Data and code for a multi-species framework for corridor evaluation for species with different dispersal capacities

We introduce a multi-species analytical approach to predict the potential effectiveness of corridors using the 'spatial absorbing Markov chain' (SAMC) framework. We applied this framework to the Florida Wildlife Corridor and contrasted four mammal species with varying dispersal capacity: fox squirrel (Sciurus niger), Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and bobcat (Lynx rufus). This dataset includes the codes and inputs used for the different steps of the framework: 1) acquiring the GBIF records and developing Species Distribution Models (SDMs) for the species. 2) Applying SAMC for connectivity modeling. 3) Evaluate the corridor addressing three questions regarding whether the corridor may facilitate species movement, connect existing protected areas by promoting dispersal among them, and provide habitat for dispersal beyond existing protected areas. The framework we present offers a generalized approach to incorporating dispersal limitations, landscape resistance, and multiple metrics in evaluating large-scale corridors.