Predicting the Potential Distribution of the Szechwan Rat Snake (Euprepiophis perlacea) and Its Response to Climate Change in the Yingjing Area of the Giant Panda National Park

Abstract

Climate change is a significant driver of changes in the distribution patterns of species and poses a threat to biodiversity, potentially resulting in species extinctions. Investigating the potential distribution of rare and endangered species is crucial for understanding their responses to climate change and for the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem management. The Szechwan rat snake (Euprepiophis perlacea) is an endemic and endangered species co-distributed with giant pandas, and studying its potential distribution contributes to a better understanding of the distribution pattern of endangered species. In this study, we confirmed seven presence points of this species in the Yingjing Area of the Giant Panda National Park, and selected eleven key factors to predict the potential distribution of E. perlacea under current and future scenarios using MaxEnt models. Our study consistently achieved AUC values exceeding 0.79, meeting the precision requirements of the models. The results indicated that the high potential distribution area of E. perlacea is mainly located near Yunwu mountain and the giant panda rewilding and reintroduction base, accounting for approximately 12% of the protected area. Moreover, we identified the primary environmental factors influencing the distribution of E. perlacea as the distance from streams and the slope degree, with their contribution rates exceeding 41% and 31%, respectively. In comparison to the current scenario, the potential habitat range for E. perlacea did not show an overall reduction in the context of future climate scenarios. To ensure the long-term preservation of E. perlacea, it is advisable to validate its actual distribution based on the models’ results. Particular attention should be given to safeguarding its core distribution areas and raising awareness among residents within the potential distribution range about the conservation of E. perlacea.

Assessing Reptile Conservation Status under Global Climate Change

“…Species Distribution Models (SDMs) are invaluable tools for predicting the potential distribution of species in both current and future environmental conditions [ 35 , 36 ]. SDMs have been widely used to predict shifts in the ranges of endangered species under climate change and to inform ecosystem management strategies [ 37 , 38 , 39 ]. Among the various species distribution models, the MaxEnt model is preferred for its precision in predicted outcomes and its spatiotemporal extrapolation capabilities [ 40 ].…”

Potential Distribution and Identification of Critical Areas for the Preservation and Recovery of Three Species of Cinchona L. (Rubiaceae) in Northeastern Peru

“…The MaxEnt algorithm has been used extensively in modelling the distribution of various species, addressing present conditions and climate change scenarios [28]. It has been applied in a wide range of contexts, such as plant conservation, especially for endangered and endemic species [29][30][31][32][33][34]. It has also been useful in modeling the distribution of invasive species, forestry management, and agriculture [35][36][37][38].…”

Identification of Rare Wildlife in the Field Environment Based on the Improved YOLOv5 Model

“…Drastic changes in the global environment have sparked an unprecedented decline in biodiversity. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature assesses that over 28% of the world's species are now threatened with extinction [1,2]. As technology continues to advance, wildlife monitoring techniques will be crucial for scientists to investigate, protect, and care for rare wildlife and the natural world in the years ahead [3].…”