Novel procedures to determine where to use ecological restoration to improve and connect habitat for Rhinopithecus roxellana in Shennongjia, China

Researchers have identified five priority areas for ecological restoration to improve habitat connectivity and protect the endangered Rhinopithecus roxellana (golden snub-nosed monkey) in Shennongjia, China. The study combines MaxEnt modeling, change detection, and graph theory to pinpoint degraded or damaged vegetation patches that could be restored to enhance habitat suitability and genetic diversity. By comparing past and current habitat conditions, the team mapped recoverable areas with high conservation value, offering a targeted approach to mitigate fragmentation. This method provides a practical framework for restoring fragmented landscapes, which is increasingly threatened by degradation worldwide.

Lin, L., Qin, S., Wang, Z., Li, T., Deng, Y., & Zhen, L. (2022). Novel procedures to determine where to use ecological restoration to improve and connect habitat for Rhinopithecus roxellana in Shennongjia, China. Ecological Indicators, 145, 109702. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2022.109702