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Abstract Understanding and preserving the natural movements of wildlife within their habitats is crucial for their survival. Recent years have underscored the importance of comprehending and safeguarding animal migration and dispersal patterns in wilderness areas, as these behaviors are integral to maintaining ecosystem sustainability. Identifying regions with high movement permeability has become essential for effective habitat management, particularly for species like tigers, which can impact human-animal conflict significantly. Rajaji National Park, situated in Uttarakhand, India, serves as a vital tiger reserve, supporting a significant population of these majestic creatures. This research employs a circuit theory approach to construct a connectivity map of Rajaji National Park, focusing on facilitating the movement of tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) within the protected area. By utilizing circuit theory, this method illuminates areas of heightened connectivity crucial for tiger dispersal, aiding in conservation efforts within the foothills of the Himalayas. The study aims to assess dispersal dynamics within the protected area, pinpointing regions experiencing conservation challenges. The research follows a systematic methodology, beginning with habitat suitability analysis and the generation of a resistance surface. This surface indicates the suitability of various regions for tiger movement, derived from an extensive literature review. Land use and land cover data are utilized to generate the resistance surface, employing tools such as the Gnarly Landscape Utilities toolbox. This surface serves as input data for Circuitscape, alongside the designated start and end points of tiger movement. The results of the analysis identify significant areas crucial from a conservation perspective, highlighting zones requiring immediate attention from policymakers and conservationists. These findings offer valuable insights for enhancing wildlife management and conservation strategies, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the preservation of key habitats and connectivity corridors.
Tiwari et al. (Wed,) studied this question.