Conservation potential of non-protected area for sympatric carnivores in Bhutan

Choki, Karma; Dhendup, Phub; Tenzin, Jigme; Dorji, Dago; Tenzin, Kuenley; Wangmo, Tenzin; Penjor, Ugyen

doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02392

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 57 publications

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“…The impacts of human disturbance on wildlife have been extensively documented in numerous studies [2,46,47]. Despite their critical ecological role, small carnivores have often received less attention compared to their larger counterparts [48].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Minimal Impact of Anthropogenic Disturbances on the Spatial Activities of Leopard Cats in Xinlong, China

Chen,

Tian,

Pan

et al. 2023

Animals

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The habitat plays a crucial role in ensuring the survival of wildlife. However, the increasing disturbances caused by human activities present a substantial threat to habitats, especially for species such as the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), which is a significant small predator. Currently, research on leopard cats predominantly focuses on low-altitude regions within its distribution range, leaving plateau areas understudied. To enhance our understanding of the impact of human disturbances on leopard cat habitats, we undertook a study employing infrared camera trappings to monitor leopard cats’ activity in Xinlong of southwestern China between 2015 and 2023. We analyzed the spatial distribution and habitat suitability of the leopard cats by utilizing ensemble species distribution models (ESDMs). Moreover, we employed two-species occupancy models to investigate the spatial interaction between leopard cats and human disturbances. The results indicated that (1) the potential suitable habitat area for leopard cats encompassed approximately 1324.93 km2 (14.3%), primarily located along the banks of Yalong river. (2) The distribution of suitable habitat was predominantly influenced by competitors, specifically the yellow-throated marten (YTM), accounting for 52.4% of the influence, as well as environmental factors such as distance to water (DTW) at 12.0% and terrain roughness index (TRI) at 10.0%. Human interference, including cattle presence (4.6%), distance to road (DTD, 4.9%), and distance to settlement (DTS, 3.5%), had a limited impact on the habitat distribution. (3) Within a 5 km radius, habitat suitability increased with proximity to human settlements. (4) Leopard cats exhibited spatial independence from humans and domestic cattle (species interaction factor (SIF) = 1.00) while avoiding domestic horses (SIF = 0.76 ± 0.03). The relatively minor impact of human disturbances in Xinlong could be attributed to traditional cultural practices safeguarding wildlife and the leopard cat’s environmental adaptability. We recommend establishing a novel conservation paradigm based on the living dynamics of wildlife communities in Xinlong, thereby offering a more targeted approach to biodiversity preservation in the future.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Minimal Impact of Anthropogenic Disturbances on the Spatial Activities of Leopard Cats in Xinlong, China

Chen,

Tian,

Pan

et al. 2023

Animals

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“…We recommend that the existing PAN should be preserved and expanded with strategic inclusion of predicted core areas and corridors that we identified as of highest priority outside of the existing PAN. Several studies in the past recommended the inclusion of biodiverse NPAs and/or expansion of existing PAs to encompass additional habitats (Dorji et al, 2019;Penjor et al, 2021;Thinley et al, 2021;Choki et al, 2023). We propose the inclusion of additional areas identified in Penjor et al (2021) and this study to the existing PAN or perhaps as a new joint-protected landscape in the south and south-east Bhutan (Figures 6A, B).…”

Section: Management Implicationsmentioning

confidence: 92%

Identifying umbrella and indicator species to support multispecies population connectivity in a Himalayan biodiversity hotspot

Penjor,

Kaszta,

Macdonald

et al. 2024

Front. Conserv. Sci.

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Successful conservation hinges on the reliable prediction and prioritisation of population core habitats and dispersal corridors. However, reliance on single-species connectivity has produced mixed results and, in most cases, failed to protect other species under the appealing but often unfulfilled guise of umbrella protection. The main objectives of this study were: (1) to identify core habitats and dispersal corridors for population connectivity of 15 terrestrial mammal species across Bhutan, (2) to identify indicator species of wildlife connectivity, (3) to prioritise core areas and dispersal corridors for the focal umbrella and indicator species, (4) to develop composite multispecies connectivity maps and evaluate the effectiveness of the existing protected area network. We used kernel density (KD) to identify core habitat areas and factorial least-cost path (LCP) to map dispersal corridors. We used correlation and cluster analyses to identify umbrella and indicator species, and quantitative ranking to prioritise core areas and corridors for these focal species. Finally, we produced maps of multispecies core areas and corridors, and identified gaps in the existing protected area network (PAN). We found that ungulates were generally more effective than carnivores in serving as umbrella species for core habitat protection, with Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) emerging as the most effective umbrella for core habitats and muntjac (Muntiacus muntjac) for dispersal corridors. We identified six focal connectivity indicator species in Bhutan: tiger (Panthera tigris), dhole (Cuon alpinus), clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus), Asian elephant, and sambar deer (Rusa unicolor). Most indicator species’ core areas and dispersal corridors outside the PAN were in southern Bhutan, indicating opportunities for increased multispecies connectivity through expanding protected area network in this region. A total of 40% of multispecies core areas and 24% of dispersal corridors were under PAN, with large parts of Bhutan offering suitable core areas and corridors for multispecies conservation. Core areas and corridors of the 15 considered species only partially overlapped, stressing the importance of multi-species consideration in designating wildlife corridors.

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Understanding the prospects of human-wildlife coexistence: a conceptual framework

Thapa,

Mukherjee,

Pradhan

et al. 2024

Biodivers Conserv

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Conservation potential of non-protected area for sympatric carnivores in Bhutan

Cited by 4 publications

References 57 publications

The Minimal Impact of Anthropogenic Disturbances on the Spatial Activities of Leopard Cats in Xinlong, China

The Minimal Impact of Anthropogenic Disturbances on the Spatial Activities of Leopard Cats in Xinlong, China

Identifying umbrella and indicator species to support multispecies population connectivity in a Himalayan biodiversity hotspot

Understanding the prospects of human-wildlife coexistence: a conceptual framework

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