International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 133-146 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 142 Figure 3 Bayesian STRUCTURE clustering results based on microsatellite genotypes of 91 individuals of blue eared pheasant Crossoptilon auritumfrom five populations(Adopted from Gu et al., 2013) Image caption: (a) full data, indicating three genetic clusters (DK = 3); (b) samples of south of the low-elevation region, indicating two genetic clusters (DK = 2); (c) samples of north of the lowelevation region, indicating one genetic cluster (K = 1). Note that it is impossible to infer DK for K = 1 (Adopted from Gu et al., 2013) 7.3 Ground Tit (Pseudopodoces humilis) The Ground Tit (Pseudopodoces humilis) exhibits significant genetic divergence between its central and eastern populations. This divergence is primarily driven by historical climatic changes and geographic barriers that have restricted gene flow between these populations (Zhu et al., 2018). Habitat differentiation has led to distinct morphological traits between the central and eastern populations of the Ground Tit. These differences are adaptations to the specific environmental conditions of their respective habitats, including variations in body size and plumage characteristics (Li et al., 2020). The isolation of populations in glacial refugia during the Pleistocene has driven incipient speciation in the Ground Tit. This process has resulted in genetic and morphological differentiation that could eventually lead to the emergence of new species (Lei et al., 2014). 8 Conservation Status and Challenges 8.1 Current conservation efforts and policies Current conservation efforts on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau focus on protecting endemic species and their habitats through the establishment of nature reserves and implementation of conservation policies. Approximately 80 nature reserves have been designated, covering about 22% of the plateau area, primarily located in the southeastern region. These reserves aim to mitigate the impact of human activities and climate change on biodiversity (Zhang et al., 2002). Additionally, the “Natural Forests Protection Project of China” aims to protect the upper reaches of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, implementing "no logging" policies to preserve the natural environment (Zhang et al., 2022). 8.2 Threats to endemic bird populations Endemic bird populations on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau face several significant threats, including climate change, habitat loss, and human activities. Climate change has caused shifts in species distributions, altering habitats and decreasing the suitable geographic range for birds (Jiang et al., 2023). Human activities, such as livestock grazing
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