Human–wildlife conflict patterns and hotspot prediction in the southern foothills of the Daba Mountains, China

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: July 18, 2024

The Daba Mountain area is recognized as one of the global biodiversity hotspots. In recent years, human–wildlife conflicts (HWCs) in this region have intensified significantly. Understanding and mitigating damage caused by wildlife crucial for maintaining ecological balance enhancing public welfare. We analyzed current status HWCs southern foothills Mountains through semi-structured interviews field surveys. Additionally, using collected data on HWC occurrences, we predicted hotspots maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model. results: (1) A total 449 cases actual incidents were investigated, primarily involving wild boars ( Sus scrofa ; 81.96%) Asiatic black bears Ursus thibetanus 18.04%). main types included crop destruction attacks beehives. (2) Incidents concentrated summer months, particularly from June to August. (3) study area, 21 out 25 townships reported cases. Notably, Fuxing, Gaoyan Gaoguan identified most affected, with Fuxing experiencing highest amounts loss. (4) variable DTP (Distance Protected Area) was found greatest influence hotspot distributions HWCs. zone exhibited a strip-like distribution along northwest–southeast axis central part area. 1352.56 km 2 . largest areas located Xiuqi Town, Houping Township, accounting 13.26%, 12.01%, 7.83% respectively. require robust management measures mitigate local communities enhance indigenous people’s engagement conservation. Implementation physical compensation schemes may be necessary these alleviate financial burden populations. Our findings provide valuable insights future formulation conservation policies mitigation strategies Mountains.

Language: Английский

Leopard subspecies conservation under climate and land‐use change

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(5)

Published: May 1, 2024

Abstract Predicting the effects of global environmental changes on species distribution is a top conservation priority, particularly for large carnivores, that contribute to regulating and maintaining ecosystems. As most widespread adaptable felid, ranging across Africa Asia, leopards are crucial many ecosystems as both keystone umbrella species, yet they threatened their ranges. We used intraspecific models (SDMs) predict in range suitability under future climate land‐use change identify gaps opportunities. generated SDMs three western leopard subspecies, African, Panthera pardus ; Arabian, nimr Persian, tulliana , leopards, overlapped predictions with protected areas (PAs) coverage. show subspecies differ associations vulnerability changes. The African Arabian predicted lose ~25% ~14% currently suitable range, respectively, while Persian experience ~12% gains. found be were not protected, only 4%–16% subspecies' ranges falling inside PAs, these proportions will decrease future. highly variable responses we between highlight importance considering variation when modelling proportion PAs threatens capacity effectively conserve because survival rates substantially lower outside due persecution. Hence, it important work local communities address negative human‐wildlife interactions restore habitats retain landscape connectivity where PA coverage low. On other hand, increase southern Europe presents opportunities expansion contemporary capitalising European rewilding schemes.

Language: Английский

Impact of Fences on Human Wildlife Conflict in Communities Bordering the Northern Gonarezhou National Park, Southeastern Zimbabwe

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Language: Английский