Distribution and Habitat Suitability of the Malabar Slender Loris (<i>Loris lydekkerianus malabaricus</i>) in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, India
Understanding how mammals respond to climate change is critical for predicting future biogeographic shifts and implementing effective conservation strategies. In this study, we applied MaxEnt modeling to identify key determinants of the distribution of the Malabar slender loris (<i>Loris lydek...
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2025-04-01
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| author | Smitha D. Gnanaolivu Joseph J. Erinjery Marco Campera Mewa Singh |
| author_facet | Smitha D. Gnanaolivu Joseph J. Erinjery Marco Campera Mewa Singh |
| author_sort | Smitha D. Gnanaolivu |
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| description | Understanding how mammals respond to climate change is critical for predicting future biogeographic shifts and implementing effective conservation strategies. In this study, we applied MaxEnt modeling to identify key determinants of the distribution of the Malabar slender loris (<i>Loris lydekkerianus malabaricus</i>), a nocturnal primate endemic to the Western Ghats of India. Using 416 slender loris sightings, spatially thinned at 0.5 km intervals to reduce spatial autocorrelation, we evaluated 19 present bioclimatic variables alongside 10 additional climatic variables. From these, 14 predictor variables with Pearson correlation values above 0.75 were selected for analysis. Future distribution models employed bioclimatic projections from the CNRM-CM5 global climate models under three Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs): 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5. The current distribution models identified 23 km<sup>2</sup> as a suitable habitat for slender lorises, with 3 km<sup>2</sup> suitable for males and 12 km<sup>2</sup> for females. Projections for 2070 under RCP 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5 scenarios predict habitat reductions of 52%, 13%, and 8%, respectively, signaling significant vulnerability under changing climatic conditions. Precipitation of the warmest quarter, precipitation of the driest month, distance from roads, and elevation were identified as the most influential variables shaping the species’ distribution. This study underscores the pressing need for targeted conservation efforts to mitigate habitat loss and fragmentation, particularly in the context of climate change. By providing a detailed analysis of current and future habitat suitability, it lays the groundwork for similar predictive studies on nocturnal small mammals. As climate change accelerates, the integration of species–specific ecological insights and advanced modeling techniques will be vital in guiding conservation actions and preserving biodiversity in vulnerable ecosystems like the Western Ghats. |
| format | Article |
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| spelling | doaj-art-54533b459af045b9896a8074cee204132025-08-20T02:17:59ZengMDPI AGLand2073-445X2025-04-0114487210.3390/land14040872Distribution and Habitat Suitability of the Malabar Slender Loris (<i>Loris lydekkerianus malabaricus</i>) in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, IndiaSmitha D. Gnanaolivu0Joseph J. Erinjery1Marco Campera2Mewa Singh3Department of Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology, Loyola College, University of Madras, 24, 9, Nelson Manickam Rd, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600034, IndiaDepartment of Zoology, Kannur University, Mananthavady Campus, Wayanad 670645, IndiaSustainable Agroforestry Research Group, School of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UKBiopsychology Laboratory, University of Mysore, Mysore 570006, IndiaUnderstanding how mammals respond to climate change is critical for predicting future biogeographic shifts and implementing effective conservation strategies. In this study, we applied MaxEnt modeling to identify key determinants of the distribution of the Malabar slender loris (<i>Loris lydekkerianus malabaricus</i>), a nocturnal primate endemic to the Western Ghats of India. Using 416 slender loris sightings, spatially thinned at 0.5 km intervals to reduce spatial autocorrelation, we evaluated 19 present bioclimatic variables alongside 10 additional climatic variables. From these, 14 predictor variables with Pearson correlation values above 0.75 were selected for analysis. Future distribution models employed bioclimatic projections from the CNRM-CM5 global climate models under three Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs): 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5. The current distribution models identified 23 km<sup>2</sup> as a suitable habitat for slender lorises, with 3 km<sup>2</sup> suitable for males and 12 km<sup>2</sup> for females. Projections for 2070 under RCP 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5 scenarios predict habitat reductions of 52%, 13%, and 8%, respectively, signaling significant vulnerability under changing climatic conditions. Precipitation of the warmest quarter, precipitation of the driest month, distance from roads, and elevation were identified as the most influential variables shaping the species’ distribution. This study underscores the pressing need for targeted conservation efforts to mitigate habitat loss and fragmentation, particularly in the context of climate change. By providing a detailed analysis of current and future habitat suitability, it lays the groundwork for similar predictive studies on nocturnal small mammals. As climate change accelerates, the integration of species–specific ecological insights and advanced modeling techniques will be vital in guiding conservation actions and preserving biodiversity in vulnerable ecosystems like the Western Ghats.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/4/872nocturnal mammalsslender lorisclimate changehabitat fragmentationfuture climate scenarioWestern Ghats |
| spellingShingle | Smitha D. Gnanaolivu Joseph J. Erinjery Marco Campera Mewa Singh Distribution and Habitat Suitability of the Malabar Slender Loris (<i>Loris lydekkerianus malabaricus</i>) in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, India Land nocturnal mammals slender loris climate change habitat fragmentation future climate scenario Western Ghats |
| title | Distribution and Habitat Suitability of the Malabar Slender Loris (<i>Loris lydekkerianus malabaricus</i>) in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, India |
| title_full | Distribution and Habitat Suitability of the Malabar Slender Loris (<i>Loris lydekkerianus malabaricus</i>) in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, India |
| title_fullStr | Distribution and Habitat Suitability of the Malabar Slender Loris (<i>Loris lydekkerianus malabaricus</i>) in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, India |
| title_full_unstemmed | Distribution and Habitat Suitability of the Malabar Slender Loris (<i>Loris lydekkerianus malabaricus</i>) in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, India |
| title_short | Distribution and Habitat Suitability of the Malabar Slender Loris (<i>Loris lydekkerianus malabaricus</i>) in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, India |
| title_sort | distribution and habitat suitability of the malabar slender loris i loris lydekkerianus malabaricus i in the aralam wildlife sanctuary india |
| topic | nocturnal mammals slender loris climate change habitat fragmentation future climate scenario Western Ghats |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/4/872 |
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