Degradation of tropical forest in Hainan, China, 1991–2008: Conservation implications for Hainan Gibbon (Nomascus hainanus)

Zhang, Mingxia; Fellowes, John R.; Jiang, Xuelong; Wei, Wang; Chan, Bosco Pui Lok; Ren, Guopeng; Jian-guo, Zhu

doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2010.03.014

Cited by 65 publications

(60 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…Human population growth rates in Hainan, Yunnan and Guangxi, the three Chinese provinces that still contain native gibbon populations, increased by over 200, 125-150 and 125-150%, respectively, during the second half of the twentieth century, with concomitant increases in industrialization, and populations are predicted to continue growing into the future, with severe implications for persistence of natural habitats [Yang et al, 1987;Wang, 2000]. This problem may also be exacerbated by the possibility that some surviving Chinese gibbon populations, notably the last remaining population of Hainan gibbons in Bawangling National Nature Reserve, may already be persisting in suboptimal habitat fragments due to regional loss of more suitable forest environments and lack of habitat connectivity [Chan et al, 2005;Fellowes et al, 2008;Zhang et al, 2010].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using Ecological Niche Modelling to Predict Spatial and Temporal Distribution Patterns in Chinese Gibbons: Lessons from the Present and the Past

Chatterjee¹,

Tse²,

Turvey³

2012

IJFP

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Ecological niche modelling (ENM) is used to predict species’ tolerance to changing environmental conditions. Understanding changes in the spatial distribution of species across time is essential in order to develop effective conservation strategies. Here we map the past and present distribution of gibbons across China, a country experiencing extensive anthropogenic habitat destruction and ongoing biodiversity loss. The distribution of gibbons across three time intervals is described based on fossil, historical and modern-day data, and ENM, implemented using DIVA-GIS, is used to predict how modern-day gibbon distributions might respond to future climate change. Predictions based on modern-day data alone fail to reveal patterns of environmental tolerance and geographical distribution shown by gibbons in the relatively recent historical period, emphasizing the need to incorporate past as well as present data in conservation analyses.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using Ecological Niche Modelling to Predict Spatial and Temporal Distribution Patterns in Chinese Gibbons: Lessons from the Present and the Past

Chatterjee¹,

Tse²,

Turvey³

2012

IJFP

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“…Moreover, Hainan shares a strong historical and biotic connection with Southeast Asia, especially the Philippines and Malaysia, rather than mainland China, indicated by the distribution patterns and genetic analysis of plants and animals (Su et al 2007;Chen 2009;Dong 2009;Chen and Sun 2010). Unfortunately, land-cover changes have already resulted in substantial forest loss in Hainan (Zhang et al 2000), which then can lead to the loss of biodiversity (Zhang et al 2000(Zhang et al , 2010Li et al 2007;Cai et al 2009). But the lack of clear understanding of the land-cover changes and status of fragmentation makes it difficult for conservation management practices to prevent further loss of habitat and biodiversity.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Deforestation and fragmentation of natural forests in the upper Changhua watershed, Hainan, China: implications for biodiversity conservation

Zhai

Cannon

Dai

et al. 2014

Environ Monit Assess

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Hainan, the largest tropical island in China, belongs to the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. The Changhua watershed is a center of endemism for plants and birds and the cradle of Hainan's main rivers. However, this area has experienced recent and ongoing deforestation and habitat fragmentation. To quantify habitat loss and fragmentation of natural forests, as well as the land-cover changes in the Changhua watershed, we analyzed Landsat images obtained in 1988, 1995, and 2005. Land-cover dynamics analysis showed that natural forests increased in area (97,909 to 104,023 ha) from 1988 to 1995 but decreased rapidly to 76,306 ha over the next decade. Rubber plantations increased steadily throughout the study period while pulp plantations rapidly expanded after 1995. Similar patterns of land cover change were observed in protected areas, indicating a lack of enforcement. Natural forests conversion to rubber and pulp plantations has a general negative effect on biodiversity, primarily through habitat fragmentation. The fragmentation analysis showed that natural forests area was reduced and patch number increased, while patch size and connectivity decreased. These land-cover changes threatened local biodiversity, especially island endemic species. Both natural forests losses and fragmentation should be stopped by strict enforcement to prevent further damage. Preserving the remaining natural forests and enforcing the status of protected areas should be a management priority to maximize the watershed's biodiversity conservation value.

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“…Unprecedented increase in anthropogenic activities since globalization and subsequent industrialization and urbanization has reportedly lead to a corresponding decline and degradation of tropical forest ecosystems of the world (Eraldo et al 2010, Mingxia et al 2010, Vaidyanathana et al 2010.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Carbon stock in Kolli forests, Eastern Ghats (India) with emphasis on aboveground biomass, litter, woody debris and soils

Mohanraj¹,

Saravanan²,

Dhanakumar³

2011

iForest

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Degradation of tropical forest in Hainan, China, 1991–2008: Conservation implications for Hainan Gibbon (Nomascus hainanus)

Cited by 65 publications

References 30 publications

Using Ecological Niche Modelling to Predict Spatial and Temporal Distribution Patterns in Chinese Gibbons: Lessons from the Present and the Past

Using Ecological Niche Modelling to Predict Spatial and Temporal Distribution Patterns in Chinese Gibbons: Lessons from the Present and the Past

Deforestation and fragmentation of natural forests in the upper Changhua watershed, Hainan, China: implications for biodiversity conservation

Carbon stock in Kolli forests, Eastern Ghats (India) with emphasis on aboveground biomass, litter, woody debris and soils

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