Assessment of Suitable Habitats, Fragmentation Analysis, and Ecological Corridor Identification for Sichuan Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) in Sichuan Province, Southwest China

Abstract

The Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) was found to possess significant scientific and conservation value but faced multiple threats including habitat fragmentation and loss, human disturbance, illegal hunting, and the impacts of climate change on their habitat. To enhance habitat protection for this species, our study utilized field survey data and distribution records from protected areas to systematically evaluate spatial heterogeneity in suitable habitat distribution and habitat quality in Sichuan Province. Integration of 3S technology and ecological modeling allowed for a comprehensive assessment. We found that: (1) The potential habitat area for the species in Sichuan Province covered 78,470.47 km², with suitable and marginally suitable habitats occupying 28,301.36 and 50,169.11 km² respectively. Suitable habitats were predominantly found at elevations of 1600–3200 m, in areas with low population density and minimal human disturbance. (2) Suitable habitats within protected areas accounted for 42.7% of the total suitable habitat area, while marginally suitable habitats within protected areas comprised 24.8% of the total marginally suitable habitat area. (3) Vegetation types most utilized by the species, ranked from highest to lowest preference, were deciduous broadleaf forests, evergreen coniferous forests, evergreen broadleaf forests, mixed coniferous-deciduous forests, and shrublands. Evergreen coniferous forests exhibited the largest patch area and lowest fragmentation, whereas deciduous broadleaf forests showed higher fragmentation within protected areas. (4) Four potential ecological corridors were identified, connecting the Wujiao, Xuebaoding, and Baodinggou nature reserves. Strengthening the protection of suitable habitats and potential ecological corridors would enhance landscape connectivity, facilitating the effective utilization of suitable habitats by the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey. Our findings provided a scientific basis for future conservation and management efforts for the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey.