Ecological correlates of extinction risk in Chinese terrestrial mammals

Aim China is among the countries with highest mammal diversity in world, but a considerable proportion of Chinese terrestrial species currently at risk extinction. For effective conservation, it would be fundamental to answer following questions: (1) Is extinction randomly distributed families mammals? (2) If not, which are more threatened than expected by chance? (3) What major ecological predictors vulnerability? (4) Does taxonomic difference exist correlates risk? (5) To what extent does anthropogenic disturbance contribute variations Location China. Methods We collected data on biological traits, environmental factors and for 453 mammals. used phylogenetically controlled regression models model selection identify whole set three large groups (Carnivora, Artiodactyla Lagomorpha) separately. Results found that was not families. Seven (old world monkeys, gibbons, cats, civets genets, musk deer, deer bovids) contained significantly higher proportions chance. Geographic range size only factor consistently supported all best groups. Although considered important global set, body weight poor predictor taxon-specific analyses. also detected differences Carnivora, Lagomorpha. After controlling phylogeny, correlated risk. Main conclusions we should pay special attention those highly limited size. Our results highlight importance performing analyses conservation practice.