Embracing Nature's Guidance: Conservation in Wildlife

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Ecology and Conservation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 5886

Editor

Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
Interests: animal ecology; conservation biology; behavior ecology; biogeography
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The conservation of wildlife represents a critical in the context of climate change, habitat loss, and human-induced environmental changes. These factors, combined with the increasing overlap between human activities and natural ecosystems, have profound implications for biodiversity and ecological stability. However, for this Special Issue to stand out and provide meaningful contributions, it must focus on how research can directly inform and guide conservation practices. The need for urgent conservation is clear, but this Special Issue must differentiate itself by emphasizing actionable insights and practical applications that address real-world challenges.

This Special Issue aims to explore the intricate relationships between wildlife, their habitats, and the broader environmental context, with a strong emphasis on research that bridges the gap between theory and practice. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the impact of habitat fragmentation on species survival, the role of conservation practices in mitigating biodiversity loss, and the importance of community-led initiatives in fostering sustainable coexistence with nature. Additionally, we aim to highlight the integration of traditional ecological knowledge and modern scientific methods to develop innovative, practical conservation strategies that can be implemented at local, regional, and global scales.

Given the urgency of these challenges, we welcome contributions that address the ecological, social, and policy-related aspects of wildlife conservation, with a clear focus on their applicability to real-world conservation efforts. Submissions may include original research, reviews, and case studies that provide critical insights into the preservation of biodiversity and the restoration of ecosystems. We particularly encourage studies that propose novel approaches to conservation, evaluate the effectiveness of existing strategies, or explore interdisciplinary solutions that combine ecological science, technology, and community engagement.

By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, this Special Issue seeks to advance our understanding of how research can directly contribute to the urgent task of conserving wildlife for future generations. Through a focus on actionable outcomes and innovative solutions, we aim to differentiate this Special Issue from other conservation-based journals and provide a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers hoping to address the global biodiversity crisis.

Dr. Feng Xu
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • wildlife conservation
  • habitat fragmentation
  • biodiversity loss
  • conservation strategies
  • human-wildlife conflict
  • wildlife conservation
  • climate change
  • ecosystem restoration

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

30 pages, 27601 KB  
Article
Habitat Shifts and Conservation Challenges of Falconidae Under Climate Change in Northwestern China
by Shugao Wang, Xuejun Ma, Jiejun Li, Hongshan Li, Xi Jin, Xiaoling Zhang, Ying Zhao, Ning Li and Feng Xu
Animals 2026, 16(17), 2650; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16172650 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Xinjiang’s distinctive geography and climate provide important habitats for Falconidae species, yet their climate-driven habitat shifts and conservation gaps remain poorly understood. Using 2731 validated occurrence records and 26 environmental predictors, including bioclimatic, land-use, topographic, hydrological, anthropogenic, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) [...] Read more.
Xinjiang’s distinctive geography and climate provide important habitats for Falconidae species, yet their climate-driven habitat shifts and conservation gaps remain poorly understood. Using 2731 validated occurrence records and 26 environmental predictors, including bioclimatic, land-use, topographic, hydrological, anthropogenic, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) predictors, we applied an optimized Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) framework to project suitable habitats for seven falconid species under current conditions and three Shared Socioeconomic Pathway scenarios (1–2.6, 2–4.5, and 5–8.5) for 2041–2060, 2061–2080 and 2081–2100. Barycenter migration analysis, the Habitat Quality module of the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs framework, and protected-area overlays were further integrated to identify conservation priorities. All models showed high discriminatory performance, with mean areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve exceeding 0.90. Current suitable habitats were mainly concentrated along river corridors and mountain foothills in the southern Altai, central-western Tianshan and northern Kunlun regions. Future responses were strongly species-specific. By 2081–2100 under Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 5–8.5, suitable habitat increased by 154.6% for Falco peregrinus and 79.5% for Falco tinnunculus but declined by 81.1% for Falco vespertinus; Falco subbuteo also showed overall expansion, with its suitable-habitat barycenter shifting by up to 291.9 km. Mean relative habitat quality was 0.514 [standard deviation = 0.185], while suitable habitat outside protected areas ranged from 35,346 to 304,866 km2 among species, and high-quality priority conservation gaps reached 102,489 km2 for Falco cherrug. These results demonstrate that climatic suitability does not necessarily correspond to high habitat quality or adequate protection and support species-specific, climate-adaptive conservation strategies for falconids in Xinjiang. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Embracing Nature's Guidance: Conservation in Wildlife)
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17 pages, 11889 KB  
Article
Gut Microbiota Composition and Predicted Functional Profiles: Functional Adaptation of Overwintering Whooper Swans (Cygnus cygnus) Across Habitats with Contrasting Anthropogenic Disturbance
by Liangliang Yang, Qiyu Zeng, Yijie Liu, Yongjun Zhang and Qing L. Cao
Animals 2026, 16(17), 2638; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16172638 - 23 Aug 2026
Abstract
Gut microbiota plays an important role in host metabolism, immunity, and environmental adaptation, yet its response to contrasting wintering habitats in migratory waterbirds remains poorly understood. We compared the gut microbiota of whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) wintering in a natural riverine habitat (Swan [...] Read more.
Gut microbiota plays an important role in host metabolism, immunity, and environmental adaptation, yet its response to contrasting wintering habitats in migratory waterbirds remains poorly understood. We compared the gut microbiota of whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) wintering in a natural riverine habitat (Swan Bay, Hejing County) and an urban wetland habitat (Worker’s Park, Korla City) in Xinjiang, China. A total of 34 fresh fecal samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We identified 2207 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), of which 734 were shared between habitats, indicating the presence of a conserved core microbiota. The urban wetland group exhibited a significantly higher Simpson index, whereas beta diversity analysis revealed significant differences in community structure between habitats (p < 0.05). Both groups were dominated by Firmicutes, Fusobacteriota, Proteobacteria, Campylobacterota, and Bacteroidota, although their relative abundances differed markedly. LEfSe analysis identified distinct habitat-associated taxa, and PICRUSt2 prediction suggested greater enrichment of metabolism-related pathways in the natural riverine group. Overall, wintering habitat was associated with differences in gut microbial composition and predicted function, providing new insight into the ecological adaptation of migratory waterbirds under contrasting environmental conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Embracing Nature's Guidance: Conservation in Wildlife)
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15 pages, 10152 KB  
Article
Mitochondrial Genomic Characteristics and Maternal Genetic Differentiation of Different Geographical Populations of Saiga tatarica in Kazakhstan
by Yue Pang, Zhumanov Kairat Toksanbaevich, Siyuan Wang, Nurpeisova Ainur Sultanovna, Bakirov Nurbol Zhumagadyrovish, Smagulov Darkhan Bakytbekovich and Wurelihazi Hazihan
Animals 2026, 16(14), 2256; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16142256 - 21 Jul 2026
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Abstract
To assess the genetic diversity and matrilineal differentiation between the Betpak-Dala (BD) and Volga–Ural (VU) populations of Saiga tatarica in Kazakhstan, this study sequenced and comparatively analyzed the complete mitochondrial genomes of both populations. Phylogenetic analyses showed that Saiga tatarica clustered with the [...] Read more.
To assess the genetic diversity and matrilineal differentiation between the Betpak-Dala (BD) and Volga–Ural (VU) populations of Saiga tatarica in Kazakhstan, this study sequenced and comparatively analyzed the complete mitochondrial genomes of both populations. Phylogenetic analyses showed that Saiga tatarica clustered with the genera Gazella, Nanger, and Eudorcas, indicating a close evolutionary relationship. Genetic diversity analysis revealed that the BD population exhibited higher nucleotide diversity than the VU population. A total of 22 haplotypes were identified based on complete mitochondrial genome sequences, and no haplotypes were shared between the two populations, indicating pronounced matrilineal genetic differentiation. Synonymous mutations predominated among protein-coding genes, with the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene (nd2) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 gene (nd5) genes exhibiting high levels of variation and serving as key regions for the accumulation of genetic diversity within the mitochondrial genome. These findings enhance the understanding of the genetic diversity and matrilineal genetic structure of Saiga tatarica populations in Kazakhstan and provide valuable information for their conservation and management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Embracing Nature's Guidance: Conservation in Wildlife)
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18 pages, 1808 KB  
Article
From Fragmentation to Recovery: Hydropower Impacts on River Connectivity and Fish Diversity Conservation in China’s Dongjiang River
by Huifeng Li, Yuefei Li, Lin Wang, Kun Cao, Shuli Zhu, Jinghua Luo, Jie Li and Xin Su
Animals 2025, 15(18), 2708; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182708 - 16 Sep 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2060
Abstract
This study quantified the Habitat Connectivity Index (DCI) of cascade dams in the mainstream of the Dongjiang River, revealing the non-linear relationship between dam passability (p) and connectivity restoration. Results showed that DCI increased slowly when p < 0.6 (with the magnitude of [...] Read more.
This study quantified the Habitat Connectivity Index (DCI) of cascade dams in the mainstream of the Dongjiang River, revealing the non-linear relationship between dam passability (p) and connectivity restoration. Results showed that DCI increased slowly when p < 0.6 (with the magnitude of increase not exceeding 10.41), whereas an exponential response emerged when p > 0.8 (specifically, DCI rose by 16.53 as p increased from 0.8 to 0.9). Time-series analysis indicated that the number of dams increased from 3 to 16 between 1970 and 2020, which plunged the natural-state DCI (set at 100) to 9.01 (representing a 90.99% decrease); notably, 78.14% of the total connectivity loss occurred during the 2000–2010 period. Spatial heterogeneity analysis demonstrated that enhancing the passability of Jiantan Dam increased DCI by 4.68 (under the baseline condition of p = 0.8), whereas the same intervention on Sulei Dam only led to a 0.58 increase in DCI. This finding highlights the importance of key nodes for connectivity restoration and provides a scientific basis for prioritizing the enhancement of connectivity at such nodes in subsequent ecological governance. A 2024 fish community survey found that 84.2% of the recorded species were native (64 out of 76), while only 18.8% of the total individuals (617 individuals) were migratory; the dominant species were identified as generalist residents, including Oreochromis zillii, Cirrhinus molitorella, and Hemiculter leucisculus. This study identifies 0.8 as a critical threshold for connectivity restoration and provides a spatial decision-making framework for prioritizing the restoration of key dams. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Embracing Nature's Guidance: Conservation in Wildlife)
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19 pages, 4704 KB  
Article
Impacts of Climate Change on Habitat Suitability and Landscape Connectivity of the Amur Tiger in the Sino-Russian Transboundary Region
by Die Wang, Wen Li, Nichun Guo and Chunwang Li
Animals 2025, 15(17), 2466; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172466 - 22 Aug 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2534
Abstract
The Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) is a flagship and umbrella species of forest ecosystems in northeastern Asia. Climate change is profoundly and irreversibly affecting wildlife habitat suitability, especially for large mammals. To effectively protect the Amur tiger, it is necessary [...] Read more.
The Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) is a flagship and umbrella species of forest ecosystems in northeastern Asia. Climate change is profoundly and irreversibly affecting wildlife habitat suitability, especially for large mammals. To effectively protect the Amur tiger, it is necessary to understand the impact of climate change on the quality and the connectivity of its habitat. We used the species distribution models combined with the latest Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) climate scenarios to predict current and future changes in habitats and corridors. We found the following: (1) The total area of the Amur tiger’s suitable habitat currently amounts to approximately 4941.94 km2, accounting for 27.64% of the study area represented by two adjacent national parks. Among these habitats, the highly suitable areas are mainly located on the both sides of the Sino-Russian border. The landscape connectivity remains relatively stable, and the degree of fragmentation in highly suitable habitats is low. (2) Although the suitable habitat of the Amur tiger shows an expansion trend under most climate scenarios (excluding SSP3-7.0), the area of suitable habitat within the entire study region does not increase significantly. Therefore, we should implement conservation measures to facilitate the continued expansion of suitable habitat for the Amur tiger. The quantity and length of landscape connectivity corridors are expected to vary in response to changes in core habitat patches, while the centroid of highly suitable habitats is also expected to shift to different extents. In such circumstances, new ecological corridors need to be constructed, while existing natural ecological corridors should be preserved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Embracing Nature's Guidance: Conservation in Wildlife)
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