A recent study led by Prof. YANG Weikang from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a quantitative framework for assessing national conservation responsibilities for the Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica) across its transboundary range spanning 11 countries. Ther study was published in Ecological Indicators.

Integrating ensemble species distribution models with systematic conservation planning, the researchers identified 48 critical Landscape Conservation Units (LCUs) essential for the ibex's survival. They applied an entropy weight method to objectively quantify each country's conservation responsibility based on three core factors: ecological importance (area of LCUs), protection effectiveness (protected area coverage), and national capacity (Human Development Index).

The study highlights that while climate change poses a future threat to ibex habitat, more immediate dangers stem from anthropogenic pressures such as infrastructure development and insufficient protected area coverage.

In addition, the researchers classified the 11 countries into three tiers of conservation responsibility. China, Turkmenistan, and Mongolia were identified as bearing high responsibility; Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and India medium responsibility; and Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan low responsibility. China holds the highest responsibility score (0.678) due to its extensive share of LCUs (45.68% of the total) and its comparatively high national capacity. However, a relatively low protected area coverage within China (15.18%) underscores the urgent need for increased conservation investment.

This study presents the first systematic, range-wide transboundary conservation plan for the Siberian ibex. It also provides a replicable protocol for other migratory species that cross international borders, enabling countries to collaborate more equitably and effectively, thereby mitigating the risk of extinction.