Habitat analysis and conservation priorities for the endangered spotted linsang in China

Small carnivores play vital roles in ecosystems, but their elusive nature makes data collection challenging. Infrared camera technology provides an effective solution to this issue. The spotted linsang (Prionodon pardicolor), an endangered member of the Prionodontidae family, is primarily found in southwestern China and Southeast Asia. Its population has declined significantly in recent years due to habitat loss and hunting. In this study, we analyzed the activity patterns and habitat preferences of the spotted linsang using infrared camera data collected from the Chebaling National Nature Reserve in China. We employed MaxEnt 3.4.4 to model the species distribution, incorporating bioclimatic, topographic, vegetation, and human footprint data. We then overlaid the binary distribution map with nature reserve boundaries to identify conservation gaps and priority protection areas. Our camera-trap results indicate that the spotted linsang is nocturnal, with peak activity occurring in autumn. It predominantly inhabits evergreen broad-leaved forests and evergreen-deciduous broad-leaved mixed forests at elevations below 1000 m. The MaxEnt model results show that suitable habitats are mainly located in southwestern China, accounting for approximately 15.7 % of the country's total land area. The six key factors influencing its distribution are the annual temperature range, annual precipitation, precipitation of the driest month, mean diurnal range, normalized difference vegetation index, and vegetation type. Significant conservation gaps were found, with over 85 % of potential habitats in 12 main provinces located outside protected areas. Priority conservation areas include the Hengduan Mountains, the border regions of Guangxi and Guangdong, and northeastern Fujian Province. These findings enhance our understanding of the spotted linsang’s activity patterns and provide a basis for future conservation efforts.