Data from: Large carnivores persisting in a human-dominated landscape: Suitable habitat and connectivity for Asiatic black bears in China

This study examined the connectivity between the current suitable habitat
and the core habitat for Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in
human-dominated landscapes. The study aimed to provide a basis for future
conservation strategies for black bear populations in China. We collected
occurrence locations (N = 130) of Asiatic black bears from 2014–2023, with
data sources spanning 12 provincial administrative regions and covering an
area of about 3,010,000 km2. We predicted the distribution of suitable
habitats for Asiatic black bears via the MAXENT species distribution model
using a combination of multiple environmental variables such as
topography, vegetation, climate, and anthropogenic disturbances.
Least-cost habitat corridor planning was performed using the least-cost
path model and circuit theory. The results suggested that (1) Asiatic
black bears have a marked preference for mountainous environments with
high altitude (>1,500 m), high amounts of precipitation
(>200 mm), and dense vegetation, and they generally avoid areas of
anthropogenic disturbance. (2) The suitable habitats for Asiatic black
bears showed a highly fragmented pattern, mainly concentrated along the
borders of Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, and Jiangxi (the Zhe–Gan Region), the
borders of Guangxi, Guangdong, and Hunan (the Hunan–Guangdong region), and
the borders of Shaanxi, Chongqing, Hubei, Guizhou, and Sichuan (the
Sichuan–Shaanxi region). Of the predicted 372,483 km2 of suitable
habitat, only 23.65% is currently covered by nature reserves. (3) A
comprehensive landscape connectivity analysis identified 79 core habitat
patches encompassing a total area of 33,257 km2. Notably, only 29.29% of
these patches are currently under protection. Furthermore, we delineated
79 potential least-cost paths, each with an average length of 43.66 km,
and identified pinch points along these pathways that could impede
connectivity. To ensure the long-term survival of Asiatic black bear
populations, we recommend enhancing the protection and restoration efforts
for the three core habitats and their associated potential connectivity
pathways.