Assessing vulnerability of giant pandas to climate change in the Qinling Mountains of China.

ABSTRACT: Climate change might pose an additional threat to the already vulnerable giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Effective conservation efforts require projections of vulnerability of the giant panda in facing climate change and proactive strategies to reduce emerging climate-related threats. We used the maximum entropy model to assess the vulnerability of giant panda to climate change in the Qinling Mountains of China. The results of modeling included the following findings: (1) the area of suitable habitat for giant pandas was projected to decrease by 281 km² from climate change by the 2050s; (2) the mean elevation of suitable habitat of giant panda was predicted to shift 30 m higher due to climate change over this period; (3) the network of nature reserves protect 61.73%

SUBMITTER: Li J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5468157 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature