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Snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus): potential distribution and its implication for conservation
Jonas Nüchel1,2, Peder Klith Bøcher1, Wen Xiao3
11Section for Ecoinformatics & Biodiversity, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
Biodiversity and Conservation
|July 2, 2019
Summary
Conservation efforts for endangered primates like Rhinopithecus can be improved by considering historical distribution data. This helps identify suitable habitats for restoring populations and expanding protected areas.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- Biogeography
Background:
- Threatened species often experience range contractions, leading to fragmented populations.
- Effective conservation requires identifying and restoring suitable habitats beyond current ranges.
- Species distribution models (SDMs) are crucial tools for conservation planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key environmental variables predicting Rhinopithecus distribution.
- To assess the extent of anthropogenic niche truncation for Rhinopithecus.
- To predict the potential distribution of Rhinopithecus, incorporating historical data.
Main Methods:
- Utilized maximum entropy modelling (Maxent) and bioclimatic envelope modelling.
- Incorporated current and historical distribution data for Rhinopithecus.
- Included environmental and anthropogenic variables, and protected area locations.
Main Results:
- Mean temperature of coldest/warmest quarter and precipitation variables best explained Rhinopithecus distribution.
- Historical distribution data indicated warmer, wetter, and lower-elevation habitats than current ranges, suggesting niche truncation.
- Suitable climatic areas within Chinese protected areas range from 305,800–319,325 km², with significant tree cover.
Conclusions:
- Historical data significantly expands predicted suitable habitat for Rhinopithecus (72–89% increase).
- Conservation strategies must consider historical distributions for accurate habitat assessment and restoration potential.
- There is substantial potential for Rhinopithecus restoration within its former range, particularly in protected areas.
Keywords:
ConservationHistorical distributionMaxentRhinopithecusSnub-nosed monkeySpecies distribution modellingMore Related Videos
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