Use of the α-hull to evaluate the spatial structure of Maned Wolf populations

Use of the α-hull to evaluate the spatial structure of Maned Wolf populations | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 8 August 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Use of the α-hull to evaluate the spatial structure of Maned Wolf populations Author : Luan Brito 0000-0001-9313-2560 [email protected] Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175465284.42426827/v1 146 views 91 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Understanding the spatial structure of large mammals is critical for conservation planning, especially under increasing habitat fragmentation. This study applies an integrated spatial analysis combining the DBSCAN density-based clustering algorithm and the α-hull method to delineate non-convex geographic ranges of the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) across South America. Using 454 occurrence records filtered for ecological reliability, we identified 13 geographically isolated α-populations distributed across five countries and multiple biomes, including the Cerrado, Chaco, and Atlantic Forest. The sensitivity analysis of the α parameter demonstrated that values below 2 failed to generate viable polygons, while α = 2 provided the best balance between geometric detail and ecological plausibility. Our results reveal a highly fragmented distribution, with α-populations varying in area from 210.94 km² to 592,146.75 km² and separated by distances up to 944.47 km. Smaller and peripheral α-populations are likely more vulnerable to stochastic processes, genetic drift, and inbreeding, while larger clusters remain functionally isolated due to anthropogenic barriers. We propose the concept of “α-population” as an operational unit to describe geographically and functionally isolated groups identified through combined spatial clustering and non-convex hull analysis. This approach offers a reproducible and biologically meaningful framework for refining range estimates, identifying conservation units, and guiding targeted management actions. Overall, integrating α-hulls with density-based clustering improves our understanding of the species’ fragmented spatial structure and supports evidence-based conservation strategies aimed at maintaining habitat connectivity and long-term viability of C. brachyurus populations. Supplementary Material File (man_alpha_maned.docx) Download 135.45 KB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 08 August 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keywords conservation biology habitat connectivity landscape fragmentation spatial clustering species distribution modeling Authors Affiliations Luan Brito 0000-0001-9313-2560 [email protected] Universidade Federal de Viçosa View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 146 views 91 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Luan Brito. Use of the α-hull to evaluate the spatial structure of Maned Wolf populations. Authorea . 08 August 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175465284.42426827/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . 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