Global Ecology and Conservation最新文献

{"title":"Integrative population genomics and ecological niche modelling analyses illuminates the demographic history and inform conservation strategies of Calycanthus chinensis, a critically endangered shrub in subtropical China","authors":"Qiang Li ,&nbsp;Ran Wei ,&nbsp;Yuliang Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03614","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03614","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate changes have profoundly influenced the evolutionary history of plants, particularly for endangered species with narrow habitat ranges, which renders them disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Elucidating the spatial distribution of genetic variation and demographic patterns within threatened species populations provides essential empirical evidence for designing biologically meaningful conservation interventions. Here, we integrated population genomics with species distribution modeling analyses to investigate the genetic diversity and changes in the suitability distribution of <em>Calycanthus chinensis</em>, an endangered shrub in subtropical China, ultimately informing evidence-based conservation strategies for this threatened species. We assembled 75 plastomes and obtained nuclear genome-wide SNP data to address evolutionary processes of <em>C. chinensis</em>. The plastome-based phylogeny revealed that <em>C. chinensis</em> lineage diversification started in the later Pliocene (2.75 Ma) and was concentrated in the Pleistocene. Analysis of genome-wide SNPs revealed that seven populations clustered into two lineages corresponding to the two main geographic distributions. The AMOVA analyses revealed that genetic variation occurred mainly within populations. Nucleotide diversity analyses suggested that low genetic diversity may be one of a threat to <em>C. chinensis</em>. Demographic analyses revealed a bottleneck event from 0.4–0.7 Ma, which was associated with the Wangkun glaciation. Ecological niche modelling analyses revealed that these two genetic groups are likely to face the loss of highly suitable habits in response to future climate change. Our findings provide novel insights into the evolutionary history of <em>C. chinensis</em> and inform evidence-based conservation strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"60 ","pages":"Article e03614"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143916383","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of canopy gap size on the recruitment of Shorea robusta Gaertn. F. seedlings in the Terai forests of Nepal","authors":"Prakash Timilsina,&nbsp;Ramesh Prasad Sapkota,&nbsp;Sumit Gautam,&nbsp;Sushanta Lamichhane,&nbsp;Chhatra Mani Sharma","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03617","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03617","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gap dynamics is a crucial ecological process in which canopy openings created by disturbances influence structure, regeneration and growth pattern in forest ecosystems. The canopy gaps (an area &gt; 25 m² opened by the removal of canopy trees) in the forests are usually caused by both anthropogenic and natural stressors, such as logging, treefalls, windstorms, and fires. Though the canopy gaps play an important role in shaping recruitment of the seedlings and hence the forest ecosystem assemblages, little is known about how the gaps have affected the vegetation establishment in the forest ecosystems, particularly in Terai, Nepal. The present study was carried out in core and buffer zone forests of two lowland national parks of Nepal, viz., Parsa National Park and Bardiya National Park, to assess the influence of gap size on the <em>Shorea robusta</em> seedlings’ recruitment and establishment. Altogether 120 gap sites were sampled ranging in size from 71 to 914.5 m², which were categorized into small gaps (&lt; 200 m²), medium gaps (200–400 m²), and large gaps (&gt; 400 m²). The mean density of <em>S. robusta</em> seedlings was significantly higher in small (1.98 ind. m⁻²) compared to the medium-sized (1.37 ind. m⁻²) and large-sized (0.54 ind. m⁻²) canopy gaps in both core areas and buffer zones. The small gaps provided the most favorable conditions for seedling recruitment in both locations, possibly due to optimum light and nutrient availability. Moreover, regression analysis showed a significant inverse relationship between seedling density and the size of the canopy gaps. These results indicate that the larger gaps are not favorable for the assemblage and recruitment of <em>S. robusta</em> seedlings, which might be due to the feeble seed dispersal ability of the species for longer distances. Forest managers, therefore, are suggested to maintain small gap sizes to foster the natural regeneration of <em>S. robusta</em> in the forest stands of Terai, Nepal.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"60 ","pages":"Article e03617"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143903419","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prioritising the conservation of benthic, sedentary, and invertivorous fish species in the East China Sea: Insights from multidimensional rarity","authors":"Pengzhan Zhang ,&nbsp;Yang Liu ,&nbsp;Yang Yan ,&nbsp;Linlong Wang ,&nbsp;Yefu Kong ,&nbsp;Xin Peng ,&nbsp;Bin Kang","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03618","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03618","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rare species are a crucial component of global biodiversity, contribute disproportionately to ecosystem functions and services, and represent a key target for conservation policies. Examining species rarity across multiple dimensions (taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic) can offer deeper insights into biodiversity patterns. Using seven years of bottom trawl survey data, along with fish trait and mitochondrial gene information, this study quantified rarity indices for 242 fish species in the central East China Sea, including taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic rarity, as well as species restrictedness. Differences in rarity among fish with different traits were assessed, and the relationships between the various rarity indices were explored using generalized additive models. Finally, taxonomically, functionally and phylogenetically rare species were identified. The results showed that the taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic rarity of benthic species was significantly higher compared to benthopelagic and pelagic species. Sedentary species exhibited the highest levels of taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic rarity, while mobile species showed the lowest levels of multidimensional rarity. Invertivorous species displayed higher taxonomic and functional rarity, as well as species restrictedness, compared to herbivorous-invertivorous and invertivorous-piscivorous species. Correlations between different rarity indices were very weak. A total of 34 taxonomically rare species, 18 functionally rare species, and 14 phylogenetically rare species were identified, with five species being rare across all three dimensions. Our findings emphasise that, in addition to prioritising taxonomically, functionally, and phylogenetically rare species in conservation, future coastal fish conservation and management efforts should also enhance protection for benthic, sedentary, and invertivorous species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"60 ","pages":"Article e03618"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143905952","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A decade of monitoring the critically endangered Balkan lynx in its core area: Insights from spatial capture recapture models","authors":"Dime Melovski ,&nbsp;Inès Moreno ,&nbsp;Aleksandar Stojanov ,&nbsp;Aleksandar Pavlov ,&nbsp;Andrej Gonev ,&nbsp;Vasko Avukatov ,&nbsp;Yon Halotel-Diez ,&nbsp;Gjorge Ivanov ,&nbsp;Fridolin Zimmermann","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03615","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03615","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Monitoring the status of endangered species is essential to guide conservation and management measures, especially for populations facing isolation and small numbers. The Balkan lynx (<em>Lynx lynx balcanicus</em>), the most endangered subspecies of the Eurasian lynx, survives in the southwestern Balkans with fewer than 50 mature individuals. Obtaining accurate population estimates is challenging for such a rare, wide ranging and elusive species. We used camera-trapping and Spatial Capture-Recapture (SCR) modelling to provide the first reliable density estimates of the Balkan lynx in its core area, Mavrovo National Park and surroundings, over a decade-long monitoring period. Across five sessions, we recorded 176 detections over 9439 realised camera trap nights, identifying up to 10 individuals per session. Despite a low number of recaptures, our multisession analyses reveal a decline in density (SE) over the past decade, from 2.3 ( ± 0.7) lynx per 100 km² of suitable habitat in 2013 to 1.2 ( ± 0.4) in 2023. We compared densities estimated independently for each session or as a trend, with and without excluding unsuitable habitat. These findings provide the first robust density estimates for the critically endangered Balkan lynx and confirm concerns about the state of the population. Our results underscore the value of long-term, systematic monitoring to detect changes in population density. While density estimates are comparable to other lynx populations in Europe, the observed decline, combined with the genetic state of the population, highlights the urgent need for enhanced conservation efforts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"60 ","pages":"Article e03615"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143917917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multi-scale habitat selection and constraints of a small Asian elephant population in Yunnan Nangunhe National Nature Reserve, China","authors":"Jingshan Wang ,&nbsp;Xu Li ,&nbsp;Wenguang Duan ,&nbsp;Yuan Tian ,&nbsp;Ruobing Han ,&nbsp;Dehuai Meng ,&nbsp;Weibin Wang ,&nbsp;Dusu Wen","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03616","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03616","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Asian elephant (<em>Elephas maximus</em>) populations in Yunnan Nangunhe National Nature Reserve (NNNR) represents the smallest known population in China and geographically isolated from other Asian elephant populations, potentially leading to their gradual extinction over time. Therefore, multi-scale habitat selection and habitat suitability analyses were conducted in this study to understand the key factors influencing the distribution of this population by employing camera-trap monitoring, unmanned aerial survey, and species distribution models. The results showed that elephant groups and solitary elephants exhibited strong selectivity for most habitat factors above 800 m, with elephant groups demonstrating higher vegetation requirements than solitary elephants. There are relatively few areas in NNNR where the habitat suitability for elephant groups and solitary elephants was good and high, primarily located in valley areas near rivers. The primary factors limiting their distribution were the presence of complex terrain and roads in large spaces surrounding the study area. Therefore, facilitating movement and genetic exchange between Asian elephants in this area and other populations by constructing corridors is challenging. Furthermore, based on the findings, it is advisable to adopt ex situ conservation to improve the population development of Asian elephants in NNNR. The insights gained from this research provide valuable guidance for the effective conservation and management of Asian elephants, contributing to their long-term survival and the preservation of biodiversity in the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"60 ","pages":"Article e03616"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143899956","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing tiger prey and factors influencing tiger abundance in the Sundarbans","authors":"M. Abdul Aziz ,&nbsp;Jahidul Kabir ,&nbsp;Aminur Rahman ,&nbsp;Ameer Hamza","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03612","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03612","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Monitoring prey species is crucial for tiger conservation, particularly in the Sundarbans, where prey diversity is limited. This study assessed the status of tiger prey species and examined the relationship between tiger and prey abundance using tiger pugmarks and prey pellet counts under a unified sampling framework. We established a total of 808 pellet sample plots (200 m² each) and conducted 1286 km boat-based transect to collect data between 2021 and 2023. The mean pellet group densities of Spotted deer (<em>Axis axis</em>) and Wild boar (<em>Sus scrofa</em>) were 295.09 and 27.21 pellet groups/ha, corresponding to densities of 35.44 and 15.75 ind./km², respectively. The mean number of tiger pugmark set was 0.47/km of river courses travelled, with reasonable variation across east-west forest regions that closely aligned with the latest tiger density estimates. The generalized linear model revealed a significant positive relationship between Spotted deer and tiger abundance, while the relationship between Wild boar and tiger abundance was positive but not statistically significant. In contrast, human disturbance and reserve forest had negative impacts on tiger abundance in the Sundarbans. This study presents a cost-effective method for monitoring tigers and their prey, and offers valuable insights into predator-prey dynamics within the fragile ecosystem of the Sundarbans. Furthermore, our findings underscore the critical role of Spotted deer in sustaining tiger populations and highlight the need to strengthen protection strategies not only for sanctuaries but also for the reserve forests of the Sundarbans.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"60 ","pages":"Article e03612"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143886899","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of heavy metal exposure risk to aquatic birds in the key wetland habitats of the Yellow River (China), using an integrated model","authors":"Jian Ding ,&nbsp;Ni Wang ,&nbsp;Yaqiao Lian ,&nbsp;Qian Li ,&nbsp;Xinran Li ,&nbsp;Fei Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03611","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03611","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Heavy metal pollution poses a growing threat to wetland ecosystems, impacting their structure and function. Chenqiao Wetland and Qinglong Lake (Henan, China), key bird habitats in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, were analyzed for heavy metal contamination. We assessed the exposure risks of heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Pb, Cr, and Zn) to aquatic birds using an integrated model that considered multiple intake variables: soil intake rate (<em>I</em>_<em>s</em>), water intake rate (<em>I</em>_<em>w</em>), plant intake rate (<em>I</em>_<em>df</em>), and prey items intake rate (aquatic animals, <em>I</em>_<em>df</em>). Results revealed significant variation in heavy metal pollution across sampling points, with Cd presenting the highest potential ecological risk in soil. Bioaccumulation coefficients were notably higher in benthic invertebrates compared with fish. Omnivorous and herbivorous birds exhibited significantly higher heavy metal exposure doses (<em>E</em>_<em>j</em>) than carnivorous birds, with the exception of Cr. Among all elements, Zn exhibited the highest <em>E</em>_<em>j</em>, while Pb and Cr posed a high exposure risk (hazard quotient [HQ] &gt; 2) across both food and soil pathways in both omnivorous and herbivorous aquatic birds, which were predominantly exposed to Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr through plants rather than soil. Conversely, the high Cr HQ in omnivorous and carnivorous birds was primarily associated with the consumption of aquatic animals. This study highlights the importance of considering both food and soil pathways when assessing heavy metal exposure risks in aquatic birds. These findings provide valuable insights for developing strategies to mitigate heavy metal pollution in wetland ecosystems and protect bird populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"60 ","pages":"Article e03611"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143895605","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Richness and abundance of invasive and expansive plant species and their associated effects on native vegetation in a semi-arid rangeland of the Rift Valley","authors":"Umer Abdella ,&nbsp;Anteneh Belayneh Desta ,&nbsp;Yonas Berhanu","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03602","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03602","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plant invasion studies in Ethiopia are primarily restricted to a few target species only. This study explored the richness and abundance of invasive and expanding plants (native but spreading species) and their effects on rangeland vegetation in the Middle Awash Valley, eastern Ethiopia. We systematically sampled forty<strong>-</strong>eight 20 × 20 m plots and recorded plant richness, abundance and herbaceous composition. A total of 22, including three of the most prolific species globally, <em>Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorus</em> and <em>Prosopis juliflora,</em> were recorded, distributing throughout the rangeland. The contribution of expansive species to total species richness was particularly high (17.21 %) compared with the invasive species (9.90 %). Overall, only eight (five invasive and three expansive) out of 22 were encountered in ≥ 21 % of plots. These species were analysed further for their individual as well as collective effects on native richness and diversity. Spearman’s correlation identified relationships between invasive/expansive plants and species richness and diversity. Two out of five invasive species were negatively correlated with herbaceous richness, while two out of five invasive and one out of three expansive species were negatively correlated with tree richness. Co-occurring invasive and expansive plants had negative relationships with herbaceous richness. Only one expansive and one invasive species had negative relationships with herbaceous species diversity, while negative relationships of native tree diversity occurred with two invasive species and one expansive species. Co-occurring invasive species had negative association with native tree diversity. Taken together, these results suggest possible ecological consequences to the rangeland vegetation related to expansive and invasive species, offering a possibility for informing decisions to assess subsequent priorities for both research and management acts. Importantly, given their higher contribution to total richness, the effects of expanding plants on native vegetation are potentially profound highlighting the need for shifts in focus, instead of solely on invasive plants, toward these species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"60 ","pages":"Article e03602"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143877207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genotypic richness of Phragmites australis negatively impacts ecosystem multifunctionality in the coastal wetland of Yellow River Delta, China","authors":"Liwen Zhang ,&nbsp;Lianjun Zhao ,&nbsp;Siqun Lan ,&nbsp;Lin Chen ,&nbsp;Guangxuan Han","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03609","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03609","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study of the relationship between genetic diversity and ecosystem functions (EFs) primarily focuses on the relationship between species diversity and EFs, with less emphasis on investigating the connection between genetic diversity and EFs, particularly in relation to ecosystem multifunctionality. We conducted an outdoor common garden experiment to manipulate the genotypic richness of <em>Phragmites australis</em> and investigate its relationship with ecosystem multifunctionality in the coastal wetland of the Yellow River Delta. Our findings revealed that the impact of genotypic richness of <em>P. australi</em>s on EFs varied in the coastal wetland of the Yellow River Delta, particularly with regards to soil bacterial richness, where <em>P. australis</em> genetic richness has been found to exert a significantly negative effect. The analysis further demonstrated that as genotypic richness increased, there was a corresponding decreasing trend in the average multifunctionality index. This could be attributed to competitions among genotypes leading to a reduction in ecosystem multifunctionality. Furthermore, when considering different thresholds (the proportion of EF reaching their maximum value) for EF (20 %, 40 %, and 60 %), higher genotypic richness led to an increased number of EFs attaining the maximum value. However, at the higher level (80 %) threshold, higher genotypic richness reduced the number of EFs reaching the maximum value. Our study demonstrated that an increase in plant genotypic richness may reduce ecosystem multifunctionality. It suggests that the introduction of new genotypes into an ecosystem may potentially reduce its multifunctionality, thus caution should be exercised when introducing new genotypes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"60 ","pages":"Article e03609"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143878784","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microhabitat selection by the Beale’s eyed turtle (Sacalia bealei) and conservation implications","authors":"Xiangyu Yuan ,&nbsp;Qingru Hu ,&nbsp;Rongping Bu ,&nbsp;Jiangbo Yang ,&nbsp;Liu Lin ,&nbsp;Hai-Tao Shi","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03607","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03607","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding the microhabitat preferences of the critically endangered Beale’s eyed turtle (<em>Sacalia bealei</em>) is essential for its conservation. We investigated habitat selection patterns across breeding (April–June, November) and non-breeding (July–October) seasons in the Huboliao National Nature Reserve, China, using radio telemetry and quadrat sampling. By comparing used and control quadrats, we identified key ecological drivers of habitat choice. Our findings revealed that <em>S. bealei</em> prefers habitats with deep stream pools, abundant stone caves, greater fruit abundance, and high benthic species diversity and abundance. Seasonal variations in habitat use were evident, with breeding habitats characterized by lower woody plant density, thinner leaf litter, higher elevations, and increased stone cave availability. To validate these patterns, we applied the Random Forest and LASSO regression models, which confirmed that concealment and resource-related factors were the strongest predictors of habitat selection. The high classification accuracy of both models (Random Forest: 86.11 %; LASSO: 88.89 %) reinforced the robustness of our findings. These results underscore the vulnerability of <em>S. bealei</em> to habitat fragmentation and human disturbance, given its reliance on specific microhabitat conditions. We propose targeted conservation strategies, including riparian vegetation restoration, artificial shelter creation, and community-based anti-poaching initiatives, to mitigate threats. This study has significant implications for the conservation of this critically endangered species, providing vital insights not only for its protection but also contributing to global efforts in turtle and tortoise conservation. By filling a key gap in research, our work offers valuable guidance for the conservation of similar species worldwide.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"60 ","pages":"Article e03607"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143882685","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}