The potential distribution and disappearing of Yunnan snub-nosed monkey: Influences of habitat fragmentation

A study predicts that the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) could inhabit 7,412.82 km² of evergreen needle-leaf forests in the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, yet only 4,164.58 km² is currently occupied. The research used species distribution models (BIOMOD2 and FRAGSTATS 4.2) to analyze habitat fragmentation, revealing that inhabited areas have lower patch density but larger continuous patches compared to uninhabited suitable habitats. Despite conservation efforts, historical logging and infrastructure development have caused local extinctions in some suitable zones. The study recommends establishing a national park for the species and protecting empty yet potential habitats for future reintroduction, emphasizing the need for ongoing habitat monitoring.

Xia, W., Zhang, C., Zhuang, H., Ren, B., Zhou, J., Shen, J., Krzton, A., Luan, X., & Li, D. (2020). The potential distribution and disappearing of Yunnan snub-nosed monkey: Influences of habitat fragmentation. Global Ecology and Conservation, 21, e00835. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00835