Big cats persisting in human-dominated landscape: Habitat suitability and connectivity of leopards in central North China

Landscape Ecology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 39(5)

Опубликована: Апрель 23, 2024

Abstract Context The leopard ( Panthera pardus ), the only large carnivore species occurring in central North China, has undergone substantial range contraction and population decline due to anthropogenic pressure across region. Objectives In this study, we aimed map its current suitable habitats assess degree of connectivity between core inform future conservation planning big cat at landscape scale. Methods We conducted study China (34°11´ ~ 43°49´N, 103°11´ 123°54´E, about 936,000 km 2 ). collected occurrence locations (N = 196) leopards from 2014–2020, modeled habitat suitability using an “ensemble” distribution model by incorporating environmental variables. then identified potential dispersal corridors patches (≥ 100 ) through analysis. Results preferred humid forests higher elevations with less human disturbance. Their were highly fragmented, main located Shanxi, Shaanxi, border Gansu Ningxia provinces. Among all 8,679 habitats, 14 (139–1,084 , mean 495.21 a total area 6,933 among which 25.26% (1,751 are covered nature reserves 11 confirmed occurrence. also 8 least-cost pathways these average length 57.22 km. Conclusions Our results revealed that, persisting fragmented fragile habitats. remaining should be considered managed as regional meta-population for their long-term persistence human-dominated landscape.

Язык: Английский

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Spatial Ecology and Home Range Drivers of the Weyns's Duiker (Cephalophus weynsi) in Rainforest Habitat

African Journal of Ecology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 63(3)

Опубликована: Апрель 1, 2025

ABSTRACT In Central Africa's tropical forests, duikers ( Cephalophus spp.) are essential seed dispersers and prey for apex predators humans. However, little is known about their spatial ecology, with no studies available medium‐sized species south of the Congo River. Here, we study forest duiker use in buffer zone Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic Congo. We assess capture success (1) collective day nets (2) night head‐torches GPS/VHF collars to investigate species‐specific home‐range (a) size, (b) (c) overlap. Across 7 months, 47 attempts allowed collaring 13 Weyns's C. weynsi ), two bay dorsalis one black‐fronted nigrifrons ) duiker, similar between techniques. mean home range size was 29.38 ha, stable core areas dynamic boundaries. While breeding pair showed 72.80% overlap a interindividual distance 288 m, non‐breeding pairs ranged 4.5% 52.2%, an average 533 m. Our assessment suggests that anthropogenic disturbances might affect behaviour reproductive success. Further research on ecology ungulates key improving conservation strategies.

Язык: Английский

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Impacts of Climate‐Land Dynamics on Global Population and Sub‐Populations of a Desert Equid

Global Change Biology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 31(4)

Опубликована: Апрель 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Climate change and escalating land‐use transformations pose a significant threat to global biodiversity by disrupting natural habitats. The Asiatic wild ass ( Equus hemionus ), near‐threatened species, faces various pressures across its Asian range. This study employs niche modeling approach assess suitable habitats for the at both population sub‐population levels. analysis integrates impacts of climate scenarios land use three temporal periods: past, present, future. To investigate uncertainty models habitat, we used two models, CMIP5 CMIP6, Niche overlap were developed examine patterns similarity among sub‐populations. results demonstrate severe decline in habitat area number viable patches all Projections reveal that Mongolian Indian endure highest levels isolation loss, alongside extinct Syrian ass. Sub‐population often predict larger distributions compared using same inputs. outputs indicate underscoring necessity accounting ecological conservation perspectives understand species distribution dynamics. Our highlights need consider assessments. These provide essential guidance strategies identifying sites reintroduction. Identifying as refuges large herbivores amidst changes fluctuations is crucial. Incorporating these into planning imperative preserving biodiversity.

Язык: Английский

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Should I stay or move? Quantifying landscape of fear to enhance environmental management of road networks in a highly transformed landscape

Journal of Environmental Management, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 368, С. 122192 - 122192

Опубликована: Авг. 13, 2024

Язык: Английский

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