Habitat Suitability, Distribution Modelling and GAP Analysis of Przewalski’s Gazelle Conservation

Abstract

Although the population of Przewalski’s gazelle (Procapra przewalskii) has increased, this species is still threatened by a variety of risk factors, such as habitat loss and fragmentation, grassland fencing, grazing conflict, the segmentation of different populations, and declines in population genetic diversity. In order to determine the potential suitable habitat of Przewalski’s gazelle and find a new suitable location for its conservation translocation, we used the MaxEnt model to predict the suitable habitats in Qinghai Province, Gansu Province, and the Ordos Plateau in Inner Mongolia and other regions with historical distribution records. On the basis of the MaxEnt model’s prediction of the potential suitable habitat of Przewalski’s gazelle, we used GAP analysis to determine the existing protection gaps and provide a new reference for the future protection of Przewalski’s gazelle. We found that altitude, temperature, vegetation type, and distance from roads were the main environmental factors affecting the geographical distribution of Przewalski’s gazelle. Most of the suitable habitat of Przewalski’s gazelle is confined around Qinghai Lake. GAP analysis revealed that most of the suitable habitats of Przewalski’s gazelle are not included in the established reserves, and Qinghai Lake National Nature Reserve only covers a small area around Qinghai Lake. The whole reserve only accounts for 7.11% of the area of the suitable habitat for Przewalski’s gazelle and 15.79% of the area of the highly suitable habitat for Przewalski’s gazelle. We suggest that conservation translocation for Przewalski’s gazelle should be put on the agenda. It is necessary to consider reintroducing these gazelles into their potential suitable habitats as a feasible way of establishing new populations and saving this species.