Taxonomic and Spatiotemporal Patterns and Ecological Correlates of New Mammal Distribution Records in China

ABSTRACT Aim Species' distributions are central to research in biogeography, macroecology and conservation biology. However, incomplete or inaccurate knowledge about species' spatiotemporal distribution ranges—known as the Wallacean shortfall—hampers our understanding of biodiversity patterns and processes. We investigated the taxonomic, spatiotemporal and biogeographical patterns of new mammal distribution records in China and identified the species‐level and provincial‐level drivers associated with these records. Location China. Time Period 2001–2023. Major Taxa Studied Mammals. Methods We compiled 192 peer‐reviewed papers reporting 225 provincial‐level new occurrence records for 150 mammal species in 26 families across seven orders. We assessed the effects of species‐level traits and environmental conditions on the likelihood of new record detections using Bayesian phylogenetic generalised linear mixed models. We also evaluated how provincial‐level survey efforts, mammal species richness and socio‐economic factors influenced the detection rate of new records using generalised linear regression models, and tested whether new records were spatially non‐random in directions using chi‐squared analyses. Results Three orders, Chiroptera ( n = 69), Eulipotyphla ( n = 26), and Rodentia ( n = 23), had the highest number of new distribution records. Three provinces, Yunnan ( n = 31), Guangdong ( n = 22), and Xizang ( n = 18), reported the most new records. Two new records were discovered in historically unrecognised zoogeographic realms. Smaller‐bodied, nocturnal and data‐deficient species were more likely to have new records. New record counts were positively correlated with species richness and current survey efforts ( β > 0.4, p < 0.05). New records showed significant directional bias ( χ 2 = 183.8, df = 7, p < 0.01), with 40.7% of records ( n = 61) extending northward and 21.3% ( n = 32) eastward. Main Conclusions This study underscores the urgent need for intensified surveys in biodiversity‐rich, yet under‐explored areas, and among understudied taxa, particularly small‐bodied, nocturnal and data‐deficient species that have been historically under‐surveyed and poorly documented. By integrating species‐level and spatially explicit analyses, this study provides a framework to identify where and for which taxa new records are most likely to be detected, contributing to mitigating the Wallacean shortfall and informing biodiversity survey and conservation strategies.