Spatial distribution patterns of rare and endangered species richness and hotspot analysis in giant panda distribution areas

Analyzing spatial distribution pattern of species richness and hotspots is an effective means for protecting biodiversity. We studied the spatial distribution patterns of richness of rare and endangered (RE) species and those endemic RE species to China in the giant panda distribution areas based on the directory of RE species, remote sensing images, data from references and expert experiences. We determined the richness hotspot areas and identified the hotspots of RE species and endemic RE species, and then analyzed the performance of the nature reserves established for giant panda conservation. We found that: 1) 293 RE species occurred in the giant panda distribution areas, including 109 mammals, 58 birds, 18 reptiles, 35 amphibians, 73 higher plants, among which 11 species were Critically Endangered (CR), 48 Endangered (EN), 111 Vulnerable species, 74 Near Threatened on IUCN Red List, and 2 included in CITES Plant Category II, 7 under CategoryⅠof state protected plants, and 36 under Category II of state protected plants, 133 endemic to China and 19 endemic to the giant panda distribution areas; 2) Amongst the giant panda distribution areas, Wenxian and Pingwu in Minshan Mountain, Wenchuan, Baoxing and Kangding in Qionglai Moutain have the richest RE species with 15-19 species/km2, and Qinling, Minshan and Qionglai Mountains have the richest endemic RE species with 5-6 species/km2. For the vertical distribution pattern, the elevation ranges between 1400-1600m and 1800-2000m have the richest RE species (186 species) and endemic RE species richness (77 species), respectively, and 88.4% of RE species and 87.2% of endemic RE species were covered at elevation of 800-2800m; 3) There were six RE species hotspots, which covered 10.5% of the giant panda distribution areas and 85% of the RE species were distributed in the hotspots. At the same time, there were six endemic RE species hotspots, which covered 17.2% of the giant panda distribution area and 85% of the endemic RE species were distributed in the hotspots; 4) The nature reserves established for giant panda covered 27.6% of the RE species hotspots and 21.4% of the endemic RE species hotspots, and protected 71.7% of the RE species and 70.7% of the endemic RE species, respectively. Our results would provide scientific basis for improving effectiveness of giant panda nature reserves and maintaining sustainable existence of the wild giant panda population.