Abstract:

Aims: The white-cheeked macaque (Macaca leucogenys), a primate species of the genus Macaca, is classified as a Class II National Protected Animal in China. It is a newly discovered mammal species, first identified and named by Chinese scholars in the Medog area in 2015. Due to its limited distribution range and small population size, research on the habitat suitability of Macaca leucogenys remains scarce. 

Methods: To understand the distribution patterns of Macaca leucogenys, this study integrated infrared camera surveys and sample line data, with multiple environmental variables, including canopy height, human influence index (HII), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), elevation, aspect, slope, and 19 bioclimatic factors. We applied the MaxEnt model to systematically analyze the species’ current habitat distribution and key influencing factors within the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon National Nature Reserve, Xizang. Additionally, we predicted habitat change trends based on the habitat conditions of the region under different future climate scenarios. 

Results: (1) The MaxEnt models, fitted with the selected factors, achieved an AUC (area under the curve) value of 0.924, indicating a high level of prediction accuracy; (2) the key environmental variables affecting the current distribution of Macaca leucogenys were precipitation of wettest month (bio 13), human influence index (HII), temperature annual range (bio 7) and precipitation seasonality (bio 15); (3) under current climate conditions, the most suitable habitats for Macaca leucogenys are primarily concentrated in the experimental area of the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon National Nature Reserve, with some high-suitability areas extending into Damu core area; (4) under future climate scenarios (SSP1-2.6 and SSP3-7.0) for the 2050s, the suitable habitat area for Macaca leucogenys is projected to increase compared to the current climate conditions. 

Conclusion: This study provides theoretical and foundational data for understanding the current and future distribution of Macaca leucogenys, which is important for designing effective conservation strategies for this endangered species.

Key words: Macaca leucogenys, Xizang Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon National Nature Reserve, MaxEnt model, habitat suitability evaluation, climate change