Prediction of the potential dispersal corridors for Gaoligong hoolock gibbon in northern Yingjiang, Yunnan, China

Abstract

Ecological corridors are crucial for wildlife survival and development, providing niches, shelter, food, and protection that enable species to thrive and migrate. This study addresses the vulnerable status of the Gaoligong hoolock gibbon (Hoolock tianxing) population in China, which has undergone a significant decline due to habitat loss and fragmentation, resulting in 15 isolated subpopulations. To conserve the H. tianxing population through habitat restoration and corridor development, we conducted a detailed analysis of habitat patches occupied by 20 H. tianxing groups in northern Yingjiang, Yunnan. We applied a least-cost path model, enhanced by various modeling techniques, to identify potential corridors. Our findings show that integrating the Linkage Mapper Toolbox with the MaxEnt model significantly improves the accuracy of corridor identification. This approach identified 26 potential dispersal corridors crucial for maintaining connectivity among H. tianxing populations. Furthermore, we employed a circuit theory model to identify key pinch points facilitating H. tianxing dispersal and to locate barriers hindering their movement. We found that barriers to gibbon dispersal were primarily concentrated in the Lamahe area, especially near existing roads. Consequently, constructing corridors in this area is crucial for the effective conservation of H. tianxing. This study provides both a blueprint for H. tianxing conservation strategies in northern Yingjiang and identifies key protection areas, establishing a comprehensive framework for corridor construction. The insights gained from this research significantly enhance our understanding of conservation strategies and management practices specifically tailored to the ecological needs of H. tianxing populations.