Abstract:

Aims: This study aims to systematically compile the inventory of terrestrial mammals in Hainan Province, clarify the taxonomic status of certain species, and provide scientific references for the conservation and management of biodiversity in Hainan. 

Methods: We systematically collected literature data on the classification and distribution of terrestrial mammals in Hainan Province over the past few decades. The study integrates field survey data, infrared camera monitoring data, and refers to the most recent references, including the Catalogue of mammals in China (2024) and Diversity of China’s Mammals Inventory, Distribution and Conservation. 

Results: The main results are as follows: (1) A total of 97 species of terrestrial mammals in Hainan Province, belonging to 9 orders, 26 families, and 61 genera. Chiroptera species dominate, followed by Rodentia. (2) Among the 97 species, 6 are first-class nationally protected rare wild mammals, and 11 are second-class national protection. Additionally, 7 species are endemic to Hainan Province. According to the IUCN Red List (2021), 2 species are Critically Endangered (CR), 3 are Endangered (EN), 5 are Vulnerable (VU), and 6 are Near Threatened (NT), totaling 10 threatened species, which represents 11.3% of the total species. (3) From the perspective of faunal regions, 85 species belong to the Oriental realm, 9 species belong to the Palearctic realm, and 3 species are widely distributed. The Oriental realm accounts for 88% of the terrestrial mammal species in Hainan, showing absolute dominance. (4) A comparison with the 2009 Catalogue of Hainan Island's Mammals reveals 22 newly added species, including Chiromyscus langbians, Chiropodomys gliroides, Rattus andamanensis, Rattus exulans, Crocidura rapax, Eonycteris spelaea, Lyroderma lyra, Hipposideros pomona, Hipposideros pratti, Rhinolophus shortridgei, Miniopterus fuliginosus, Kerivoula furva, Harpiocephalus harpia, Murina aurata, Murina eleryi, Murina harrisoni, Myotis chinensis, Myotis davidii, Myotis horsfieldii, Myotis siligorensis, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, and Pipistrellus tenuis, while 75 species from the previous catalog remain. 

Conclusion: This study through the compilation and updating of the terrestrial mammal species inventory of Hainan Province, provides foundational support for regional wildlife conservation and management efforts.

Key words: Hainan, terrestrial mammal, species diversity, fauna