s stability for the species’ distribution and the habitat’s functional connectivity. Methods: Presence records were obtained from fieldwork in Michoacán from 2007-2019, databases, and literature. We used the MaxEnt 3.3.3 software to generate a prediction of the Margay potential distribution and employed habitat suitability assessment using the IDRISI.17.0 software, and the Integral Index Connectivity was used to select the most essential patches for connectivity. The terrain resistance for margay in Michoacán was generated considering life cycletraits as the home range. We modeled landscape connectivity using least-cost paths and circuit theory. Results: The potential distribution model indicates that 98.2% of temperate forests and 74.8% of tropical forests present suitable climatic conditions for margay. In the integral connectivity index, 20 forested patches were outlined as fundamental to maintaining overall connectivity for margay in the state. Models show high connectivity in the ecoregions of the Jalisco dry forests, Sierra Madre del Sur pine-oak forests, and the Trans-Mexican volcanic belt pine-oak forests. Conclusion: The species still present suitable habitats within temperate and tropical forests, and an overall scenario with relatively continuous forested regions with high connectivity values. However, such areas are also experiencing high forest loss rates. Implications for Conservation: The current diagnosis indicates that habitat availability based on margay requirements highlights relevant areas for population conservation and vegetation patches that promote connectivity.