Update on the status of wolverines in China

Abstract

The wolverine, Gulogulo, is an endangered species in China. This is the first report of the overall status of wolverines in China. The geographic distribution and population sizes of wolverines in the Greater Khingan and Altai Mountains were surveyed by line transect from 1996–2000 and in 2011, respectively. We identified two geographically distinct groups in the Great Khingan Mountains, with a total population size of about 200 individuals throughout the region (approximately 80,000 km²). Wolverines were also confirmed to be present in the Altai Mountains, where about 100 individuals occupied approximately 28,000 km² of mountain forest and tundra. Prey depletion and habitat loss, which are correlated with increasing human activities, are the main reasons for wolverine population declines in China.

Keywords

China / Geographical distribution / Population size / Wolverine

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