Diverse land uses and connectivity allow urban wildlife populations to meet minimum area requirements

A number of native species, including species of conservation concern, are found in cities worldwide. However, the persistence of these populations is uncertain given the extinction debt fragmented urban ecosystems are likely to face. We used species distribution modelling and graph theory to evaluate the ability of connected habitat networks to sustain viable populations of quenda (Isoodon fusciventer), a priority near-threatened mammal species, in the urban and peri-urban landscapes of Perth, Western Australia. Quenda habitat was associated with native remnants and adjacent perennial vegetation in the urban matrix, and occurred most prominently on commercial, education, and industrial land uses. We evaluated connectivity models corresponding to two movement behaviours: routine daily movements within the home range and annual home range shifts, finding that annual scale movements are most important for connectivity. At this scale, quenda habitat was relatively well connected. Most (68–80 %) of the suitable habitat (9–10 % of the study area) met minimum viable area (MVA) requirements when assessed as part of a connected habitat network. However, this is divided into 10–30 disconnected populations and quenda are unlikely to persist in the most densely developed areas. Our results can be used to guide planning so that viable populations are not lost or subdivided by ongoing urban development. They also highlight where urban greening might restore connectivity to ‘rescue’ declining populations that do not currently have access to an MVA. Quenda are beloved by urban residents; their sustained presence throughout Perth enhances people's connection to nature and may strengthen support for conservation.