Climate change threatens striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) distribution in Nepal

Climate change can be expected to alter ecosystems and influence the spatial distribution of species. Understanding the effects of climate change on species distribution can help develop effective conservation protocols to tackle further biodiversity loss. Striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) global populations appear to follow an overall decreasing trend as the species faces numerous threats. Hyena presence location data was collected, and we utilized a Maxent species distribution model to predict current and future distribution patterns in Nepal. We used two distinct representative concentration pathway (RCP) values (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) to determine potential impacts on hyena distribution. We found that hyena current suitable habitat in Nepal extends over 22,000 km(2) and is projected to significantly decrease in both (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) scenarios. In terms of habitat reduction, we further showed that RCP 8.5 was more adverse than RCP 4.5. We found that the Chure hills and the Terai regions hold the largest extent of hyena habitat in Nepal. Hyena habitat reduction was comparatively lower within the protected areas. Future projections, however, portend severe consequences for the species' survival as suitable habitat areas will be drastically reduced in the next 50 years. Further research on hyena microhabitat suitability under anthropogenic and topographic variables will be useful for future conservation policies.