Diversity, distribution and conservation of large mammals in northern Myanmar

Abstract

Northern Myanmar lies at the intersection of three globally important biodiversity hotspots. However, little information on diversity and the distributions of large mammals (> 1 kg) is available for conservation and management. To fill these data gaps, we established 174 camera stations in protected areas (PAs) and adjacent non-PA in northern Myanmar, with an elevational range from 470 m to 3150 m, to survey the large mammals from December 2015 to June 2019. We recorded 34 large mammal species (29 from PAs and 28 from non-PA), and plus one species Hoolock leuconedys which was documented from vocalisations. By inspecting wildlife body parts of animal found in local houses a further six species were recorded. In total, 41 species belonging to six orders and 18 families with five Endangered and ten Vulnerable species were recorded. Northern Myanmar accounts for 29% of Myanmar’s threatened mammal species (based on the IUCN Red List), including one Evolutionarily Distinct species (based on EDGE score), one keystone, two flagships and two range restricted species. Species richness and diversity showed a clear humped shaped pattern with elevation. However, higher species diversity was found in non-PA (H’ = 2.38) than PAs (H’ = 2.23), and similarity index was 0.81. We conclude that both PAs and non-PA are important to maintain the mammal diversity and enhance the conservation in northern Myanmar. However, shifting cultivation, agricultural expansion, and hunting frequently occurred in non-PA. Therefore, increasing the law enforcement and the establishment of proposed lowland southern extension of non-PA into PA is urgently needed to effectively conserve biodiversity in northern Myanmar.