In 2003–2023, the number of papers on snow leopards has grown by a 20-fold increase. An important missing topic has been the variation of ecological parameters because of climate change and the relevant effects on leopard food resources. Also, prey information from camera-traps set for leopards requires caution: carnivores and herbivores use the habitat differently. Questionnaire methodology deserves attention, too.

The snow leopard (Panthera uncia), a vulnerable flagship species, inhabits Asia's highlands but has received insufficient conservation attention. Mt. Siguniang National Nature Reserve, located at the southeastern edge of the species' global range, has lacked systematic monitoring and conservation research. To address this gap, we conducted a preliminary survey in Changping Valley, a representative alpine valley in the core area of the reserve, from November 2022 to August 2024. Using camera traps, we recorded 33 independent detections across five sites, mostly above 4500 m, and identified four unique adult individuals. This study represents the beginning of systematic sampling efforts and provides initial evidence of snow leopard presence in the reserve's core area. Future research should focus on quantifying population dynamics and assessing connectivity associated with population movement between Mt. Siguniang National Nature Reserve and adjacent mountain systems.

Fecal samples are commonly used in conservation genetics for endangered and elusive species such as the snow leopard (Panthera uncia). However, the limited quantity and low quality of endogenous DNA in these samples present a challenge for acquiring genetic and genomic data. Previous studies of snow leopard mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) phylogeography have produced inconsistent results, likely due to the limited sequencing length of PCR-based methods. To address this limitation, we performed Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) on 19 fecal samples obtained from the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, resulting in 6.51–12.72 Gb of raw data per sample. We successfully assembled 17 complete mitogenome sequences (~16,720 bp) and identified 67 SNPs. Phylogeographic analysis revealed two divergent mtDNA lineages with a patristic distance of 0.31%, comparable to the divergence observed between major lineages of lions (0.38%–0.82%) and tigers (0.24%–0.56%). One lineage was predominantly found in the Qilian Mountains, while the other was more broadly distributed across the Sanjiangyuan Region and the Hengduan Mountains. These results reveal a considerable level of mtDNA diversity at a local scale, which was missed in a previous study focusing on short mtDNA segments. Our study demonstrates the promising applicability of mitogenome assembly via NGS of fecal DNA, and we anticipate that it may advance global snow leopard conservation genetics by alleviating technical hurdles and enhancing data sharing.

The assessment of landscape-level connectivity patterns is vital for wildlife conservation, particularly highly mobile carnivores such as the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), whose protection requires linking core populations beyond protected area boundaries. We evaluated the effectiveness of Qilianshan National Park (China), spanning Gansu and Qinghai provinces, in conserving key snow leopard habitats and dispersal routes. Using resistant kernel, graph-based, and factorial least-cost path analyses, we identified core habitat areas and major connecting corridors, comparing two resistance surfaces derived from habitat and genetic models. We ranked modeled core areas and corridors based on their contribution to overall connectivity and predicted snow leopard movement intensity. Results show that a substantial portion of core habitat patches and most modeled corridors are located outside the current park boundaries. The kernel analyses identified critical yet unprotected areas essential to range-wide connectivity. We identified core patches that form the backbone of the snow leopard habitat, as well as stepping-stone patches and corridors that maintain structural and functional landscape connectivity. Based on these findings, we give recommendations for the prioritization of certain management actions. While Qilianshan National Park safeguards some key snow leopard habitats, its current extent is insufficient to cover many critical areas and linkages. To support metapopulation persistence and gene flow across this pivotal region—potentially linking the Tibetan Plateau and southern Mongolia—conservation efforts for the Qilianshan National Park should prioritize the expansion of existing protections or the designation of new protected areas in strategic locations to conserve a greater number of core habitat areas and provide connectivity linkages among them.

Robust population surveys and monitoring of ungulates in mountainous areas are hindered by complex terrain and limited access to remote regions. Distance sampling, a widely used method for surveying ungulates in non-mountainous habitats, faces challenges in such environments due to violations of key assumptions. In this study, we examine the assumptions underlying distance sampling and explore how they can be addressed in mountainous terrain. We then applied distance sampling to estimate the abundance of bharal (Pseudois nayaur) on the Tibetan Plateau and compared the results with estimates from the double-observer survey method, which is commonly used for mountain ungulates. Both methods produced highly comparable estimates—2189 from distance sampling and 2038 from the double-observer survey—approximately twice as high as the total count (963). Distance sampling yielded a wider confidence interval (95% CI: 1207–3972) than the double-observer survey (95% CI: 1405–2670). We recommend using distance sampling when human resources are limited or when the closed population assumption is difficult to meet. Otherwise, the double-observer method is preferable due to its narrower confidence intervals and greater ability to detect population changes.

Nature education, regarded in China as activities in nature that connect humans with nature, is gaining increasing interest. Research studies in this area are growing too. However, little has been synthesized to understand the overarching patterns. This review explored the current status and trends of nature education studies in China. We adopted the traditional narrative literature review approach to examine 87 articles relevant to nature education in China, published in both English and Chinese from 2014 to April 2024. Our findings showcase three types of articles that represent the trends of studies in nature education: philosophical, empirical, and practical articles. Philosophical articles mainly addressed North American and European theories, with a relatively few Chinese philosophies. Empirical articles focused on exploring the current status of people's perception of nature and nature education, relationships among different variables, nature education outcomes, and setting or curriculum analysis. Practical articles described theoretical and practical applications as well as regional development efforts. The study sheds light on future research directions: (1) exploring Chinese theories and traditional cultures to deepen and ground nature education in local contexts, (2) developing innovative interventions and measuring nature education outcomes, and (3) connecting research to practice to enhance the field of nature education in China.

To understand the characteristics of emerging nature education practices in China, this study conducted a content analysis of 154 lesson plans submitted through a Nature Education Massive Open Online Course offered by Cornell University. We found that nature education practices covered a wide range of topics, settings, objectives, and activities, gaining popularity among diverse audiences. The analysis revealed distinct objectives tailored to different audiences: early childhood lesson plans primarily focused on skills and cognitive development; plans for students emphasized the development of scientific knowledge and skills; for adults, the main objective was to foster nature connection and enhance health, particularly through stress reduction; and for families, the focus was on strengthening parent-child relationships. While objectives varied significantly across audiences, the activities showed less variation, often blending multiple approaches. However, very few lesson plans incorporated objectives related to environmental conservation or sustainability actions, particularly those involving civic engagement strategies. Nature education in China stays exploratory and is largely driven by broader social needs in education and well-being. We offer recommendations for integrating more intentional conservation outcomes while maintaining nature education's broad appeal within modern Chinese society. This study provides insight into emerging nature education practices in China and offers recommendations on future research to examine long-term trends and the implementation of these lesson plans.

We report four rare instances of spider–vertebrate predation documented at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden in Southwest China. The predatory events involved four spider species: Nephila pilipes (Nephilidae), an unidentified Bowie sp. (Ctenidae), Heteropoda venatoria, and H. tetrica (Sparassidae). The prey taxa included representatives from avian, reptilian (snake and gecko), and mammalian (shrew) classes. These unusual predation occurrences highlight previously underreported trophic interactions in Asia and underscore the potential impact of large spiders on vertebrate prey dynamics in tropical ecosystems. Notably, repeated avian predation by Nephila pilipes over a 3-day period provided valuable insights into spider feeding behavior. These findings expand current knowledge of spider predation on vertebrates and trophic roles, highlighting the ecological and conservation significance of large-bodied spiders in Asian tropical biodiversity hotspots.

Introgression is an important biological process that has a major impact on the evolutionary potential of species. Admixed offspring from parental individuals of different species, or in other word evolutionarily distinct gene-pools, may enable the exchange of genomic information between these two species without leading to genetic swamping. Here, we argue that conservation biologists must take into account both the adaptive and maladaptive consequences resulting from introgression by evaluating the biological and environmental context: past, present and future. Our argument is based on recent insights confirming species boundaries to be permeable, with scenarios suggesting increased permeability in the future. As a consequence, closely related species may form syngameons that enhance the evolutionary potential and resilience to environmental change by exchanging genetic information. Here, we focus on three aspects of introgression in applied conservation. Firstly, introgression between species in their native habitats may be considered as a natural strategy of these species to enhance their resilience to environmental change. Secondly, introgression between species, particularly native and nonnative, may rarely lead to genetic swamping but need to be monitored carefully to avoid the loss of the species identity of native threatened species. Thirdly, introgression between threatened and non-threatened species need to be considered as unique opportunities to recover alleles that are already lost in the gene pool of highly threatened species experiencing the attraction of the extinction vortex, especially where admixed individuals already exist naturally. In summary, we are calling for the replacement of a static Linnean species concept by a species concept that considers species a dynamic gene pools with permeable boundaries enabling the exchange of genetic information, enhancing adaptive capacity without losing species integrity.

Sustainable conversion of uneconomic rubber monocultures is essential for restoring degraded tropical rainforests and achieving the goals of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030). Here, we discuss existing ecological restoration approaches that may be applicable to converting rubber monocultures in protected and marginal areas with high conservation value but less economic potential. Before selecting restoration interventions, practitioners should conduct comprehensive assessments of landscape context, land-use history, forest regeneration status, and resource availability. Natural forest regeneration is typically a low-cost restoration option for rubber monocultures that have encroached into protected areas, where nearby natural forest fragments can provide seed sources. In other marginal areas, assisted natural regeneration and active planting can promote more rapid recovery. The restoration strategies outlined here can support the restoration of 1,900,000 ha of rubber monocultures in marginal zones and other economically unsustainable monoculture plantation crops, thereby making a significant contribution to global restoration targets by 2030.

Bold policy change is urgently needed to overcome the current biodiversity crisis. A significant concern in conservation research is that for such policy to be successfully implemented, broad and enduring support from political decision-makers and the wider public is required. Here we consider ways to facilitate this support by leveraging digital interventions aimed at raising awareness. We explore the current landscape of digital conservation interventions through the lens of two variables: audience and politicization. Four unique types of digital interventions emerge, each with potential to raise awareness for policy change: niche educational, broad educational, focused and political, and broad and political. We propose that digital conservation interventions aimed at changing the political attitudes of specific groups and reaching broad audiences are currently under-utilized. We finish by sharing examples from conservation and other disciplines that can serve as inspiration to assist in filling these gaps.

Dust emission and accumulation have been continually increasing over the past several decades in South Asia. Dust storms, originating in western regions, regularly move across the Indian subcontinent and may reach parts of the Himalayas, including the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Their frequency has risen rapidly on the Indo-Gangetic Plains. Dust storms impact processes associated with atmospheric composition, radiative balance, precipitation, nutrient cycling, and vegetation sustainability. However, these effects have not yet been synthesized in the context of South Asia, which this study addresses. We investigate dust sources and the causes of dust storms in South Asia, their implications for the TP ecosystem, and how they impact vegetation health and sustainability. Indian dust storms originate from both, the local Thar Desert and distant deserts in the Middle East and Northeast Africa. Long-range dust transport has synergistic as well as antagonistic effects on vegetation health and ecosystem sustainability, while vegetation also acts as a trap for atmospheric dust, purifying polluted air. Soils in forest ecosystems may derive 4%–30% of their nutrient inputs, mainly phosphorus (P), from long-range transported dust. Dust-bound P can also be absorbed through foliar uptake of dust deposited on leaves. In simulation experiments, plants were able to increase their P content by 30%–37% through foliar uptake. However, dust deposition on leaves and its subsequent uptake can impair plant growth and biomass production by clogging stomata, modifying the leaf microenvironment, hindering transpiration and gas exchange, degrading chlorophyll, limiting photosynthesis, and reprogramming cellular metabolism. It is hypothesized that plant responses to dust may have an evolutionary basis. We conclude that dust can have mixed impacts on ecosystem functioning and highlight the urgent need for systematic and detailed investigations into its effects in a regional context.

Grazing has a profound impact on forest ecosystems and biodiversity. In recent years, grazing exclusion has been widely implemented as a conservation policy in many protected areas. However, its effects on wildlife populations, particularly on the reproductive ecology of pheasants, remain insufficiently explored. This study focuses on the Wanglang National Nature Reserve in Sichuan Province. Using data from before (2018) and after (2024) the implementation of an exclusion policy, we combined infrared camera monitoring and simulated nest experiments to assess the influence of grazing exclusion on pheasant nesting success and predation risk. Historically impacted by grazing, the Wanglang Reserve is located in the Himalaya–Hengduan Mountains of southwestern China, a global hotspot for pheasant diversity and a key climate refugium. Grazing exclusion was gradually implemented beginning in 2017, providing an ideal natural experimental site for this study. Our results show that pheasant nesting success significantly declined after exclusion, whereas both predator diversity and predation frequency increased. These findings suggest that grazing exclusion may indirectly reduce reproductive success by altering predator activity and distribution. Although exclusion promoted vegetation recovery and improved habitat conditions, it did not effectively reduce short-term predation risk. This study provides important scientific evidence regarding post-exclusion wildlife dynamics in forest ecosystems and reveals the limitations of the umbrella species strategy in predicting wildlife responses to human disturbance. Future research should incorporate detailed temporal and spatial analyses of wildlife‒livestock interactions, along with long-term monitoring data to optimize grazing exclusion policies and provide theoretical support for effective forest ecosystem management and wildlife conservation.

Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) in Punjab, India, is a unique protected area with the blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra L.) as its flagship species. The history of blackbuck conservation is deeply intertwined with the culture and ethos of the local Bishnoi community. Most of the land in WLS is farmland owned by local people. When the area was declared a sanctuary in 2001, it contained many sand dunes with wild vegetation that served as habitats for wildlife. The local people's sustainable farming practices and their peaceful coexistence with blackbucks are now largely things of the past. Expansion of cultivated land has reduced the natural habitat of wild animals, a problem exacerbated by habitat fragmentation due to the fencing of crop fields. Hybrid cattle and stray dogs also pose threats to wildlife in the area. In this study, we explore ways to restore the coexistence between local communities and wildlife. We examine the underlying conflicts and potential strategies for reconciliation. Results show that local people in the case study area hold strong conservation values and are motivated by their cultural and religious beliefs to protect wildlife, but face increasing challenges in doing so. Our research indicates that these intrinsic motivations, when supported by extrinsic incentives such as compensation payments and other mechanisms like ecotourism or premium prices for wildlife-friendly certified products, could foster sustainable human–wildlife coexistence. Education may also be an important factor in encouraging acceptance of such extrinsic incentives.

Caterpillars of Gynanisa maja (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) are extensively harvested from the wild for human consumption across their geographic range in southern Africa. Although concerns have been raised on the sustainability of this practice in the current scenario of habitat loss and climate change, genetic data for assessments of the phylogeographic structure, genetic diversity, and demographic history of the species is severely lacking. This study presents the first insights into these aspects of Gy. maja populations in Namibia using mitochondrial sequence data. Adult specimens and caterpillars (n = 72) were collected at six sampling areas in the northwestern Namibia for Sanger sequencing of polymorphic mitochondrial regions (1964 bp) followed by haplotype-based analyses. The phylogeographic structure of Gy. maja was assessed using a phylogenetic tree and neighbour-joining networks, along with estimates of genetic diversity and demographic history. We found a total of 47 haplotypes, with only a few shared haplotypes among sampling areas. Standard genetic diversity measures showed high levels of haplotype and nucleotide diversity at all sampling sites. Neutrality tests, mismatch distributions and raggedness index indicate a stationary population. Overall, our results suggest that Gy. maja in northwestern Namibia is genetically diverse and panmictic, and that the genetic diversity and demographic status of the species are presently not of immediate concern. However, it is worth noting that dry mopane woodlands, the main habitat of Gy. maja in Namibia, are under increasing anthropogenic pressure that will inevitably impact the health and abundance of these and other edible Lepidoptera, especially those harvested at commercial scale.

Horticultural collections of ornamental plants are vital elements in our efforts to conserve threatened plants, such as species of the staghorn fern genus Platycerium. Accurate species identification in these collections is often challenging but crucial to ensure the objectives of ex situ conservation. Here, we promote the establishment of reference DNA barcode libraries as an effective approach to take on the challenge to detect mislabeled accessions. To achieve this goal, a reference dataset was assembled employing a total of 287 accessions that were mainly obtained from the staghorn fern collections cultivated at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Yunnan, China. Five chloroplast genome loci were assessed as DNA barcodes reflecting their wide utilization in plant systematics. The results confirmed not only the utility of commonly used chloroplast DNA fragments as DNA barcodes for these ferns but most importantly found no obvious evidence for frequent misidentification of staghorn fern accessions maintained in botanical gardens, although some mislabeling was detected. The established reference dataset enabled us to secure the species identity of staghorn fern accessions handled in conservation practices or commercial trade. In turn, the application of DNA barcoding was confirmed as an effective tool to secure the species identity of accessions used in ex situ conservation collections of staghorn ferns by enabling reliable identification of all individuals, especially immature individuals that lack the morphological characteristics of adult plants utilized in expert identification keys. In conclusion, assembled DNA barcoding reference datasets are promoted as a practical approach to be applied in horticultural collection management but also for regulating the plant trade.

A major challenge to biodiversity conservation is prioritizing species and regions for conservation under limited resources. Phylogenetic diversity (PD) and phylogenetic endemism (PE) together could provide an effective estimate for biodiversity conservation by identifying areas rich in evolutionarily unique lineages and range-restricted evolutionary history that are in urgent need of protection. Furthermore, understanding the spatial patterns and environmental correlates of these phylogenetic metrices is crucial because it helps to uncover the underlying processes driving biodiversity. We used recently updated distributions and phylogenetic relationships of all Chinese lizards (~90%), and found that the PD and the PE hotspots are mainly located in southern China. We found that temperature plays a stronger role than precipitation, historical climatic stability and seasonality in shaping the spatial patterns of PD and PE. Additionally, PE tends to be higher in regions with greater heterogeneity. Based on the categorical analysis of neo- and paleo-endemism, our results also indicated that the majority of PE hotspots (mix of neo- and paleo-endemism) were located in mountainous terrain (e.g., Hengduan–Himalaya) and on islands (Hainan, Taiwan). Importantly, we show that these hotspots in Chinese mainland are mostly located outside protected areas. Overall, our study highlights these regions with high PD and PE are mainly in mountains of southern and northwestern China. However, current protected areas are insufficient for lizard conservation in China, as they do not adequately cover key centres of evolutionary history.

Ethiopia, as one of 36 global hotspots of biodiversity, provides diverse habitats for a variety of species, but little research about the herpetofauna of the country is available. Worldwide, especially amphibians but also reptiles, are threatened by biodiversity and habitat loss due to deforestation and other human actions. Following the One Plan Approach by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, an integrative use of ex situ and in situ measures is recommended to address the ongoing conservation crisis, which is currently largely missing for Ethiopia's 76 amphibian and 191 reptile species. In an effort to close gaps in conservation work, we analyze species richness, protected area coverage, and corrected weighted endemism as well as the threat status and status of ex situ populations for these species. We show the South-Western lowlands as the most important region of high species diversity and threatened and endemic species, having a species richness of 12–14 for amphibians and 50–54 for reptiles. Additional important hotspots are the South-Western Highlands and Arsi-Bale Highlands; the protection of these three regions should be prioritized. For protected areas, the Bale Mountain National Park is particularly important, sheltering 25 amphibians, 7 of which are threatened and 8 endemic, as well as 2 endemic reptiles. The Arsi Mountains National Park also houses a large number of species, with many threatened and endemic ones. Although many priority areas are already under protection, the extension of existing and establishment of new protected areas, for example, in the Southern and South-Western Lowlands, would be advantageous for species conservation. With only 3 amphibian and 43 reptile species in holding, largely with low number of institutions or individuals, representation of Ethiopian species in ex situ facilities is insufficient and priorities should be shifted to endemic and threatened species and the building of breeding programs. For conservation-oriented holding stations and zoos, a list of the 33 most threatened amphibian and reptile species is provided.

Cyrtodactylus is the most diverse genus of the family Gekkonidae, as well as the third-largest vertebrate genus worldwide. In this study, we investigate the diversity, conservation status, and distribution of species within the genus Cyrtodactylus in Indochina. There are 84 species known from the Indochina region (Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia), representing 22.6% of the global diversity of the genus. The majority (90.5%) of the taxa are endemic, with a significant portion being microendemic and therefore restricted to specific regions. Recent rapid rise in species discoveries has been driven by molecular analyses of morphologically cryptic species. However, many newly described species remain unassessed in terms of their population status, creating a gap in conservation priorities, with up to 34.5% of currently recognized bent-toed geckos remaining unevaluated. Our study also reveals that over half of the currently recognized Cyrtodactylus species (54.8%) are not covered by any protected area, and 85.7% of threatened species lack any protection measure. Moreover, ex-situ conservation efforts, such as conservation breeding, have not been targeted in conservation plans for bent-toed geckos in Indochina, leaving many species being further threatened in the wild. The findings call for a more integrated approach to conservation in line with IUCN's One Plan Approach, to ensure the long-term survival of these species, advocating for improved taxonomic research and comprehensive conservation assessments for the IUCN Red List. Expanding protected areas and initiating ex-situ programmes are essential to ensure the long-term survival of the bent-toed geckos in the region.

Leaf functional traits play a fundamental role in shaping phyllosphere microbial diversity; however, their influence across evolutionary lineages and elevational gradients remains insufficiently understood. This study investigates the α-diversity, β-diversity, community assembly processes, and co-occurrence networks of phyllosphere fungi in Angiosperms and Gymnosperms along an elevational gradient (2900–4100 m) on Bai Ma Snow Mountain, southwestern China. By analyzing leaf functional traits and environmental factors, we evaluated their effects on fungal diversity, community assembly, and network stability under varying environmental conditions. Fungal α-diversity in Angiosperms followed a cosine-like pattern, peaking at mid-elevations, whereas Gymnosperms exhibited a consistent decline with increasing elevation. β-Diversity patterns revealed more pronounced structural shifts in Angiosperms, indicating stronger sensitivity to environmental gradients. Deterministic processes dominated community assembly at higher elevations, while stochastic processes were more influential at low-to-mid elevations, particularly in Angiosperms. Key leaf functional traits, including specific leaf area (SLA), leaf vein angle (LVA), and roughness (RS), were strongly correlated with fungal α-diversity in Angiosperms, with SLA and LVA showing negative correlations and RS a positive correlation. In contrast, Gymnosperms exhibited weaker associations with these traits. Co-occurrence network analyses revealed dynamic shifts in microbial connectivity in Angiosperms, where positive and negative interactions initially decreased but increased again at higher elevations. In contrast, Gymnosperms exhibited a steady decline in positive and negative interaction ratios along the gradient. These findings provide a foundation for integrating plant functional traits and microbial interactions into conservation strategies, prioritizing core fungal taxa, rare Angiosperms at higher elevations, and fragile alpine ecosystems, to enhance specific functional-taxa conservation and ecosystem resilience.

The decline in biodiversity and the reduction of carbon sinks resulting from ecosystem degradation have emerged as significant global challenges. The impact of passive and active restoration on biodiversity and carbon sinks has been well studied across biomes, but remains understudied in degraded savannas, especially regarding long-term outcomes. This study examines how species composition, biodiversity, and biomass accumulation in herbaceous communities respond to different restoration strategies across an altitudinal gradient in the degraded savannas of southwestern China. Fenced reserves significantly increased average height, cover, diversity, and biomass of herbaceous communities across elevation gradients, with a shift in species dominance toward Eulaliopsis binata. Acacia confusa forest increased herbaceous cover at low elevations and enhanced diversity across the gradient, whereas Leucaena leucocephala forest increased cover at high elevations but consistently reduced diversity at all elevations, leading to a single-species dominance. Both active restoration treatments resulted in lower herbaceous biomass compared to natural regeneration (fenced reserves). These results suggest that natural regeneration more effectively supports both biodiversity and biomass accumulation across elevation zones, while active restoration exhibits altitude-dependent efficacy and limited biomass accumulation capacity. This study provides a foundation for selecting context-appropriate restoration approaches to enhance biodiversity and carbon storage, and supports the optimization of ecological restoration strategies and forest management practices in savanna ecosystems.

Shifting cultivation is a major driver of deforestation in tropical uplands. In western Myanmar, population growth has intensified the practice, shortening fallow periods and resulting in increased habitat degradation and fragmentation, which threaten wildlife survival. Arboreal species such as gibbons are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on continuous canopy cover for survival. We investigated how shifting cultivation and associated human disturbances affect the density and abundance of the Western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) in Man Wildlife Sanctuary, a newly established protected area, and its surrounding forest landscape in western Myanmar. Data were collected using point counts at 36 sampling grids covering 113 km² over 8 months (April–November 2023). Density estimates were derived from abundance using N-mixture models, and we examined the influence of landscape and human disturbance covariates on spatial variation in gibbon abundance across the study area. We estimated an average density of 1.6 groups/km². Of the seven landscapes and eight disturbance covariates tested, fire-related disturbances and proximity to human settlements—both closely associated with shifting cultivation—had the strongest negative influence on gibbon density. Our results suggest that Man Wildlife Sanctuary and its surrounding forests support a moderate density of Western hoolock gibbons compared with other regions in Myanmar. The lack of effective protection and management is a major problem, highlighting the need for targeted conservation measures and land-use planning to mitigate these threats.