Identifying refugia and corridors under climate change conditions for the Sichuan snub‐nosed monkey ( Rhinopithecus roxellana ) in Hubei Province, China

A significant habitat loss of 67.2% is projected for the Sichuan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) in Hubei Province, China, by the 2050s due to climate change. The study identifies critical refugia areas totaling 286 km² within Shennongjia National Park and Badong Natural Reserve, which could sustain the population despite future climate shifts. Using bioclimatic models, circuit theory, and least-cost corridors, researchers mapped potential dispersal paths for the species to move between current and future suitable habitats. This assessment underscores the importance of prioritizing conservation efforts in these refugia and connecting corridors to maintain habitat connectivity and ensure the survival of this endangered primate under changing climatic conditions.

Zhang, Y., Clauzel, C., Li, J., Xue, Y., Zhang, Y., Wu, G., Giraudoux, P., Li, L., & Li, D. (2019). Identifying refugia and corridors under climate change conditions for the Sichuan snub‐nosed monkey ( Rhinopithecus roxellana ) in Hubei Province, China. Ecology and Evolution, 9(4), 1680–1690. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.4815