[Habitat network construction in Elephas maximus activity areas].

(20.5% of the study area). There was a spatial pattern of "high density in the central region, sparse distribution at both ends, and north-south connecti-vity", forming a continuous and ecologically valuable core habitat source areas along the Xishuangbanna-Pu'er boundary. We extracted 439 habitat corridors with a combined length of 4616.58 km, which displayed a pattern of "denser in the south, sparser in the north, connecting patches, and forming corridor belts", and effectively supported regional-scale elephant movement. The ecological barrier points in Asian elephant migration paths are predominantly distributed in areas of dense road disturbance and fragmented habitats in Lincang City and central-eastern Pu'er. The ecological pinch points are mainly concentrated in Menghai County and the Menglun area of Xishuangbanna Prefecture, as well as in central-southern Pu'er. Clarifying the differentiated management needs corresponding to various source areas within the core zones of Asian elephants and prioritizing the protection of highly sensitive regions such as ecological barriers and ecological pinch points could enhance the overall connectivity and stability of the regional habitat network, thereby expanding its umbrella effect on biodiversity conservation.