Habitat Distribution Research Articles

Loss of habitat suitability and distribution range of the endangered Japanese giant salamander under climate change

Giant salamanders are the world’s largest amphibians and keystone predators in riverine ecosystems where they face global declines. Identifying environmental variables influencing their distribution is, therefore, an essential step for their conservation. This study aims to assess the current habitat suitability and distribution of the Japanese giant salamander (Andrias japonicus) and to predict changes under future climate scenarios. We used species distribution models (SDMs) over a 282,916 km² area, including 477 high-resolution occurrence data of giant salamanders and seven remote-sensing environmental predictors (climatic, topographic and land use). We projected the prediction maps, identified the most contributing variables and calculated the shifts of suitable areas for three periods (2050, 2070 and 2090) under projected climatic conditions. Climatic variables highly contributed to the distribution of giant salamanders (76% of the total), with preferences for areas with moderate precipitations during cold and wet seasons and mild summer temperatures. A moderately steep surrounding environment was favourable for salamanders, whereas the land-use variables had less influence. Future climate predictions indicate a major decrease of suitable areas. Altogether, our results highlight the habitat preferences of giant salamanders at a broad scale and the negative impact of climate change on future suitable areas. These findings provide important steps for upcoming conservation actions for this threatened species in delineating favourable distribution ranges and priority areas that should be directly affected by climate change. Finally, they emphasise the need for new research at a fine scale on disturbances to the aquatic habitat to enhance the conservation of giant salamanders. We used a species distribution model (MaxEnt), high-resolution occurrence data and remote sensing data (climatic, topographic and land use) to identify suitable habitats for the Japanese giant salamander in Japan. The most suitable environments for the Japanese giant salamander are located both within and beyond its current distribution range, with the ‘Japanese Alps’ forming an impassable natural barrier. Among the variables studied, precipitation of the warmest quarter, precipitation of the coldest quarter, mean temperature of the warmest quarter and mean temperature of the wettest quarter were the most important environmental predictors of the species’ distribution. Climate change is expected to severely reduce the potential suitable geographical areas for the Japanese giant salamander in the future. The present work calls for new surveys based on the projected maps to improve the mapping of salamander distribution and to focus on ecological features and threats at the aquatic habitat level to understand the risks to their populations.

Potential Habitats of Siamese Crocodiles and False Gharials in East Kalimantan for Conflict Resolution

Concerns in crocodiles sustainability have long been overlooked, due to humans fear of its ferocity and unresolved human-crocodile conflicts. The siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) and false gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii) are considered threatened by the IUCN red list because of their limited range and declining populations. In this study we developed habitat suitability model for both species and overlaid with anthropogenic factors to mitigate conflict between crocodiles and human in Mesangat-Suwi Wetland, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. We collected species presence from 2018–2023, measured environmental variables, interviewed 100 respondents, and mapped all information with Maximum Enthropy program (MaxEnt). Results showed that different factors influenced the habitat distribution for each species. Specifically, distance from swamps was affected the most for both crocodiles. Our model found that the potential habitat was much smaller than the non-potential ones due to humans’ intrusion. Much of the Mesangat-Suwi area was covered in high-conflict zones between humans and crocodiles, endangering both species even more. Hence, serious actions were urgently needed to resolve the conflict, either by prevention and mitigation actions, to ensure human-crocodile coexistence in East Kalimantan.

Habitat Use and Distribution of a Recently Discovered Population of Humboldt Martens

Habitat Use and Distribution of a Recently Discovered Population of Humboldt Martens

Distribution of Trachelospermum jasminoides Under the Influence of Different Environmental Factors

Trachelospermum jasminoides (Lindl.) Lem. is a well-known herb with important medicinal and economic values. It is widely used in the treatment of inflammations in China. As global climate change intensifies, the ecological niche of plants has correspondingly shifted. Therefore, understanding the distribution of suitable habitats for T. jasminoides under different climate conditions is of great significance for its cultivation, introduction, and conservation. This research utilizes the MaxEnt model in combination with the Geographic Information System (ArcGIS) to analyze the present and future potential habitat distributions of T. jasminoides. Based on 227 documented occurrence points and 15 ecological variables, the results emphasize that the key environmental limitations influencing the optimal habitats of T. jasminoides are the precipitation during the coldest quarter, the mean temperature of the driest quarter, precipitation in the warmest quarter, temperature seasonality (standard deviation × 100), and the human impact index. At present, the combined area of suitable and highly suitable habitats for T. jasminoides amounts to 15.76 × 104 km2, with the highly suitable habitats predominantly situated in East and Central China. Based on climate scenario forecasts, within the SSP1-2.6 climate scenario, the total suitable habitat area for T. jasminoides is projected to increase relative to the current situation. Nevertheless, in the SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 climate scenarios, the suitable habitat area is anticipated to initially rise and then decline. The distribution center is mainly concentrated in the provinces of Hunan and Jiangxi, with the centroid shifting southeastward compared to the current situation. The findings of this research offer valuable insights for the effective cultivation, preservation, and sustainable use of T. jasminoides resources.

Understanding sustainability of woody species suitability zones on the Loess Plateau for optimal creation zone selection in response to future climate change.

Climate change has profound implications for the distribution of suitable habitats for woody species. In this study, we assessed the optimal distribution thresholds for twelve woody species on the Loess Plateau using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model, incorporating sample points of tree species alongside relevant environmental variables. We analyzed the sustainability of potentially suitable zones and proposed a framework for selecting a regulatory model to establish the most suitable creation zones in response to future climate change. The results indicated that: (1) The distributions potentially suitable for Platycladus orientalis and Pinus tabuliformis were predominantly influenced by mean annual temperatures, whereas Pinus armandii and Quercus aliena var. acutiserrata exhibited optimal conditions at temperatures around -4°C. Both Hippophae rhamnoides and Larix gmelinii var. principis-rupprechtii had suitable threshold precipitation levels exceeding 200mm, with optimal thresholds surpassing 250mm. (2) Most high-suitability zones for woody species across various future climate scenarios were primarily located in southern regions, including examples such as Betula platyphylla Sukaczev, Platycladus orientalis, Pinus sylvestris var. mongholica. Some of these high-suitability areas displayed insular and linear distributions, notably Larix gmelinii var. principis-rupprechtii, Quercus aliena var. acutiserrata, Salix cheilophila. (3) There was no southward shift in the northern boundary of the sustainability zones for any woody species across the different scenarios. Betula platyphylla and Salix babylonica exhibited the broadest distribution of sustainability zones. (4) The most suitable areas for the establishment of woody species were primarily found in the western, southern, and eastern regions, whereas the northern and central areas were less favorable for tree growth. Among the scenarios analyzed, SSP585 presents the most extensive distribution area. This study is expected to improve the distribution structure of woody species and the implementation of management policies.

Projecting the global potential distribution of nine Rhododendron Subgenus Hymenanthes species under different climate change scenarios

As one of China’s most treasured traditional flowers, Rhododendron Subgen. Hymenanthes is renowned worldwide for its evergreen foliage, vibrant flowers, and significant ornamental, landscaping, and economic value. However, climate change poses a serious threat to its future, leading to population declines and endangerment of some species. Despite the ecological and economic importance of Rhododendron Subgen. Hymenanthes, the future distribution of suitable habitats and the most effective strategies for its conservation and utilization remain unclear. This study employs the MaxEnt model, which is well-known for its reliability in predicting species distribution under changing environmental conditions, to predict the potential global distribution of nine species of Rhododendron Subgen. Hymenanthes. The goal is to provide a solid foundation for their conservation, cultivation management, and breeding. The results indicate that, under future climate scenarios, suitable habitat areas for four species (R. irroratum, R. agastum, R. decorum, and R. arboreum) will significantly decrease, while suitable habitats for the remaining five species (R. delavayi, R. fortunei, R. calophytum, R. simiarum, and R. wardii) will experience slight expansion. Temperature and precipitation are identified as key environmental factors influencing the growth and distribution of these species, affecting their ability to colonize new regions. The migration direction of the expanding regions for all nine species is consistent, with their centroids shifting towards the northwest. These findings provide critical insights for developing targeted conservation strategies, including identifying potential refugia and prioritizing conservation areas under future climate conditions.

A juvenile spinner shark in southern New England: A rare visitor or a sign of change?

A juvenile spinner shark, Carcharhinus brevipinna, was captured and released in the coastal waters of Rhode Island, USA, where range delineations based on historic records of spinner sharks and the species' congener, the blacktip shark, Carcharhinus limbatus, are plagued by misidentification. The shark in question was within the size range of neonates for C. brevipinna and bore a partially healed umbilical wound. This highlights questions concerning the distribution of nursery habitats for the species along the East Coast of North America and how that may be altered by climate change.

Impact of Climate Change on the Habitat Distribution of Decapterus macarellus in the South China Sea

This study examines the potential distribution of Mackerel scad (Decapterus macarellus) in the South China Sea under future climate scenarios (SSP 1.26, SSP 2.45, SSP 5.85) using an ensemble species distribution model (SDM). Key environmental variables included sea surface salinity (SSS), sea surface height (SSH), sea surface temperature (SST), mixed-layer depth (MLD), chlorophyll-a concentration (CHL), and sea-bottom temperature (SBT). Results show that SST and MLD are the primary drivers of habitat suitability, with current suitable habitats concentrated in the northern offshore areas. Projections for the 2050s and 2090s indicate a reduction in suitable habitats, particularly under high-emission scenarios, with more gradual reductions under low-emission scenarios. Habitat loss is most pronounced in the northern South China Sea, while the central region is projected to see an expansion of suitable habitats. These findings highlight the climate impact on D. macarellus distribution and inform sustainable management strategies for the species in the region.

Thermal ecology of the Mexican Garter Snake (Thamnophis eques): temporal and spatial variations.

Heterogeneous environments provide different daily and seasonal thermal conditions for snakes, resulting in temporal and spatial variations in body temperature (Tb). This study analyzes the Tb of Thamnophis eques in the forest and grassland of a Mexican locality through daily and seasonal profiling. The patterns were obtained from seminatural enclosures in the field with a point sampling strategy to analyze temporal and spatial variations in Tb. The variation of Tb throughout the day was correlated with air and substrate temperatures, both in the grassland and in the forest. The average Tb in the grassland was 0.88 °C greater than in the forest. Our results indicate that T. eques showed differences in Tb between grassland and forest, principally in late spring and early summer during the early rise and late plateau phases, coinciding with the presence of foliage on the willow trees present in the study area, while in late summer and early autumn, the Tb was similar when willow trees canopy cover was absent (May-September). Our results support the hypothesis that the Tb of snakes differ between forests when the willows have leaves and is similar when canopy cover is equivalent, in this case, when tree canopy cover was absent. Our results also shown that T. eques presented daily and seasonal warming patterns similar to other Arizona populations and like those of other northern Gartersnakes. However, this result may not be valid for the entire wide distribution and consequent diversity of habitats of T. eques. The information of Tb in T. eques through daily and seasonal profiles in different habitats could aid in understanding the effects of environmental conditions on the ecological strategies deployed by snakes on habitat selection.

Reeve's Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) Habitat Suitability Under Climate Change Scenarios in Hupingshan National Nature Reserve, China.

Climate change and human disturbance are critical factors affecting the habitat distribution of wild animals, with implications for management strategies such as protecting migration corridors, habitat restoration, and species conservation. In the Hupingshan National Nature Reserve (NNR), Reeve's muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) is a key prey species for the South China tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis), which is extinct in the wild and targeted for reintroduction by the Chinese government. Thus, understanding the habitat distribution and abundance of Reeve's muntjac is essential to ensure the survival and sustainability of reintroduced tiger populations. Despite significant conservation efforts, the impacts of climate change and human disturbance on Reeve's muntjac habitat distribution in Hupingshan NNR remain unclear, though these factors could necessitate adaptive tiger management strategies due to shifts in prey abundance. In this study, we employed an optimized MaxEnt model to assess current habitat distribution and identify key environmental variables influencing the habitat distribution of Reeve's muntjac. Assuming non-climatic environmental factors will remain constant over the next century, we projected future habitat distribution under two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP126 and SSP585) for the mid-century (2050s) and the late-century (2090s). Comparative analyses of current and projected habitat areas revealed potential impacts of climate change on this species. MaxEnt outputs classified habitat suitability into high, medium, and low levels. Results showed that climatic and human disturbance factors contributed 35.2% and 49.4% to habitat suitability, respectively. Under the SSP126 scenario, habitats with decreased suitability covered 0 km2 in the 2050s, expanding slightly to 4.2 km2 in the 2090s, while those with increased suitability spanned 491.1 km2 (2050s) and 463.2 km2 (2090s). Under the SSP585 scenario, habitats with decreased suitability covered 10.2 km2 in the 2050s and 431.8 km2 in the 2090s. Habitats with increased suitability were comparatively smaller under SSP585, covering 162.0 km2 (2050s) and 1.1 km2 (2090s). These findings suggest that while mid-century climate projections (SSP126 and SSP585) may support Reeve's muntjac's survival, habitat loss is projected by 2090s (SSP126). Thus, future climate change may lead to decreased habitat suitability and increased fragmentation, raising extinction risks for Reeves's muntjac. Mitigating these effects could involve establishing migration corridors, minimizing human disturbances, and potentially supplementing prey populations with captive-bred prey. Such measures are essential to support the South China tiger reintroduction plan and help ensure that prey availability remains sufficient for sustaining reintroduced tiger populations.

Habitat use and distribution of nile monitors (Varanus niloticus) in a mosaic of land use types and human population densities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

ContextGlobally, with the continuous increase in human populations, unprecedented changes in land use are taking place. Little is known about how African reptiles respond to this rapid land use change.ObjectivesWe used sightings to establish if Nile monitors (Varanus niloticus) are persisting in a mosaic of human population densities and land use types in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa.MethodsWe collected sighting data throughout KwaZulu-Natal between April 2022 and July 2023, using three main methods, namely urban sightings obtained from reptile relocation groups and collaborations with reptile relocators; sightings obtained from personal encounters and citizen scientist observations using social media,s posters, newspaper articles and interviews; and sightings from iNaturalist observations.ResultsWe obtained and used 419 sightings and then identified two hotspot areas in the province on which we chose to focus. Site A was dominated by natural habitat, and anthropogenic land use types dominated site B. We found a significant relative selection strength for most tested land covers over anthropogenic cover in site A, whereas most were insignificant in site B. Our results suggest that the use of anthropogenic land use types by Nile monitors in KwaZulu-Natal may be driven by habitat transformation and loss. Nile monitors were found persisting in urban mosaic landscapes and, when compared with available cover, were found in increasingly wooded (natural and urban vegetation) areas with increased human populations. Furthermore, they used small anthropogenic water bodies (e.g., swimming pools and storm drains), making them less reliant on rivers in urban environments. Their population demographics were similar in low and high human population density, but there appeared to be a skew towards smaller and younger individuals in medium human population density areas. Reproduction was occurring successfully in urban environments, but the detection of larger monitors by potential wild and domestic predators and negative human interactions pose risks. Our study outlined the importance of natural and managed (e.g., gardens, parks, golf courses) green spaces in urban mosaic landscapes for wildlife persistence, specifically Nile monitors, and supporting human well-being as well as reptile conservation. There is an overall need for more research on this highly exploited yet understudied reptilian urban adapter.

Predicting Suitable Areas for Cold‐Water Scleractinian Corals in Southwestern Australian Submarine Canyons

ABSTRACTAimThe exploration of submarine canyons offshore southwestern Australia using remotely operated vehicles (ROV) has documented the occurrence of cold‐water coral (CWC) ecosystems, predominantly along the heads and slopes of the canyons. Representing the first major ROV investigation in this region, information on CWC distribution in this area is still limited. Here we apply a habitat suitability model (HSM) to identify the potential distribution of scleractinian CWC habitats in these submarine canyon systems. We show that the integration of environmental and geomorphological variables allows the HSM to identify key conditions favourable for the occurrence of scleractinian CWC in this region.LocationSouthwestern Australian submarine canyons: Bremer canyon system (BCS), Mount Gabi seamount and Leeuwin Canyon and Perth Canyon.TaxonCold‐water corals in the Order Scleractinia.MethodsHigh‐resolution maximum entropy model (Maxent) was developed using remote sensing variables and geomorphological indices derived from bathymetry. Scleractinian CWC occurrences were obtained from videos acquired by ROV onboard RV Falkor during the Schmidt Ocean Institute cruise FK200126. The model identified portions of the seafloor most suitable for scleractinian CWC habitat in the SW Australian submarine canyons.ResultsModelling predicted over 27.2 km2 of suitable habitat for scleractinian CWC (suitability index > 0.6), representing only ~0.254% of the total surface area of the submarine canyon systems explored. Dissolved oxygen resulted as the most relevant factor, followed by terrain ruggedness, slope and bottom temperature, confirming their importance for CWC distribution. The most suitable locations were in canyon heads, slopes and geomorphological features emerging from the bottom along the continental shelf.Main ConclusionOur integrated approach identified potential scleractinian habitats using a combination of remote sensing and geomorphological data. The high performance of the model suggests that remote sensing data are valuable predictors to estimate scleractinian CWC distribution.The results of our modelling approach not only contribute to increasing the knowledge of the distribution of these ecologically relevant ecosystems in the poorly explored SW Australia submarine canyons but also of the key parameters limiting their distribution. Such information is crucial for establishing and implementing targeted conservation actions and effective natural resource management plans.

Modelling the present potential habitat distribution of the near-threatened endemic species Silene marizii: implications for conservation

Species Distribution Models (SDMs) have been increasingly used in biodiversity conservation tasks, especially for rare and threatened species. In this study, we selected Silene marizii, a near-threatened endemic species distributed in the central and north-western Iberian Peninsula. We used a total of 88 occurrences, reduced to 67 after accounting for spatial correlation, obtained from field surveys, herbaria and GBIF. As potential predictors, we used 34 variables (23 bioclimatic, 7 edaphic, and 4 topographic) in Maxent. The Maxent model performed well, demonstrating high predictive accuracy. The predictors that contributed most to the model were precipitation seasonality, precipitation amount of the driest month, pH index, weight percentage of the sand particles, mean monthly precipitation amount of the coldest quarter, mean diurnal air temperature range and mean daily mean air temperature of the driest quarter. Our results suggested the following areas for further exploration of new populations and, if necessary, for reintroductions and translocation efforts: northern half of Portugal, southern Galicia, the northwest of Zamora province and several mountain ranges in the Central System. In conclusion, robust predictive models are now fundamental for conducting more efficient fieldwork, ultimately improving conservation and management plans for rare and threatened species such as S. marizii.

Annotated Checklist of Poroid Hymenochaetoid Fungi in Central Asia: Taxonomic Diversity, Ecological Roles, and Potential Distribution Patterns.

Central Asia, located at the heart of Eurasia, is renowned for its varied climate and vertical vegetative distribution, which support diverse biomes and position it as a global biodiversity hotspot. Despite this ecological richness, Central Asia's fungal diversity, particularly wood-inhabiting macrofungi, remains largely unexplored. This study investigates the diversity, ecological roles, and potential distribution of poroid Hymenochaetoid fungi in the region. By conducting field surveys, collecting basidiomes, and reviewing the literature and herbarium records from five Central Asian countries, we compiled a comprehensive checklist of these fungi. In total, 43 Hymenochaetoid species belonging to 18 genera were identified, with Inonotus, Phellinus, and Phylloporia being the most species-rich. Notably, Inonotus hispidus and Phellinus igniarius were found to be the most widespread species. These macrofungi play essential ecological roles as saprotrophs and pathogens of various identified host plant families, aiding in lignin degradation and exhibiting diverse enzymatic activities. For the first time, we modelled the potential distribution patterns of Hymenochaetoid fungi in Central Asia, revealing that their distribution is strongly influenced by host plant availability and temperature-related factors. The three most critical variables were host plant density, annual temperature range (Bio7), and mean temperature of the warmest quarter (Bio10). The distribution of suitable habitats is uneven, with highly suitable areas (4.52%) concentrated in the mountainous border regions between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. These results underscore the significance of specific environmental conditions for the growth and survival of Hymenochaetoid fungi in this region. Our findings highlight the urgent need for continued mycological and host plant research and expanded conservation initiatives to document and preserve macrofungal and botanical biodiversity in this under-explored area. In light of climate change, the collected mycological and botanical data provide a valuable reference for promoting forest health management globally.

Sediment Characteristics Study at Sharm Obhur, the Red Sea using Multibeam Backscatter

Sharm Obhur, situated approximately 35 km north of Jeddah City along the Red Sea coast, is a prominent recreational area with diverse benthic habitats. Accurate mapping of seabed sediments is critical for characterizing marine ecosystems and elucidating benthic habitat distribution in this region. This study underscores the importance of assessing sediment distribution patterns in Sharm Obhur, particularly due to the prevalence of recreational activities and navigational traffic. This research investigates sediment dynamics in Sharm Obhur, a coastal creek near Jeddah, utilizing Multibeam Echo Sounder (MBES) backscatter data and grab sample analyses. The study focuses on understanding sediment distribution patterns and their implications for coastal management. MBES technology provides high-resolution data on seafloor composition and roughness, essential for assessing sediment types and bedforms. Through spatial alignment of MBES data with ground truth sediment samples, we analyze sediment characteristics and validate findings. Results indicate predominant sand presence with detectable mud in deeper channels and northern anthropogenically impacted areas. Gravel deposits correlate with coral formations near the creek edges. Tidal influence is evident, with increased sand presence at the creek entrance. The study demonstrates MBES backscatter's efficacy in mapping sediment distributions and seabed characteristics, benefiting marine science and coastal management. This research enhances knowledge of sediment transport processes, facilitating informed decision-making for sustainable coastal development and conservation efforts.

Newly Described Rhodolith Bed Complex Associated With Shallow Coral Reefs of Palmyra Atoll, Northern Line Islands

ABSTRACTRhodolith beds are biogenic marine habitats formed by aggregations of free‐living crustose coralline algae. New descriptions of rhodolith beds fill the gaps in our understanding of the global distribution and ecological significance of these understudied habitats. We provide the first characterisation of a network of rhodolith beds associated with coral reefs in the tropical central Pacific. We surveyed the shallow eastern reef flat of Palmyra Atoll to evaluate the spatial extent and biodiversity of rhodolith habitat relative to adjacent coral reefs. We mapped 15 discrete rhodolith beds that collectively covered 1.5 ha. When combined with mixed rhodolith and coral habitat that connected the beds, the total areal coverage of rhodolith habitat was ~15 ha. The benthos of rhodolith beds was markedly different from adjacent reefs. Although coral cover was low in the rhodolith beds, five genera were commonly found as free‐living coralliths. Fish abundance did not vary notably between reef and bed habitats, but rhodoliths, particularly Neogoniolithon sp., supported a higher abundance of cryptic invertebrates relative to reef rubble. The dominant rhodolith genera were Neogoniolithon and Porolithon, and a third, less frequent species was Harveylithon munitum. Neogoniolithon sp. was the most abundant and displayed a more structurally complex branching morphology than the encrusting, lobe‐forming Porolithon sp. and the encrusting H. munitum. Our description of a previously unknown rhodolith complex in a remote and protected coral reef ecosystem provides novel insights to our understanding of the persistence and function of undisturbed tropical rhodolith bed habitat.

Predicting the suitable habitat distribution of Polygonatum kingianum under current and future climate scenarios in southwestern Yunnan, China

Predicting the suitable habitat distribution of Polygonatum kingianum under current and future climate scenarios in southwestern Yunnan, China

Assessment of Suitable Habitats, Fragmentation Analysis, and Ecological Corridor Identification for Sichuan Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) in Sichuan Province, Southwest China.

The Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) was found to possess significant scientific and conservation value but faced multiple threats including habitat fragmentation and loss, human disturbance, illegal hunting, and the impacts of climate change on their habitat. To enhance habitat protection for this species, our study utilized field survey data and distribution records from protected areas to systematically evaluate spatial heterogeneity in suitable habitat distribution and habitat quality in Sichuan Province. Integration of 3S technology and ecological modeling allowed for a comprehensive assessment. We found that: (1) The potential habitat area for the species in Sichuan Province covered 78,470.47 km², with suitable and marginally suitable habitats occupying 28,301.36 and 50,169.11 km² respectively. Suitable habitats were predominantly found at elevations of 1600-3200 m, in areas with low population density and minimal human disturbance. (2) Suitable habitats within protected areas accounted for 42.7% of the total suitable habitat area, while marginally suitable habitats within protected areas comprised 24.8% of the total marginally suitable habitat area. (3) Vegetation types most utilized by the species, ranked from highest to lowest preference, were deciduous broadleaf forests, evergreen coniferous forests, evergreen broadleaf forests, mixed coniferous-deciduous forests, and shrublands. Evergreen coniferous forests exhibited the largest patch area and lowest fragmentation, whereas deciduous broadleaf forests showed higher fragmentation within protected areas. (4) Four potential ecological corridors were identified, connecting the Wujiao, Xuebaoding, and Baodinggou nature reserves. Strengthening the protection of suitable habitats and potential ecological corridors would enhance landscape connectivity, facilitating the effective utilization of suitable habitats by the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey. Our findings provided a scientific basis for future conservation and management efforts for the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey.

Distribution of Legally Protected Mammals in South Korea Based on Post-environmental Impact Assessment over 5 Years: 2017-2021

Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem stability and human survival, playing a critical role in ecosystem services, resource cycling, and climate regulation. However, recent challenges such as habitat degradation and fragmentation due to development or climate change have placed biodiversity under threat. Thus, many countries are actively working to preserve and restore biodiversity through efforts to protect endangered species. In line with this international movement, South Korea has been collecting baseline data on wildlife habitat distribution through the National Natural Environment Survey. However, the extended survey cycle and regional timing differences pose limitations on regularly updating endangered wildlife habitat status. Therefore, this study aimed to utilize postenvironmental impact assessment data within the environmental impact assessment system, which monitors various environmental factors including the natural and living environments. Habitat data for legally protected mammals across South Korea was collect on three species: the yellow-throated marten (<i>Martes flavigula</i>), the leopard cat (<i>Prionailurus bengalensis</i>), and the Eurasian otter (<i>Lutra lutra</i>). These species play an essential role in maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity, making habitat conservation crucial. This study is expected to provide foundational data to support systematic management and reliable conservation policies for legally protected mammals in South Korea.

Effects of paleoclimatic variables on suitable open habitats for Pleistocene–Holocene megafauna in South America

Abstract The cause of megafauna extinction in South America remains clouded in controversy, since it took place at a time of intense climate change and almost at the same time as the initial human influx into the continent. In this paper, we aimed to assess the effects of climate change on open vegetation habitats and, consequently, on megafauna extinction in South America by using a species distribution model, fossil records, and paleoclimatic projections. In addition, we evaluated the effects of climatic variables on the distribution of suitable habitats across South America. Our results demonstrated alternating intervals of expansion and contraction of suitable areas for megafauna persistence, mainly in response to lower and higher precipitation, in the last 21 ka in all regions of South America. However, the amplitude of this oscillation was more significant in the Brazilian Northeast. In the Andean and Chaco–Pampas regions, greater precipitation stability resulted in greater stability in habitat suitability; therefore, for these regions, other factors must have predominated for the extinction of the megafauna. We therefore concluded that in the Andean and Chaco–Pampas regions, climate change was not solely responsible for the disappearance of megafauna, but in the Brazilian Northeast, it may have been decisive.