Conservation of southern yellow-cheeked gibbons (Nomascus gabriellae) in the Anthropocene

Abstract

The endangered southern yellow-cheeked gibbons (Nomascus gabriellae) occupy a fragmented habitat in Vietnam and Cambodia, with declining populations due to hunting, habitat loss and climate change. This study integrates population viability modelling with expert surveys to offer comprehensive insights into the species current state and its future prospects in a human-shaped world. Our modelling confirms the current population decline and suggests that a reduction in habitat loss and hunting is necessary to save this unique species from extinction. While declining habitat poses a long-term extinction risk, the current hunting rates threaten the species survival on the timescale of several decades. Crucially, large populations in Phnom Prich and Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuaries and Cat Tien, Chu Yang Sin and Bu Gia Map National Parks play a key role in the survival of this species, as does the connectivity of these habitats. The expert surveys confirm the priority of protecting large populations and provide specific conservation actions for the case of Cat Tien National Park that are based on systematic stakeholder mapping. Altogether, this work assesses the population viability of southern yellow-cheeked gibbons in the Anthropocene and suggests conservation strategies that incorporate both ecological and social aspects. Graphical Abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=62 SRC="FIGDIR/small/631065v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (15K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@ac963org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@2bc027org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@5446aforg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@ec917b_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG HighlightsO_LISouthern yellow-cheeked gibbons are at risk of extinction due to hunting, habitat loss and degra- dation. C_LIO_LIHabitat loss poses a long-term risk while hunting endangers southern yellow-cheeked gibbons on the timescale of the following few decades. C_LIO_LIProtecting large populations in Phnom Prich and Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuaries and Cat Tien, Chu Yang Sin and Bu Gia Map National Parks plays a key role in saving southern yellow-cheeked gibbons from extinction. C_LIO_LISpecific conservation actions based on a systematic stakeholder mapping are identified for Cat Tien National Park. C_LI