Ecotourism Disturbance on an Endemic Endangered Primate in the Huangshan Man and the Biosphere Reserve of China: A Way to Move Forward

A 30-year study on the Huangshan Man and Biosphere Reserve (HMBR) reveals that sustainable ecotourism policies have simultaneously boosted local economies, increased visitor numbers, and expanded habitat suitability for an endangered primate, the Tibetan macaque. The research found that while ecotourism income rose alongside visitor counts, the macaque population thrived, particularly in low-altitude buffer zones with minimal tourist disturbance. Notably, scenic spots—once contributing minimally to habitat suitability (0.71%)—now significantly impact it negatively (32.88%), highlighting a critical trade-off between conservation and tourism development. This study provides a robust framework for evaluating the balance between sustainable development and wildlife conservation in UNESCO Man and Biosphere reserves.

Li, W.-B., Yang, P.-P., Xia, D.-P., Huffman, M. A., Li, M., & Li, J.-H. (2022). Ecotourism Disturbance on an Endemic Endangered Primate in the Huangshan Man and the Biosphere Reserve of China: A Way to Move Forward. Biology, 11(7), 1042. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11071042