Results and discussion: Results demonstrated that the value of dPC was between 0 to 0.796, and the value of dBC varied from 0 to 7.58E+11. Different importance values have been obtained for all 23 patches. This suggested that patches 1 and 4 showed the highest dBC and dPC metric values. The values of InVEST habitat quality decreased in the south and northeast of the area, respectively, due to proximity to urban areas and other threats. Patches with good performance in improving connectivity and

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... higher habitat quality values were identified. By overlaying the output values of the maps, prioritized patches were recognized and suggested to be placed under protection. Conclusion: Patches with a high level of connectivity and habitat quality were located in the east and southeast of the region. This research has taken a novel step toward conservation by using connectivity analysis and habitat quality as an ecosystem service in protected areas. Landscape and patch scales as two spatial indices can be used in other regions and for other essential species. As the Varjin Protected Area is located between two important ecological areas, Lar National Park and the Central Alborz Protected Area, the priority of patches would be changed by a great extent when taking those areas under consideration.