Abstract:

Aims: Local key protected wildlife lists are the foundation for provincial-level authorities to implement scientific conservation and effective management of wild animals. These lists include species protected at provincial, autonomous regional, or municipal level, excluding those under national key protection. The List of Local Key Protected Wild Animals of Hunan Province, published in 2002, has remained unchanged for over two decades. Following the release of the updated List of State Key Protected Wild Animals and the List of Terrestrial Wildlife with Important Ecological, Scientific and Social Values by the State Council, it is crucial to adjust and revise the provincial-level lists to reflect new conservation priorities and ecological conditions. To improve the scientific rigor and rationality of such updates, a quantitative, systematic method for prioritizing species is urgently needed.

Methods: This study first compiled, organized, and classified terrestrial wildlife survey data from Hunan Province. A species prioritization evaluation system was then constructed using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), based on 12 indicators: population size, population trend, distribution range, provincial threat status, national threatened status, international threatened status, attention, resemblance, habitat status, ecological value, ornamental value, and scientific value. Each indicator was assigned a score, generating a preliminary list of priority species for protection. Expert evaluations were subsequently conducted to review and refine the list. Based on expert consultations, review feedback, and public input, minor adjustments were made to finalize the new List of Local Key Protected Wild Animals of Hunan Province, official released in August 2023.

Results: The preliminary terrestrial vertebrate list generated through this method included 265 species across 4 classes, 24 orders, and 77 families, comprising 37 newly added species, 97 species removed, and 228 retained. The officially published version included 270 species in 79 families and 24 orders. Differences between the two lists were minimal: 9 reptile and 4 amphibian species were excluded, while 14 bird species, 2 snake species, and 2 frog species were added.

Perspective: This study represents a shift from traditional expert-based species selection toward a scientific, quantitative evaluation approach, supplemented by expert review and public consultation. The method enhances the objectivity, accuracy, and taxonomic balance of local key protected wildlife lists. It is practical and applicable for similar revisions in other provincial-level regions.

Key words: local key protected wildlife, analytic hierarchy process, wildlife list adjustment, species priority conservation, evaluation index system