Use of historical data to improve conservation of the black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix) in Northeast China

Abstract

AbstractBiological conservation requires sufficient basic data, like knowledge of the biogeographic characteristics and spatiotemporal dynamics of endangered species. Reconstructing range dynamics through time and detecting their underlying causes can be helpful for present and future conservation actions. Black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix) populations have declined during the late 20th century in Northeast China, but the mechanisms are still unclear. We integrated species distribution models with long‐term historical ecological records to reconstruct historical distributions of black grouse in Northeast China (1950s–2000s). Then, we prioritized the landscape for species protection based on the long‐term historical potential distribution to improve the conservation management of this species. The area of potential distribution was 27.01% of the total study area in the 1950s, but the potential distribution in the 2000s was 16.39% of the study area. The range loss from the 1950s to the 2000s was 160,567 km2, representing a 39.30% reduction. Within the study area, the species’ potential distribution in the Changbai Mountains has gradually disappeared since the 1980s. Based on conservation prioritization analysis, the priority conservation area is 151,276 km2, which is mainly distributed in the Greater and Lesser Khingan Mountains. National nature reserves only included 6.35% of the potential distribution of the black grouse in the 2000s. Several conservation actions should be implemented to rejuvenate black grouse populations in Northeast China.