Dataset Information

The Genetic Status of the Critically Endangered Hainan Gibbon (Nomascus hainanus): A Species Moving Toward Extinction.

ABSTRACT: The Hainan gibbon (Nomascus hainanus), once widespread across Hainan, China, is now found only in the Bawangling National Nature Reserve. With a remaining population size of 33 individuals, it is the world's rarest primate. Habitat loss and fragmentation are the primary drivers of Hainan gibbon population decline. In this study, we integrated data based on field investigations and genotype analyses of 10 microsatellite loci (from fecal samples) to assess genetic diversity in this Critically Endangered primate species. We found that the genetic diversity of the Hainan gibbon is extremely low, with 7 of 8 microsatellite loci exhibiting decreased diversity. Additional molecular analyses are consistent with field observations indicating that individuals in groups A, B, and C are closely related, the female-male sex ratios of the offspring deviates significantly from 1:1, and the world's remaining Hainan gibbon population is expected to experience continued high levels of inbreeding in the future. Given extensive habitat loss (99.9% of its natural range has been deforested) and fragmentation, this rarest ape species faces impending extinction unless corrective measures are implemented immediately.

SUBMITTER: Guo Y

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7746834 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

The Genetic Status of the Critically Endangered Hainan Gibbon (<i>Nomascus hainanus</i>): A Species Moving Toward Extinction.

Guo Yanqing Y Chang Jiang J Han Ling L Liu Tao T Li Gang G Garber Paul A PA Xiao Ning N Zhou Jiang J

Frontiers in genetics 20201204

The Hainan gibbon (<i>Nomascus hainanus</i>), once widespread across Hainan, China, is now found only in the Bawangling National Nature Reserve. With a remaining population size of 33 individuals, it is the world's rarest primate. Habitat loss and fragmentation are the primary drivers of Hainan gibbon population decline. In this study, we integrated data based on field investigations and genotype analyses of 10 microsatellite loci (from fecal samples) to assess genetic diversity in this Critical ...[more]

PMID: 33343642

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Project description:IntroductionTo achieve effective conservation objectives, it is crucial to map biodiversity patterns and hotspots while considering multiple influencing factors. However, focusing solely on biodiversity hotspots is inadequate for species conservation on a landscape scale. This emphasizes the importance of integrating hotspots with the home ranges of species to identify priority conservation areas.MethodsCompiling the vegetation data with environmental and anthropogenic disturbance data collected from kilometer-grid plots in Bawangling Nature Reserve, Hainan, China, we analyzed the spatial distribution of plant diversity (species richness and Shannon-Wiener index), as well as the main drivers affecting these patterns. We also investigated the spatial distribution of hotspots using a threshold approach and compared them with the home ranges of the flagship species, Hainan gibbon (Nomascus hainanus).ResultClimate and soil are predominant drivers shaping the spatial pattern of plant diversity in Bawangling Nature Reserve, surpassing the influence of anthropogenic disturbance and topographic factors. Both diversity indices exhibit a generally similar pattern with exceptions in surrounding areas of Futouling and Elongling. The hotspots identified by the Shannon-Wiener index showed a higher spatial overlap with the home ranges of Hainan gibbon compared to the species richness hotspots. The recently established Hainan gibbon Group E in 2019, located 8 km away from the original Futouling habitat, does not coincide with identified hotspots.DiscussionOur findings indicate that the hotspots of plant diversity within the habitat of Hainan gibbon Group E are relatively limited, emphasizing the necessity of giving precedence to its conservation. Integrating hotspots with the home ranges of critically endangered species offers decision-makers valuable information to establish rational conservation networks in the context of changing environments, as well as a reference for habitat restoration of species.

Dataset Information

The Genetic Status of the Critically Endangered Hainan Gibbon (Nomascus hainanus): A Species Moving Toward Extinction.

Publications

The Genetic Status of the Critically Endangered Hainan Gibbon (<i>Nomascus hainanus</i>): A Species Moving Toward Extinction.

Similar Datasets

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