Work

Climatic–Anthropogenic Synergy Drives Escalating Minimum Area Requirements and Connectivity‐Protection Mismatch in a Karst‐Endemic Primate

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Understanding the synergistic mechanisms through which climate change and anthropogenic activities affect landscape connectivity is crucial for species persistence. While extensive research has documented their effects on habitat loss and fragmentation, how they drive spatio‐temporal connectivity dynamics remains poorly understood. This study integrated field surveys and the meta‐analytical data to model habitat suitability and quantify spatio‐temporal connectivity of minimum area requirement (MAR) habitats for the karst‐endemic primate François’ langur ( Trachypithecus francoisi ) from 1987 to 2024. It concurrently evaluated the effectiveness of existing protected areas (PAs) in maintaining connectivity. Results revealed a 48.8% reduction in suitable habitat area, with the distribution pattern shifting from continuous to north–south isolation. Habitat centroids migrated northeastward at 1.2 km/year, exceeding the species' dispersal capacity. The MAR habitats threshold increased from 10.59 to 22.56 km 2 , indicating intensifying ecological pressures. Average connectivity probability (PCst) decreased by 18.32%, and equivalent connected area (ECAst) declined by 38,130 km 2 . Crucially, connectivity mechanisms shifted from within‐patch persistence toward greater reliance on direct dispersal and stepping‐stone pathways. Climate change and anthropogenic activities exhibited significant antagonistic effects on connectivity degradation, independent of species‐specific MAR. Existing PAs significantly sustained connectivity, yet static management inadequately protected dynamic priority habitats and dispersal corridors. Through spatially explicit scenario modeling, this study deciphers species connectivity decline mechanisms under multiple stressors. We emphasize optimizing PA networks by reinforcing MAR core patches as ecological stepping stones and constructing climate‐adaptive corridors to enhance functional connectivity, thereby improving conservation resilience for endangered karst‐endemic species.

Source: Integrative Zoology

DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.70006

Authors: Guangmei Yang, Heqin Cao, Tuo Shen, Jipeng Tian, Yixin Diao, Haijun Su

Institution: Guizhou University

Language: English

Topic: Wildlife-Road Interactions and Conservation

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,760