Response of Distribution Range Against Climate Change and Habitat Preference of Four National Protected Diploderma Species in Tibetan Plateau

Understanding the spatial distribution and habitat preference for rare and endangered species are essential for effective conservation practice. We examined the spatial distribution and habitat preference of four Diploderma species (Diploderma drukdaypo, D. laeviventre, D. batangense, and D. vela), which are endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and are currently under state protection. We used the ensembles of small models (ESM) approach and predicted potential distribution ranges of the species in current and two future climate scenarios (SSP126 and SSP585). The degree of overlap between the predicted distribution ranges and existing natural reserves was further analyzed. Habitat preference was examined using a paired quadrat method. Our results predicted that D. drukdaypo has a current distribution range of 600 km2, which would decrease to 50 km2 and 55 km2 under the SSP126 and SSP585 respectively. For D. laeviventre, the current distribution range is 817 km2, with minimum changes in the two future climate scenarios (774 km2 and 902 km2). For D. batangense, the current distribution range is 875 km2, which would expand to 1 522 km2 and 3 340 km2 in the two future climate scenarios. Similarly for D. vela, the current distribution range is 1 369 km2, which would change to 1 825 km2 and 2 043 km2 respectively under the two future climate scenarios. The effect of protection of current nature reserves are likely low for those species; we found no overlap (D. drukdaypo, D. laeviventre) or little overlap (D. batangense 2.04%-3.56%, D. vela 15.52%-16.87%) between the currently designated protection area and distribution range under current and future climate scenarios. For habitat preference, stones appear to be the critical habitat element for those species although different species had different stone requirements. Taken together, we provided critical information on potential distribution ranges and habitat preference for four endangered Diploderma species, and confirmed the inadequacy of current nature reserves. The establishment of new or expansion of existing nature reserves is urgent for the conservation of those species.