Fragile Futures: Evaluating Habitat and Climate Change Response of Hog
Badgers (Mustelidae: Arctonyx) in the Conservation Landscape of Mainland
Asia
Abstract
The small mammalian fauna plays pivotal roles in ecosystem dynamics and
as crucial biodiversity indicators. However, recent research has raised
concerns about the decline of mammalian species due to climate change.
Consequently, significant attention is directed towards studying various
flagship mammalian species families for conservation. The hog badger
(Mustelidae: Arctonyx) remains understudied regarding the impacts of
climate change in Asia. The present study offers a comprehensive
analysis of climate change effects on two mainland hog badger species,
utilizing ensemble species distribution modeling. Findings reveal
concerning outcomes, as only 52% of the IUCN extent is deemed suitable
for the Great Hog Badger (Arctonyx collaris) and a mere 17% is ideal
for the Northern Hog Badger (Arctonyx albogularis). Notably, projections
suggest a potential reduction of over 26% in suitable areas for both
species under future climate scenarios, with the most severe decline
anticipated in the SSP585 scenario. These declines translate into
evident habitat fragmentation, particularly impacting A. collaris, whose
patches shrink substantially, contrasting with the relatively stable
patches of A. albogularis. However, despite their differences, niche
overlap analysis reveals an intriguing increase in overlap between the
two species, indicating potential ecological shifts. The study
underscores the importance of integrating climate change and habitat
fragmentation considerations into conservation strategies, urging a
reassessment of the IUCN status of A. albogularis. The insights garnered
from this research are pivotal for enhancing protection measures for hog
badgers across Mainland Asia, emphasizing the urgency of proactive
conservation efforts, especially in countries with highly suitable
areas, as found in this study. By incorporating these findings into
conservation policies, we can strive to safeguard these invaluable
mammalian species and the ecosystems they inhabit from the detrimental
impacts of climate change.