A multi-scale, multivariate habitat selection model demonstrates high potential for the reintroduction of the clouded leopard (neofelis nebulosa) to Taiwan

Journal article

Hunting, habitat loss and fragmentation have driven a rapid decline in the distribution and abundance of the clouded leopard, Neofelis nebulosa, across its range, and in several areas the species is now extirpated, including Taiwan. Taiwan, an historical stronghold of the species, is a candidate for expanding its current range by reintroduction, based on increasing prey abundance and high forest coverage. Such future reintroduction efforts, however, are hampered by the lack of an empirical analysis of clouded leopard habitat potential in the island. To address this knowledge gap, this study explores the species’ habitat suitability in Taiwan. We employed a multi-scale multivariate habitat selection model based on clouded leopard presence-absence data from extensive camera trap surveys across its current range, and extrapolated the result to predict suitable habitats in Taiwan. Our results reveal that 40% of Taiwanese territory represents suitable habitats for clouded leopards and of which 90% is under protection. This demonstrates the robust potential of Taiwan’s habitat for clouded leopard reintroduction.

Authors: Wang, Y-F; Kaszta, Ż; Cushman, S; Chiang, P-J; Macdonald, D

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Journal: Oryx
• Publication date: 2024-10-21
• Acceptance date: 2024-04-17
• DOI: 10.1017/S0030605324000802
• EISSN: 1365-3008
• ISSN: 0030-6053
• Language: English
• Keywords: reintroduction; clouded leopard; neofelis nebulosa; conservation strategy; multi-scale habitat selection