Ecological and anthropogenic factors influencing mammal species distribution in Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, Myanmar

Mammal distribution is shaped by different ecological and anthropogenic factors, and the pattern varies depending on their sensitivity thresholds, food and habitat preferences, ecological roles, and physical traits. The present study investigated the influence of ecological and anthropogenic factors on the distribution of mammal species communities across different trophic levels and body sizes in Myanmar's Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary (HWS). The values of mammal characteristics, ecological, and anthropogenic factors were analyzed in ArcMap software. Most of the large and small sized mammals, whose distribution decreases with elevation, were observed near the main streams. Across mammal tropic levels, the omnivores and herbivores were mostly observed farther from gold mining sites. In terms of forage plant effect on mammal community, floral forage plants and the presence of climber negatively affected mammal species across different trophic levels. Moreover, presence of resin trees also has a substantial impact on the distribution of medium-large animals and omnivorous mammals as trophic niche factors. Overall, our findings highlight the crucial role that ecological and anthropogenic factors play in shaping mammal distribution in the HWS. This underscores the importance of simultaneously conserving both habitat and mammal diversity in HWS, especially in the face of a changing climate and environment.