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Background: Corybas taliensis is an endemic species of sky islands in China. Its habitat is fragile and unstable, and it is likely that the species is threatened. However, it is difficult to determine the conservation priority or unit without knowing the genetic background and the overall distribution of this species. In this study, we used double digest restriction-site associated DNA-sequencing (ddRAD-seq) to investigate the conservation genomics of C. taliensis. At the same time, we modeled the extent of suitable habitat for C. taliensis in present and future (2030 and 2090) habitat using the maximum-entropy (MaxEnt) model. Results: The results suggested that the related C. fanjingshanensis belongs to C. taliensis and should not be considered a separate species. All the sampling locations were divided into three genetic groups: the Sichuan & Guizhou population (SG population), the Hengduan Mountains population (HD population) and Himalayan population (HM population), and we found that there was complex gene flow between the sampling locations of HD population. MT was distinct genetically from the other sampling locations due to the unique environment in Motuo. The genetic diversity (π, He) of C. taliensis was relatively high, but its contemporary effective population size (Ne) was small. C. taliensis might be currently affected by inbreeding depression, although its large population density may be able to reduce the effect of this. The predicted areas of suitable habitat currently found in higher mountains will not change significantly in the future, and these suitable habitats are predicted to spread to other higher mountains under future climate change. However, suitable habitat in relatively low altitude areas may disappear in the future. This suggests that C. taliensis will be caught in a 'summit trap' in low altitude areas, however, in contrast, the high altitude of the Himalaya and the Hengduan Mountains are predicted to act as 'biological refuges' for C. taliensis in the future. Conclusions: These results not only provide a new understanding of the genetic background and potential resource distribution of C. taliensis, but also lay the foundation for its conservation and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imawbum National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, supporting habitat of the Endangered red panda. The National Park is part of the Northern Forest Complex in Kachin State, Myanmar, the Eastern Himalayan Region. Forest degradation and habitat loss resulting from illegal logging are the primary threats to red pandas in the area. Assessments of the species' density and habitat status in Imawbum National Park have been hampered by inadequate data and the difficult and rugged terrain that is present. In this study, we estimated red panda density using a spatial presence–absence model and predicted the area and type of suitable habitat, using an infinite weight logistic regression model. Red panda density was estimated as 58 animals/100 km2 in our study area, with the predicted area of suitable habitat being 1373 km2 inside and 633 km2 outside the park. Elevation and snow cover both positively influenced the probabilities of occurrence and detection, respectively. These results highlight the significance of Imawbum National Park as an important area for red panda habitat and the need to protect and conserve both the national park and the surrounding areas effectively to ensure the species' long-term survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is one of the main threats to many vulnerable species, including the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetnus), due to disruption in biological and ethological responses, hibernation, reproduction, and intraspecific and interspecific interactions. To assess the current and future distribution of the Asiatic black bear in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), we used maximum entropy modeling (MaxEnt) with species presence data and bioclimatic (under two representative concentration pathways i.e., RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) and non-climatic variables. We identified current and future suitable habitats, climate refugia, increased suitable habitat and vulnerable habitat. Our model estimated that a 487,036 km2 area of the HKH is currently suitable for the Asiatic black bear, and projected that 458,060 km2 and 470,368 km2 areas will be suitable under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively, by 2050. The maximum area (of the current suitable habitat) projected as climate refugia under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 was 350,510 km2 and 342,796 km2, respectively. The model projected a shift in the bear's range towards higher elevations, primarily >3500 m under both RCPs with change an average elevation from 2697 m (under current scenario), to 2949 m (under RCP4.5) and 3021 m (under RCP8.5). Such changes may lead to scarcity of natural resources and increase the dependency of bears on human-related food, which will likely result in increased human-bear conflicts and bear mortalities. The recommended implications, including climate refugia management by habitat corridors, establishment of and increased status for existing natural reserves, improved adaptive management capacity, and strengthening monitoring of bear populations could help to mitigate the intensity of the adverse impacts of climate change on the bear's population. • The Asiatic black bear will be generally negatively impacted by the climate change in the Hindu Kush Himalaya. • The extent of change is varying across the countries of Hindu Kush Himalaya. • Climate change is predicted to shift the existing suitable habitat range of Asiatic black bears towards higher altitudes. • Scarcity of food may cause an interruption in hibernation and rise in human-black bear conflicts in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]