Effects of habitat fragmentation and human disturbance on the population dynamics of the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey from 1994 to 2016

From 1994 to 2016, the population of the endangered Yunnan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) increased from fewer than 2,000 to around 3,000 individuals, driven largely by the establishment of protected nature reserves. However, habitat fragmentation and human disturbance negatively impacted population growth, with uneven subpopulation dynamics and reduced genetic diversity in some regions. The study recommends prioritizing conservation efforts for genetically distinct populations like Baimei and Jisichang while expanding migration corridors to connect larger source populations, such as Guyoulong (Guilong), to smaller ones. This approach ensures not only population growth but also the preservation of genetic diversity, which is critical for long-term survival.

Zhao, X., Ren, B., Li, D., Xiang, Z., Garber, P. A., & Li, M. (2019). Effects of habitat fragmentation and human disturbance on the population dynamics of the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey from 1994 to 2016. PeerJ, 7, e6633. Portico. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.6633