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Zhu M, Zhao Y, Li W, Han X, Wang Z, Yang X, Dang C, Liu Y, Xu S. Impact of carbon neutralization policy on the suitable habitat distribution of the North China leopard. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18821. [PMID: 39138239 PMCID: PMC11322554 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69889-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The Chinese government has introduced a carbon neutral policy to cope with the rapid changes in the global climate. It is not clear what impact this policy will have on wildlife. Therefore, this study analyzed the suitable habitat distribution of China's unique leopard subspecies in northern Shaanxi, and simulated the potential suitable habitat distribution under different carbon emission scenarios at two time points of future carbon peak and carbon neutralization. We found that in the future SSPs 126 scenario, the suitable habitat area and the number of suitable habitat patches of North China leopard will continue to increase. With the increase of carbon emissions, it is expected that the suitable habitat of North China leopard will continue to be fragmented and shifted. When the annual average temperature is lower than 8 °C, the precipitation seasonality is 80-90 mm and the precipitation of the warmest quarter is greater than 260 mm, the probability of occurrence of North China leopard is higher. The increase in carbon emissions will lead to the reduction, migration, and fragmentation of the suitable habitat distribution of the North China leopard. Carbon neutrality policies can protect suitable wild habitats. In the future, the impact of carbon neutrality policies on future wildlife habitat protection should be carried out in depth to effectively promote the construction of wildlife protection projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Ecology of Loess Plateau, Shaanxi Province, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, Shaanxi, China.
- Research and Development Centre of Ecological and Sustainable Application of Microbial Industry of the Loess Plateau in Shaanxi Province, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, Shaanxi, China.
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Yue Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Applied Ecology of Loess Plateau, Shaanxi Province, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, Shaanxi, China
- Research and Development Centre of Ecological and Sustainable Application of Microbial Industry of the Loess Plateau in Shaanxi Province, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, Shaanxi, China
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Weiqiang Li
- Yan'an Laoshan State-Owned Forest Administration, Yan'an, 716000, China
| | - Xinghua Han
- Shaanxi Yan'an Huanglong Mountain Brown Eared Pheasant National Nature Reserve Management Bureau, Yan'an, 716000, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Yan'an Laoshan State-Owned Forest Administration, Yan'an, 716000, China
| | - Xiaomei Yang
- Shaanxi Yan'an Huanglong Mountain Brown Eared Pheasant National Nature Reserve Management Bureau, Yan'an, 716000, China
| | - Cuiying Dang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Ecology of Loess Plateau, Shaanxi Province, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, Shaanxi, China
- Research and Development Centre of Ecological and Sustainable Application of Microbial Industry of the Loess Plateau in Shaanxi Province, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, Shaanxi, China
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yaoguo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Ecology of Loess Plateau, Shaanxi Province, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, Shaanxi, China
- Research and Development Centre of Ecological and Sustainable Application of Microbial Industry of the Loess Plateau in Shaanxi Province, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, Shaanxi, China
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shicai Xu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Ecology of Loess Plateau, Shaanxi Province, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, Shaanxi, China
- Research and Development Centre of Ecological and Sustainable Application of Microbial Industry of the Loess Plateau in Shaanxi Province, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, Shaanxi, China
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, Shaanxi, China
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Wang W, Wronski T, Yang L. The Status of Wildlife Damage Compensation in China. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:292. [PMID: 38254461 PMCID: PMC10812642 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The conservation management of natural ecosystems in China has significantly improved in recent decades, resulting in the effective protection of wildlife and the restoration of habitats. With the rapid growth in wildlife populations and corresponding range expansions, incidents of human-wildlife conflict have notably increased across China. However, only a few studies have paid adequate attention to wildlife damage management and compensation. In our review, we focus on the foremost mitigation measure to combat human-wildlife conflict, i.e., compensation for damage caused by wildlife. We conducted a questionnaire survey and an in-depth review of the literature across 19 Chinese provinces and autonomous regions, resulting in a total of 78 relevant sources. We first introduce the concept of wildlife damage compensation in China, followed by a review of Chinese legislation and policies regarding wildlife damage compensation. We compiled a comprehensive list of nuisance species, and we showcase four case studies in which we exemplarily describe the current situation of wildlife damage compensation. We reflect on difficulties and challenges such as delayed damage assessments or compensation quotas that do not correspond to current market prices. Since local legislation is often insufficient or completely absent, we make suggestions on how to improve existing policies and compensation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxia Wang
- Research Institute of Forestry Policy and Information, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China;
| | - Torsten Wronski
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, James Parsons Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Liangliang Yang
- Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
- Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Conservation of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing 100091, China
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Liu M, Wang Y, Xia F, Bu H, Liu Y, Shen X, Li S. Free-ranging livestock altered the spatiotemporal behavior of the endangered North Chinese leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis) and its prey and intensified human-leopard conflicts. Integr Zool 2023; 18:143-156. [PMID: 35195342 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Widespread distribution of livestock in the natural habitats of large carnivores may negatively impact carnivore populations by reducing wild prey availability and increasing human-carnivore conflicts. In this study, we used camera-trapping data collected in the temperate forests of the Taihang Mountains in North China during 2016-2019 to examine whether and how free-ranging cattle affected habitat use and Diel activity patterns of the endangered North Chinese leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis) and its 2 wild prey species, Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus), and wild boar (Sus scrofa). Residents were also interviewed to record livestock depredation events by leopards during 2015-2019. We found that roe deer spatially avoided sites frequented by cattle, but wild boar did not. In the growing seasons, leopards shared habitats with cattle and tended to increase their diurnal activities where cattle were present. All 3 study species exhibited fine-scale spatial-temporal segregation to cattle. Leopards selectively preyed on calves over adult cattle and livestock depredation frequency was positively correlated with the detection rates of cattle and wild prey, but not that of leopard. These findings not only show that through behavioral adaption large carnivores and their ungulate prey may persist under livestock disturbance, but also highlight how important proper livestock management is for conserving North Chinese leopards in this region. To enhance livestock management and mitigate human-leopard conflicts, we recommend specific actions, such as better guarding of free-ranging cattle or adoption of a captive farming system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhang Liu
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Lab, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Ecology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiqing Wang
- Chinese Felid Conservation Alliance, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Xia
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Lab, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Ecology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Chinese Felid Conservation Alliance, Beijing, China
| | - Hongliang Bu
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Lab, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Ecology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanlin Liu
- Chinese Felid Conservation Alliance, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoli Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Lab, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Ecology, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Liang G, Liu J, Niu H, Ding S. Influence of land use changes on landscape connectivity for North China leopard ( Panthera pardus japonensis). Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9429. [PMID: 36311388 PMCID: PMC9596324 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
North China leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis) is the most widespread subspecies of leopard and one of the rare and endangered species in China. It is currently confined to several isolated natural reserves, and little is known about its habitat network connectivity with land use changes. This study was conducted to assess the impacts of land use changes on landscape connectivity for North China leopard in the Great Taihang Region. Circuit theory-based connectivity models and least-cost path analyses were used to delineate pathways suitable for species movement, and evaluate the impacts of land use changes on landscape connectivity. The results revealed that there were 37 least-cost paths in 1990 and 38 in 2020. The area of forest land increased from 57,142.74 km2 to 74,836.64 km2, with the percentage increasing from 26.61% to 34.85%. In general, the increase in forest land area promoted the landscape connectivity for North China leopard at broad spatial scales. The improvement of landscape connectivity was not always consistent with the land use changes, and there was a slightly decreasing trend on connectivity in some key movement barrier areas with high intensity of human activities. Improving landscape connectivity at broad spatial scales is as important as protecting the habitats (natural reserves) where the species lives. Our study can serve as an example of exploring the relationships between land use changes and landscape connectivity for species conservation at broad spatial scales with limited movement pattern data. This information is proved to be critical for enhancing landscape connectivity for the conservation concern of North China leopard and planning of natural reserves network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guofu Liang
- Key Laboratory of Geospatial Technology for Middle and Lower Yellow River RegionsHenan University, Ministry of EducationKaifengChina
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Environment and Planning EducationHenan UniversityKaifengChina
| | - Jingzhen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Geospatial Technology for Middle and Lower Yellow River RegionsHenan University, Ministry of EducationKaifengChina
| | - Hanbo Niu
- Key Laboratory of Geospatial Technology for Middle and Lower Yellow River RegionsHenan University, Ministry of EducationKaifengChina
| | - Shengyan Ding
- Key Laboratory of Geospatial Technology for Middle and Lower Yellow River RegionsHenan University, Ministry of EducationKaifengChina
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Threats to Site Occupation of Carnivores: A Spatiotemporal Encroachment of Non-native Species on the Native Carnivore Community in A Human-dominated Protected Area. Zool Stud 2021; 60:e52. [PMID: 35414832 PMCID: PMC8924701 DOI: 10.6620/zs.2021.60-52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Interspecific interactions of commensal non-native species such as domestic dogs and livestock with native wildlife are evident issues in protected areas (PAs). We studied spatiotemporal interactions by combining camera trap photographic sampling over three years. We used a generic multiseason occupancy and co-occurrence analysis and kernel density estimates of temporal activity. We accumulated a total of 1,305 and 1,557 independent photo-captures respectively for non-native and carnivore species during 26,216 trap nights. We found that non-native and carnivore species did not show substantial changes in occupancy rate over time. Yet both kinds of species were frequently detected. Carnivores had lower values of occupancy equilibrium than non-native species in seasons one and two. Domestic dogs directly occurred with native carnivores (except with leopards in season one), while the human and livestock presence displayed direct (Species Interaction Factors > 1) and indirect (Species Interaction Factors close to 1) co-occurrence, respectively, with the leopard and two mesocarnivores. The leopard cat was the least spatially influenced carnivore by the non-native species interactions. Furthermore, the leopard had higher temporal overlap (high Δ4) with all non-native species than the leopard cat and red fox (low Δ4). Our study exposes the negative impact of free-ranging non-native species across this protected area on native carnivore occupancy. An evaluation of the interconnections among non-native and carnivore species across diverse PA management regimes is crucial to develop robust landscape-scale conservation strategies.
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Akrim F, Mahmood T, Belant JL, Nadeem MS, Qasim S, Zangi IUD, Asadi MA. Livestock depredations by leopards in Pir Lasura National Park, Pakistan: characteristics, control and costs. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Faraz Akrim
- F. Akrim ✉ , Dept of Zoology, Univ. of Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan
| | - Tariq Mahmood
- T. Mahmood, S. Qasim, I.-U.-D. Zangi and M. A. Asadi, Dept of Wildlife Management, PMAS-Arid Agriculture Univ., Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Jerrold L. Belant
- J. L. Belant, Global Wildlife Conservation Center, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State Univ. of New York, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | | | - Siddiqa Qasim
- T. Mahmood, S. Qasim, I.-U.-D. Zangi and M. A. Asadi, Dept of Wildlife Management, PMAS-Arid Agriculture Univ., Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Imad-Ul-Din Zangi
- T. Mahmood, S. Qasim, I.-U.-D. Zangi and M. A. Asadi, Dept of Wildlife Management, PMAS-Arid Agriculture Univ., Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Arslan Asadi
- T. Mahmood, S. Qasim, I.-U.-D. Zangi and M. A. Asadi, Dept of Wildlife Management, PMAS-Arid Agriculture Univ., Rawalpindi, Pakistan
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