Conservation Of Species Research Articles

Species Composition and Feeding Behaviors of Vector Mosquitoes of Avian Infectious Diseases at a Wild Bird Rehabilitation Facility in Japan.

Although wild bird rehabilitation facilities are important for the conservation of wild species, individuals may be kept within the facilities for long periods, consequently posing a risk for the bird to be infected with pathogens to which they are not naturally exposed. In turn, novel pathogens may be introduced through rescued migratory species. Avian malaria and West Nile fever are important avian diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. To understand the transmission dynamics of such diseases at rehabilitation facilities, the ecology of vector mosquitoes, including species composition, seasonality, and feeding behaviors, were explored. Mosquitoes were collected at a wild bird rehabilitation facility and wildlife sanctuary in Japan from 2019 to 2020 using mouth aspirators, sweep nets, and light traps. A total of 2,819 mosquitoes of 6 species were captured, all of which are potential vectors of avian diseases. Culex pipiens pallens and Cx. pipiens form molestus were the dominant species (82.9% of all collected mosquitoes). Density and seasonality differed between sampling locations, presumably because of differences in mosquito behaviors including feeding preferences and responses to climatic factors. Blood-fed Culex mosquitoes fed solely on birds, and many mosquito species are thought to have fed on birds within the facility. Particularly, Cx. pipiens group probably fed on both rescued and free-living birds. The rehabilitation facility may be an important site for the introduction and spread of pathogens because 1) numerous mosquitoes inhabit the hospital and its surroundings; 2) blood-fed mosquitoes are caught within the hospital; 3) there is direct contact between birds and mosquitoes; 4) both birds within the hospital and wild birds are fed upon. Furthermore, blood-fed Cx. pipiens form molestus were observed in the winter, suggesting that pathogens might be transmitted even during the winter when other mosquito species are inactive.

Correlates of Co-Infection with Coccidiosis and Avian Malaria in House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus).

Pathogens have traditionally been studied in isolation within host systems; yet in natural settings they frequently coexist. This raises questions about the dynamics of co-infections and how host life-history traits might predict co-infection versus single infection. To address these questions, we investigated the presence of two parasites, a gut parasite (Isospora coccidians) and a blood parasite (Plasmodium spp.), in House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus), a common passerine bird in North America. We then correlated these parasitic infections with various health and condition metrics, including hematological parameters, plasma carotenoids, lipid-soluble vitamins, blood glucose concentration, body condition, and prior disease history. Our study, based on 48 birds captured in Tempe, Arizona, US, in October 2021, revealed that co-infected birds exhibited elevated circulating lutein levels and a higher heterophil:lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio) compared to those solely infected with coccidia Isospora spp. This suggests that co-infected birds experience heightened stress and may use lutein to bolster immunity against both pathogens, and that there are potentially toxic effects of lutein in co-infected birds compared to those infected solely with coccidia Isospora sp. Our findings underscore the synergistic impact of coparasitism, emphasizing the need for more co-infection studies to enhance our understanding of disease dynamics in nature, as well as its implications for wildlife health and conservation efforts.

Red knots in Europe: a dead end host species or a new niche for highly pathogenic avian influenza?

The 2020/2021 epidemic in Europe of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) of subtype H5 surpassed all previously recorded European outbreaks in size, genotype constellations and reassortment frequency and continued into 2022 and 2023. The causative 2.3.4.4b viral lineage proved to be highly proficient with respect to reassortment with cocirculating low pathogenic avian influenza viruses and seems to establish an endemic status in northern Europe. A specific HPAIV reassortant of the subtype H5N3 was detected almost exclusively in red knots (Calidris canutus islandica) in December 2020. It caused systemic and rapidly fatal disease leading to a singular and self-limiting mass mortality affecting about 3500 birds in the German Wadden Sea, roughly 1 % of the entire flyway population of islandica red knots. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the H5N3 reassortant very likely had formed in red knots and remained confined to this species. While mechanisms of virus circulation in potential reservoir species, dynamics of spill-over and reassortment events and the roles of environmental virus sources remain to be identified, the year-round infection pressure poses severe threats to endangered avian species and prompts adaptation of habitat and species conservation practices.

Evidence for seasonal shift in the reproduction of Aldabra giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) in managed care in the Northern hemisphere compared to the natural habitat in the Southern hemisphere.

Ex situ breeding constitutes an important tool for species conservation; however, many reptile species are not managed sustainably under human care due to poor fecundity in ex situ settings. In this study, we tested whether the translocation of a seasonally reproducing species to a different environment results in decoupling of extrinsic signals and intrinsic conditions. The endocrinological patterns of plasma steroid sex hormones, follicular development, and mating behaviour of two female and two male sexually mature Aldabra tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) in a zoological institution in the Northern hemisphere was aligned with enclosure climate data (mean monthly daylight duration, temperature, and precipitation) and compared with respective hormone patterns of wild individuals and climate conditions in the native habitat on the Aldabra Atoll in the Southern hemisphere. Whereas occurrence of mating behaviour was not considered a limiting factor, lack of ovulation and subsequent follicular atresia was the main reason for the lack of reproductive output. While it was impossible to elucidate the triggering factors of ovulation and the multifactorial complexity of reproduction was not fully addressed, this study indicates suboptimal temperature conditions and relative temporal shifts of interacting external triggers (temperature and photoperiod) in the zoo setting.

Dietary habits of fishing cats in a human-dominated wetland in Coastal Thailand

Abstract. Wongson T, Khaewphakdee S, Mongkonsin W, Serieys LEK, Wong W-M, Yindee M, Pattanarangsan R, Suksavate W, Promkuntod P, Klakhaeng C, Sukmasuang R. 2024. Dietary habits of fishing cats in a human-dominated wetland in Coastal Thailand. Biodiversitas 25: 2788-2797. Fishing cats, intimately connected to wetland habitats, face an escalating threat from human activities and environmental change. With its significant findings, this study offers a comprehensive insight into the dietary habits of fishing cats in a human-dominated wetland in coastal Thailand. By examining the scats of 192 fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus Bennett 1833) and the remains of 328 prey items, we detailed the fishing cat's diet and assessed its seasonality. Consequently, we identified 16 prey species consumed by fishing cats during the study period. The primary prey was fish, followed by rodents, birds, Indo-Chinese rat snakes (Ptyas korros (Hermann Schlegel 1837)), insects, crabs, and snails. The most crucial prey was the climbing perch (Anabas testudineus Bloch 1792) (n=69), followed by bandicoot rats (Bandicota indica Bechstein, 1800) (n=54), domestic chicken (Gallus gallus Linnaeus 1758) (n=48), and snakehead murrel (Channa striata Bloch 1793) (n=38). The niche breadth index indicated the highest specialization during the summer, while the dietary diversity index was 0.44, 0.52, and 0.38 during the summer, rainy, and winter seasons, respectively. Seasonal variations in dietary composition were not statistically significant. The niche overlap index was 0.95 between the summer and the rainy season, 0.91 between the rainy season and winter, and 0.87 between the summer and winter. These findings, with their direct implications for the conservation of fishing cats, highlight the urgent need for effective land-use management in species preservation.

Unveiling the marvels of biodiversity: recent advancements in conservation efforts

This article explores recent advancements in biodiversity conservation, emphasizing the pivotal role of technology in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and the increasing threats to various species. The first section examines technological marvels such as artificial intelligence (AI), remote sensing, and genetic technologies that have revolutionized biodiversity conservation. AI and big data, when integrated, empower scientists to analyze vast datasets efficiently, predict ecological patterns, and recommend effective conservation strategies. AI, remote sensing, and genetic technologies are revolutionizing biodiversity conservation. Examples include AI for wildlife monitoring and species identification, satellite imagery for forest and coral reef health, DNA barcoding and eDNA for species detection, and genetic rescue programs. Integrated approaches combine these technologies for effective habitat and species conservation, improving efficiency and outcomes. Meanwhile, remote sensing technologies, including satellites and drones, offer real-time data on ecosystems, aiding in habitat mapping, species distribution monitoring, and detection of illegal activities. Genetic technologies, like CRISPR-Cas9, hold promise for species resilience, albeit with ethical considerations. In the second section, the article discusses sustainability in conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and the preservation of critical habitats. Collaboration with local communities ensures cultural alignment, while a focus on entire ecosystems, rather than species-specific interventions, maintains biodiversity balance. The third section explores the role of biodiversity in climate change mitigation and as a human life savior. Biodiverse ecosystems act as carbon sinks, contributing to climate change mitigation. Additionally, biodiversity proves to be a valuable source of medicinal compounds and supports global food security by providing diverse crops, livestock, and aquatic species. The article concludes by envisioning a harmonious coexistence between humanity and the diverse species that share our planet. By leveraging technological advancements, engaging local communities, and prioritizing ecosystem preservation, we can strive for a sustainable future where biodiversity flourishes, providing ecological, economic, and cultural richness for generations to come.

Continental‐scale identification and prioritisation of potential refugee species; a case study for rodents in Australia

A species is expected to be most resilient to environmental change when it occurs across a broad diversity of habitats. However, there is often no visual representation of the past (i.e. prehistoric and historical) context for a species in the range maps published by national and global authorities. Therefore, it is easy to overlook the fact that many species once occupied a broader geographic range, or greater diversity of habitats. Such oversights hinder the effective conservation of species that have become restricted to a subset of their formerly occupied habitats. Here, we quantified the shifted baseline that may underpin some of the ecological misconceptions about species, and developed a rapid assessment method to aid the identification and prioritisation of ‘potential refugee species' (i.e. species that have become restricted to a subset of their formerly occupied niche). The assessment of potential refugee status is different from, but complementary to, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and Green Status frameworks. Our framework defines a continuum of potential refugee status, which was demonstratable in continent‐scale maps drawn from biogeographic regionalisation. Applying this framework to all native rodent species across the continent of Australia (a group that has suffered several extinctions and notable declines), we found that the risk of ecological misconceptions caused by shifted baselines (i.e. resulting from ‘shifting baseline syndrome') was prevalent. This suggests that in many cases, translocation opportunities that might be avoided because they are perceived as conservation introductions (as defined by the IUCN translocation guidelines), may in fact fall within the indigenous range, and should therefore be considered reasonable reintroductions. Ultimately, our potential refugee assessment framework will help to facilitate the undertaking of ambitious translocations that will build species' resilience to environmental change by resuming their adaptation to habitats across all formerly occupied bioregions.

Winning space for conservation: the growth of wildlife conservancies in Kenya

Winning space for conservation: the growth of wildlife conservancies in Kenya

Ecological assessment and identification strategy of key conservation areas: A case study of the south Taihang Mountains region

The aim of this study was to foster the harmonious advancement of economic development and ecological preservation as well as address concerns regarding the inadequate protection of flagship species, insufficient coverage of protected areas, and anthropogenic influences in the evaluation and establishment of nature reserves. Using the southern Taihang Mountain region as a case, parameters such as habitat prediction, ecosystem services, landscape diversity, and human disturbances were comprehensively evaluated. Data from multiple sources were integrated to identify and demarcate key conservation areas as well as priority conservation areas and potential conservation zones. Our findings revealed the necessity for enhancing ecological service capacity in the southern Taihang Mountain region and highlighted an unequal distribution of animal habitats. Consequently, we propose that efforts should be concentrated on the preservation of flagship species and the creation of key conservation areas that surpass administrative borders. Based on the assessment results, it is advisable to implement conservation strategies tailored for different geomorphic environments within the key conservation areas, accompanied by relevant functional zoning. In this study, we introduce a systematic approach for assessing and designating pivotal conservation zones. Additionally, this study achieves large-scale habitat distribution predictions through minor terrestrial surveys, making it applicable to regions with pronounced anthropogenic disturbance as well as high-elevation mountainous areas. This approach enables enhanced connectivity of nature reserves and facilitates coordinated ecological conservation both within and beyond reserve boundaries, leading to an improved natural environment for humans and the creation of liberated, suitable habitats for protected animals.

Human-wildlife conflict and community perceptions towards wildlife conservation in and around a biodiverse National Park, northern Ethiopia

Crop raiding and livestock predation significantly influence the perception of the local community regarding wildlife conservation. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the scope, characteristics and origin of human-wildlife conflict, as well as the local community’s attitudes towards wildlife conservation within the vicinity of Kafta-Sheraro National Park, northern Ethiopia. The study was conducted in 2020 between April and October. A multi-stage sampling design was adopted to select 260 households to examine respondents' opinions on the extent and underlying cause of human-wildlife conflict, communities' perception towards wildlife conservation, the damage that wild animal species cause and traditional human-wildlife conflict mitigation measures applied. Our results showed that the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), leopard (Panthera pardus) and African elephant (Loxodonta africana) were the top three species involved in conflicts as reported by the respondents. Both livestock depredation and crop raiding were the most serious human-wildlife conflict types in and around Kafta-Sheraro National Park. About 48 % of the respondents confirmed that illegal subsistence farming expansion and prohibited grazing were the main causes of human-wildlife conflict. The results of the multiple linear regression model indicated that education and the distance of villages to the park boundary are significant predictors of local community perceptions towards wildlife conservation. In the study area, the perception of the local community is greatly influenced by the benefit received from the park. To alleviate human-wildlife conflicts in and around Kafta-Sheraro National Park, residents used a combination of lethal and non-lethal mitigation measures. Therefore, environmental conservation education and managing the human-wildlife conflict are needed to improve the local community’s perception towards wildlife conservation and to design wildlife conservation strategies in Kafta-Sheraro National Park.

Assessing the Human-Wildlife Conundrum in Zimbabwe: Implications for Social Work Practice

Human-wildlife conflict is a global crisis that has significantly impacted the local livelihoods of the rural populace of the world. This study aimed to examine the consequences and effects of human-wildlife conflict in Mbire District, Ward 1, Zimbabwe. This paper analysed a range of issues, including human-wildlife conflict, poaching, habitat loss, and socio-economic impacts, all of which intertwine to create a complex web of challenges with severe consequences for both humans and wildlife alike. The study was informed by the Musha/Nyumba and social conflict theories. The research used the qualitative method, where structured face-to-face interviews were conducted. Data was gathered from a sample of thirty participants and three key informants who were purposively selected to participate in the study. The study utilized a case-study research design. Data collected from the interviews were analysed to identify categories, emerging themes, and areas of agreement or disagreement in relation to the research questions. The study revealed that the consequences of human-wildlife conflicts include competition for resources, threats to human safety, crop and livestock damage, conservation concerns, and disruption of ecosystem balance. The paper concluded that human-wildlife conflict is a serious global threat to sustainable development, food security, wildlife conservation, and health, a concern that is negatively affecting people, wildlife, and the achievement of sustainable development goals. Evidence-based recommendations were provided to policymakers and stakeholders, including education initiatives, compensation and insurance schemes, land use planning, community engagement, and the development of early warning systems. This paper contributes to the ongoing debate on the economics of human-wildlife conflict and the contribution of wildlife to local livelihoods. Keywords: Human-Wildlife, Conflict, Wildlife, Zimbabwe

Ethnozoological study of Tamang people in Konjyosom Rural Municipality, Lalitpur, Nepal

Ethnic/indigenous people of Nepal have a long history of using animals as medicine. The current study was conducted to determine the ethnozoological relationship, concerning the use of animals, their body parts, and animal products as traditional medicine by the people of Tamang community living in Konjyosom Rural Municipality in Lalitpur district of Nepal. The study was conducted in Chaughare (Ward Number 1), and the ethnozoological data were collected from local people and key informants through interviews, semi-structured questionnaire surveys, and direct field observation. Results showed that 78% of the respondents out of 100 were familiar with using animals as medicines. These people were reported to use 33 different animals (domestic: 8 species and wild: 25 species) for treating various illnesses and diseases in other ways. Considering the age and gender, female respondents and people of age (50-59 years) mainly used to prefer animal consumption for healing their illnesses and diseases. Furthermore, the oral route of administration (81%) and consumption of flesh via cooking were highly preferred. Their tendency to use animals as medicine was higher, so the risk of threatening a few important faunae may exist in the study area. This study will be baseline information for strategic conservation and management of wildlife in the study area or elsewhere within the country.

Who Owns Wildlife In Uruguay? Connections Between Game Management and Local Perspectives on Wildlife Ownership

The connection between the legal definition of wildlife ownership is fundamental in establishing clear and appropriate hunting regulations. Ambiguity in the terminology used to justify the need for regulations and their relationship to traditional knowledge may impede species management and conservation. Between 2013 and 2018 we studied the relationship between the hunting national framework in Uruguay with local practices and perceptions of hunting and wildlife ownership. Based on ethnographic work in Paso Centurión, a small rural town in north-eastern Uruguay, we describe local forms of environmental engagement, wildlife ownership, and the impact of developing a protected area. We highlight the importance of considering local attitudes and perceptions of hunting regulation, incorporating a broader discussion about the ownership of nature and the forms of human-wildlife relations in rural contexts.

Distribution records of Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis pelops) from the Bheri River Basin in western Nepal

The Assamese macaque (Macaca assamensis) population in Nepal is one of the least studied mammals. It is legally protected by the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973; however, its population status, distribution and conservation threats are ill-documented. The species is thought to have a disjunct distribution having limited information about its occurrence in mid-western and far-western Nepal. This study surveyed the Assamese macaques in the Bheri River Basin of western Nepal and recorded their distribution in the basin for the first time. A total of 117 individuals were observed belonging to six different troops with an average troop size of 19.5 individuals. The elevational range of the distribution ranged between 1132 m and 1840 m asl. The Assamese macaque individuals from the Bheri River Basin are much darker and bear longer relative tail lengths than those of eastern and central Nepal. Further explorations and a detailed assessment of conservation threats in western Nepal are warranted.

Birds of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Nepal

Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park harbors diverse avifauna. The last checklist of birds for Shivapuri, published by SNP and BCN (2007), covered 318 species. However, it excluded the Nagarjun Forest birds as this area wasn't incorporated into the national park until 2009. Since then, many new bird sightings have been reported in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park (SNNP). To address this gap, we've compiled a comprehensive checklist of SNNP birds in Nepal's central mid-hills, drawing on direct observations and a literature review. A total of 396 species of birds belonging to 18 orders and 71 families were known to occur in the park. Order Passeriformes (n=260, 65%) and family Muscicapidae (n=50, 12%) have the highest record of the number of species. Out of 396 bird species, 237 species were recorded during the recent survey of 2021–2022 and 159 species were considered from the past literatures. 10.60% (n=42) of the recorded bird species are classified as nationally threatened according to Nepal’s national red list and 2% (n=8) are listed as globally threatened. The globally threatened birds include Vulnerable greater spotted eagle Aquila clanga, imperial eagle Aquila heliaca, and Kashmir flycatcher Ficedula subrubra; Endangered steppe eagle Aquila nipalensis and Pallas’s fish eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus; and Critically Endangered white-rumped vulture Gyps bengalensis, slender-billed vulture Gyps tenuirostris and red-headed vulture Sarcogyps calvus. A total of 55 species recorded are included in the CITES Appendices; one species is also listed in the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act (NPWCA) Schedule I, and the park includes spiny babbler Acanthoptila nipalensis the only endemic bird of Nepal. Resident species make up the majority (n=243, 61.36%) of birds recorded in the national park. The remaining are the migrants which include summer and winter visitors, passage migrants and vagrants.

Testing multiple environmental DNA substrates for detection of the cryptic and Critically Endangered burrowing freshwater crayfish Engaewa pseudoreducta

AbstractEffective conservation of endangered species depends on knowledge of their distributions, but species detection can often be challenging. An example of this is provided by the Critically Endangered Margaret River burrowing crayfish (Engaewa pseudoreducta), which is highly cryptic. Due to the burrowing habit of this crayfish, detection of this species currently requires a great deal of effort, the results are often non‐conclusive, and, as it involves manual excavation of their burrows, the habitat of this and other species is destroyed in the detection process. In response to these challenges, this study developed and optimized a species‐specific probe‐based qPCR assay targeting the 16S gene region to detect the target species from environmental samples. Three test substrates—chimney pellets (soil expelled by a crayfish as it digs its burrow), burrow scrapes (soil lining the inside of a burrow), and burrow water (water that is filling the burrow space)—were tested from 11 crayfish burrows thought to have been constructed by the target species to see if eDNA could be detected. DNA from the target species was successfully amplified from both chimney pellets (6/11 samples) and burrow scrapes (3/11 samples); however, E. pseudoreducta was not detected in any water samples. As previously stated, sampling techniques to confirm the presence of this species have relied on burrow excavation (resulting in habitat destruction) and were often not definitive; therefore, replacing the traditional survey method with a noninvasive eDNA‐based technique could be of enormous benefit to the management and conservation of this (and similar) species.

Wildlife conservation: The importance of individual personality traits and sentience

Wildlife conservation: The importance of individual personality traits and sentience

Impact of infectious diseases on wild bovidae populations in Thailand: insights from population modelling and disease dynamics.

The wildlife and livestock interface is vital for wildlife conservation and habitat management. Infectious diseases maintained by domestic species may impact threatened species such as Asian bovids, as they share natural resources and habitats. To predict the population impact of infectious diseases with different traits, we used stochastic mathematical models to simulate the population dynamics over 100 years for 100 times in a model gaur (Bos gaurus) population with and without disease. We simulated repeated introductions from a reservoir, such as domestic cattle. We selected six bovine infectious diseases; anthrax, bovine tuberculosis, haemorrhagic septicaemia, lumpy skin disease, foot and mouth disease and brucellosis, all of which have caused outbreaks in wildlife populations. From a starting population of 300, the disease-free population increased by an average of 228% over 100 years. Brucellosis with frequency-dependent transmission showed the highest average population declines (-97%), with population extinction occurring 16% of the time. Foot and mouth disease with frequency-dependent transmission showed the lowest impact, with an average population increase of 200%. Overall, acute infections with very high or low fatality had the lowest impact, whereas chronic infections produced the greatest population decline. These results may help disease management and surveillance strategies support wildlife conservation.

Hibernation nest site selection but not overwinter activity is associated with microclimatic conditions in a hibernating mammal

Fine-scale variation in microclimates between habitats may impact energy consumption for the organisms that inhabit them. This may be particularly important for sedentary species or those unable to change habitats for long periods, such as hibernators. Low ambient temperatures were traditionally thought key to microclimatic selection for hibernation locations, but recent research suggests that other factors may contribute or exceed ambient temperature in importance. We aimed to characterise microclimates at hibernacula of wild hibernating hazel dormice Muscardinus avellanarius, and test how these microclimates differ to those at locations without hibernacula using a microclimatic modelling approach. Dormice hibernated in areas with warmer soil temperatures and lower variability in humidity and relative shortwave radiation. These results add to the growing body of evidence that low ambient temperatures may not be the primary driver of hibernation microclimate selection, although temperature is still likely to play an important role. We also found that ambient temperatures measured at the microclimatic level were substantially buffered compared to point samples taken at the nearest weather station (∼1.6 km away), highlighting the importance of considering microclimates in wildlife conservation in the face of future environmental change.

Predicting the potential distribution change of the endangered Francois' langur (Trachypithecus francoisi) across its entire range in China under climate change.

The Francois' langur (Trachypithecus francoisi) is a rare primate species indicated as endangered and distributed in karst areas in northern Vietnam and southwestern China. However, research limited to specific nature reserves or sites has hampered holistic conservation management. A comprehensive map of the potential distribution for the Francois' langur is essential to advance conservation efforts and ensure coordinated management across regions. Here, we used 82 occurrence records of Francois' langur surveyed in Guangxi, Guizhou, and Chongqing from 2017 to 2020, along with 12 environmental variables, to build the potential habitat model under current and future climate (2030, 2050, 2070, and 2090s) using maximum entropy models (MaxEnt). Our results indicated that (1) precipitation- and temperature-associated bioclimatic variables contributed the most to the distribution of Francois' langur. Vegetation, water sources, and anthropogenic variables also affected its distribution; (2) a total of 144,207.44 km2 of potential suitable habitat across the entire range in China was estimated by the current model. Moderate- and high-suitability habitats accounted for only 23.76% (34,265.96 km2) of the predicted suitable habitat and were mainly distributed in southwest Guangxi, east of Chongqing, and the border between Guizhou and Chongqing; (3) the suitable habitats of Francois' langur will contract considerably under future climate change, and the habitat centroid will move in the southeast direction with a shifting distance of approximately 2.84 km/year from current to 2100. The habitat prediction of Francois' langur and the main drivers proposed in this study could provide essential insights for the future conservation of this endangered species. The existing distribution areas should be monitored and protected, but conservation beyond existing habitats should also be a focus of effort, especially in future expansion areas. This would ensure effective and timely protection under climate change and anthropogenic pressures.