Abstract:
The small mammalian fauna plays pivotal roles in ecosystem dynamics and as crucial biodiversity indicators. However, recent research has raised concerns about the decline of mammalian species due to climate change. Consequently, significant attention is directed toward studying various big flagship mammalian species for conservation. However, small mammals such as the hog badgers (Mustelidae: Arctonyx) remain understudied regarding the impacts of climate change in Asia. The present study offers a comprehensive analysis of climate change effects on two mainland hog badger species, utilizing ensemble species distribution modeling. Findings reveal concerning outcomes, as only 52% of the IUCN extent is deemed suitable for the Great Hog Badger (Arctonyx collaris) and a mere 17% is ideal for the Northern Hog Badger (Arctonyx albogularis). Notably, projections suggest a potential reduction of over 26% in suitable areas for both species under future climate scenarios, with the most severe decline anticipated in the high-emission scenario of SSP585. These declines translate into evident habitat fragmentation, particularly impacting A. collaris, whose patches shrink substantially, contrasting with the relatively stable patches of A. albogularis. However, despite their differences, niche overlap analysis reveals an intriguing increase in overlap between the two species, indicating potential ecological shifts. The study underscores the importance of integrating climate change and habitat fragmentation considerations into conservation strategies, urging a reassessment of the IUCN status of A. albogularis. The insights gained from this research are crucial for improving protection measures by ensuring adequate legal safeguards and maintaining ecological corridors between viable habitat patches, which are essential for the conservation of hog badgers across mainland Asia. Furthermore, emphasizing the urgency of proactive efforts, particularly in countries with suitable habitats can help safeguard these small mammalian species and their ecosystems from the detrimental impacts of climate change.
摘要:
小型哺乳动物动物区系在生态系统动态中起着关键作用,并作为关键的生物多样性指标。然而,最近的研究引起了人们对气候变化引起的哺乳动物数量减少的担忧。因此,人们非常重视研究各种大型旗舰哺乳动物物种的保护。然而,小型哺乳动物,例如猪s(Mustelidae:Arctonyx)在亚洲气候变化的影响方面仍未得到充分研究。本研究全面分析了气候变化对两种大陆猪of的影响,利用集合物种分布模型。调查结果揭示了关于结果的问题,因为只有52%的IUCN范围被认为适合大猪Badger(Arctonyxcollaris),而只有17%适合北猪Badger(Arctonyxalbogularis)。值得注意的是,预测表明,在未来的气候情景下,这两种物种的合适区域可能会减少26%以上,在SSP585的高排放情景中,预计下降最严重。这些下降转化为明显的栖息地碎片化,特别是影响A.collaris,其贴片大幅收缩,与相对稳定的A.albogularis斑块形成对比。然而,尽管存在分歧,生态位重叠分析揭示了两个物种之间重叠的有趣增加,表明潜在的生态变化。该研究强调了将气候变化和栖息地碎片化考虑纳入保护战略的重要性,敦促重新评估自然保护联盟的A.albogularis地位。从这项研究中获得的见解对于通过确保适当的法律保障和维持可行的栖息地之间的生态走廊来改善保护措施至关重要。这对于整个亚洲大陆的猪s的保护至关重要。此外,强调积极努力的紧迫性,特别是在有适当栖息地的国家,可以帮助保护这些小型哺乳动物物种及其生态系统免受气候变化的有害影响。