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Zhou G, Huan Y, Wang L, Lan Y, Liang T, Shi B, Zhang Q. Linking ecosystem services and circuit theory to identify priority conservation and restoration areas from an ecological network perspective. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 873:162261. [PMID: 36801316 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The Yellow River basin has been experiencing ecosystem fragmentation, conversion, and degradation. The ecological security pattern (ESP) can provide a systematic and holistic perspective for specific action planning to maintain ecosystem structural, functional stability, and its connectivity. Thus, this study focused on Sanmenxia, one of the most representative cities of the Yellow River basin, to construct an integrated ESP to provide evidence-based support for ecological conservation and restoration. We adopted four main steps, including measuring the importance of multiple ecosystem services, identifying ecological sources, constructing the ecological resistance surface, and linking the MCR model and circuit theory to identify the optimal path, optimal width, and key nodes of ecological corridors. Overall, we identified various ecological conservation and restoration priority areas in Sanmenxia, including 3593.08 km2 of ecosystem service hotspots, 28 corridors, 105 pinch points, and 73 barriers, and we highlighted multiple priority actions. This study provides an effective starting point for the future identification of ecological priorities at the regional or river basin scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangjin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yizhong Huan
- School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Institute for Sustainable Development Goals, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Lingqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Lan
- The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources, University College London, London, UK; Laboratory of Resource Ecology and Biological Resources, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Liang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Biling Shi
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Zhangjiakou Municipal Bureau of Natural Resources and Planning, Zhangjiakou, China
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2
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Feng B, Bai W, Fan X, Fu M, Song X, Liu J, Qin W, Zhang J, Qi D, Hou R. Species coexistence and niche interaction between sympatric giant panda and Chinese red panda: A spatiotemporal approach. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e9937. [PMID: 37091556 PMCID: PMC10121233 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and the Chinese red panda (Ailurus styani) are distributed in the same region in the mountain forest ecosystem on the eastern edge of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau and share the same food sources. In order to understand how sympatric giant pandas and Chinese red pandas maintain interspecific relationships to achieve stable coexistence, we used species distribution models and diurnal activity rhythms to analyze the spatial and temporal niche characteristics of giant pandas and Chinese red pandas in the Daxiangling Mountain system based on 187 camera traps data. The results show that: (1) In the Daxiangling Mountains, the total area of suitable habitats for giant pandas and Chinese red pandas is 717.61 km2 and 730.00 km2, respectively, accounting for 17.78% and 18.25%, respectively, of the study area. (2) The top five environmental factors contributing to the model of giant panda and Chinese red panda are precipitation seasonality, temperature seasonality, distance to the road, and elevation and vegetation type. (3) The total overlapping area of suitable habitats for giant pandas and Chinese red pandas is 342.23 km2, of which the overlapping area of highly suitable habitats is 98.91 km2. The overlapping index of suitable habitats is 0.472, and the overlapping index of highly suitable habitats is 0.348, which indicates that the two achieve spatial niches are separated to achieve stable coexistence. (4) The overlapping index of the daily activity rhythm of giant panda and Chinese red panda is 0.87, which is significantly different (p < .05). The existence of Chinese red panda will significantly affect the daily activity rhythm of giant panda (p < .001). This research can provide scientific reference for the researches about population and habitat protection of giant pandas and Chinese red pandas, so as to understand the driving mechanism of resource allocation and population dynamics of sympatric species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Feng
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda BreedingSichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered WildlifeChengduChina
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources ConservationChina West Normal UniversityNanchongChina
| | - Wenke Bai
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda BreedingSichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered WildlifeChengduChina
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources ConservationChina West Normal UniversityNanchongChina
| | - Xueyang Fan
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda BreedingSichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered WildlifeChengduChina
| | - Mingxia Fu
- Administration of Daxiangling Nature ReserveYaanChina
| | - Xinqiang Song
- Administration of Daxiangling Nature ReserveYaanChina
| | - Jingyi Liu
- Administration of Daxiangling Nature ReserveYaanChina
| | - Weirui Qin
- Administration of Daxiangling Nature ReserveYaanChina
| | - Jindong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources ConservationChina West Normal UniversityNanchongChina
| | - Dunwu Qi
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda BreedingSichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered WildlifeChengduChina
| | - Rong Hou
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda BreedingSichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered WildlifeChengduChina
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3
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Li W, Zhou C, Cheng M, Tu H, Wang G, Mao Y, Huang Y, Chen M, Price M, Meng Y, Yue B, Zhang X. Large‐scale genetic surveys for main extant population of wild giant panda (
Ailuropoda melanoleuca
) reveals an urgent need of human management. Evol Appl 2023; 16:738-749. [PMID: 36969135 PMCID: PMC10033846 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
There are only six isolated living giant panda populations, and a comprehensive understanding of their genetic health status is crucial for the conservation of this vulnerable species. Liangshan Mountains is one of the main distribution areas of living giant pandas and is outside the newly established Giant panda national park. In this study, 971 giant panda fecal samples were collected in the heartland of Liangshan Mountains (Mabian Dafengding Nature Reserve: MB; Meigu Dafengding Nature Reserve: MG; and Heizhugou Nature Reserve: HZG). Microsatellite markers and mitochondrial D-loop sequences were used to estimate population size and genetic diversity. We identified 92 individuals (MB: 27, MG: 22, HZG: 43) from the three reserves. Our results showed that: (1) genetic diversity of three giant panda populations was moderate; (2) several loci deviated significantly from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and almost all these deviated loci showed significant heterozygote deficiencies and inbreeding; (3) three giant panda populations have substantial genetic differentiation with the most differentiation between MB and the two other populations; and (4) a large amount of giant panda feces outside the three reserves were found, implying the existence of protection gap. These results indicated that under stochastic events, the giant panda populations in Liangshan Mountains are at risk of genetic decline or extinction and urgent need of human management. This study revealed that high attention should be paid to the protection of these giant panda populations outside the Giant panda national park, to ensure their survival in their distribution areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences Sichuan University Chengdu China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Chuang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences Sichuan University Chengdu China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Meiling Cheng
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences Sichuan University Chengdu China
- State Forestry and Grassland Administration Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Rare Animals of the Giant Panda State Park China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda Dujiangyan China
| | - Hongmei Tu
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Guannan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Yeming Mao
- Sichuan Heizhugou National Nature Reserve Administration Ebian China
| | - Yaohua Huang
- Sichuan Mabian National Nature Reserve Administration Leshan China
| | - Minghua Chen
- Sichuan Meigu National Nature Reserve Administration Meigu China
| | - Megan Price
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences Sichuan University Chengdu China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Yang Meng
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences Sichuan University Chengdu China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Bisong Yue
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences Sichuan University Chengdu China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Xiuyue Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences Sichuan University Chengdu China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences Sichuan University Chengdu China
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Giant Panda Microhabitat Study in the Daxiangling Niba Mountain Corridor. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020165. [PMID: 36829444 PMCID: PMC9953099 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Habitat reduction and increased fragmentation are urgent issues for the survival and recovery of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). However, changes in the distribution and microhabitat selection of giant panda habitats in different seasons in the same region have rarely been assessed. To further understand giant panda habitat requirements, this study analyzed the giant panda habitat selection characteristics and differences using the sample data of the giant panda occurrence sites collected during 2020-2022. The results showed that the giant panda in both seasons selected medium altitudes (2000-2400 m), southeastern slopes, slopes less than 15°, taller tree layers (8-15 m) with a larger diameter at breast height (17-25 cm) and medium density (25-55%), shorter shrub layers (<4 m) with sparse density (<30%), and taller bamboo (>2 m) with high density (>35%). The giant panda microhabitat survey in the Niba Mountain corridor clarified the characteristics of suitable habitat selection for the giant panda in the corridor. The findings of the study can provide scientific references for the development of practical habitat conservation and management measures for giant pandas in the study area.
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Rule A, Dill SE, Sun G, Chen A, Khawaja S, Li I, Zhang V, Rozelle S. Challenges and Opportunities in Aligning Conservation with Development in China's National Parks: A Narrative Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12778. [PMID: 36232085 PMCID: PMC9566203 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As part of its effort to balance economic development with environmental objectives, China has established a new national park system, with the first five locations formally established in 2021. However, as the new parks all host or are proximate to human populations, aligning the socioeconomic needs and aspirations of local communities with conservation aims is critical for the long-term success of the parks. In this narrative review, the authors identify the ecological priorities and socioeconomic stakeholders of each of the five national parks; explore the tensions and synergies between these priorities and stakeholders; and synthesize the policy recommendations most frequently cited in the literature. A total of 119 studies were reviewed. Aligning traditional livelihoods with conservation, limiting road construction, promoting education and environmental awareness, and supporting the development of a sustainable tourism industry are identified as important steps to balance conservation with economic development in the new national parks.
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6
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Chen Y, Wang X, Zheng X, Gong Y, Chen M, Qiu L, Zhou H, Wei W, Han H. Space use and microhabitat selection of wild giant pandas in Meigu Dafengding National Nature Reserve, China. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.1000841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a special rare and endangered species in China and is the flagship species for global biodiversity conservation. This study used different methods including Kernel density, statistical analysis, and logistic regression analysis to investigated the spatial distribution, migration in different seasons and different distribution areas, as well as the foraging patch selection strategies of wild giant pandas in Meigu Dafengding National Nature Reserve in the Liangshan Mountains. The results demonstrated that, in the study area, giant pandas were mainly distributed in the Wahei-Yizi Yakou Habitat Corridor with an activity area of 144.93 km2, which accounted for 28.59% of the whole reserve. The core distribution area of the species was 92.07 km2 and the population density was 0.24 pcs km–2. There were two significant seasonal domains for the activities of giant pandas: the low-altitude winter habitat of Yushania maculata Yi and Yushania ailuropodina Yi bamboo species, as well as the high-altitude summer habitat of Bashania fangiana species. With seasonal changes, giant pandas migrated among different bamboo distribution regions. Giant pandas were mainly distributed in high-altitude areas that had secondary forest, tall trees with a large diameter at breast height (DBH) and bamboo forest. The spatial distribution pattern and microhabitat selection of giant pandas in Meigu Dafengding National Nature Reserve were determined. The findings of this study provide scientific implications for the local conservation and management of the habitat of wild giant pandas.
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Xu Y, Yang B, Dai Q, Pan H, Zhong X, Ran J, Yang X, Gu X, Yang Z, Qi D, Hou R, Zhang Z. Landscape-scale giant panda conservation based on metapopulations within China's national park system. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabl8637. [PMID: 35905183 PMCID: PMC9337760 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abl8637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Historically, giant panda conservation in China has been compromised by disparate management of protected areas. It is thus crucial to address how giant panda populations can be managed cohesively on a landscape scale, an opportunity offered by China's newly established Giant Panda National Park. Here, we evaluated giant panda populations in a metapopulation context, based on range-wide data from the Fourth National Giant Panda Survey. We delineated metapopulations by geographic range, relative abundance, and relative density and assessed the extent of human disturbance each metapopulation faced. We found density-dependent and disturbance-influenced effects on habitat selection across metapopulations. We determined the main effects faced by each metapopulation regarding area sensitivity, population size, intraspecific competition, and disturbance. To enhance the landscape-scale conservation of giant pandas and various other wildlife across China's national park system, we propose that metapopulation management incorporates population status along with density-dependent and disturbance-related effects on habitat selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Biao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637002, China
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Qiang Dai
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Han Pan
- Society of Entrepreneurs and Ecology (SEE) Foundation, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Xue Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637002, China
| | - Jianghong Ran
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Xuyu Yang
- Sichuan Station of Wildlife Survey and Management, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Xiaodong Gu
- Sichuan Station of Wildlife Survey and Management, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Zhisong Yang
- Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Dunwu Qi
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Rong Hou
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637002, China
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8
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Abstract
Habitat modeling is one of the most common practices in ecology today, aimed at understanding complex associations between species and an array of environmental, bioclimatic, and anthropogenic factors. This review of studies of seven species of terrestrial bears (Ursidae) occupying four continents examines how habitat models have been employed, and the functionality of their predictions for management and conservation. Bear occurrence data have been obtained at the population level, as presence points (e.g., sign surveys or camera trapping), or as locations of individual radio-collared animals. Radio-collars provide greater insights into how bears interact with their environment and variability within populations; they are more commonly used in North America and Europe than in South America and Asia. Salient problematic issues apparent from this review included: biases in presence data; predictor variables being poor surrogates of actual behavioral drivers; predictor variables applied at a biologically inappropriate scale; and over-use of data repositories that tend to detach investigators from the species. In several cases, multiple models in the same area yielded different predictions; new presence data occurred outside the range of predicted suitable habitat; and future range projections, based on where bears presently exist, underestimated their adaptability. Findings here are likely relevant to other taxa.
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9
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Fu M, Pan H, Song X, Dai Q, Qi D, Ran J, Hou R, Yang X, Gu X, Yang B, Xu Y, Zhang Z. Back-and-forth shifts in habitat selection by giant pandas over the past two decades in the Daxiangling Mountains, southwestern China. J Nat Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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10
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Field metabolic rates of giant pandas reveal energetic adaptations. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22391. [PMID: 34789821 PMCID: PMC8599739 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01872-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of energy expenditure informs conservation managers for long term plans for endangered species health and habitat suitability. We measured field metabolic rate (FMR) of free-roaming giant pandas in large enclosures in a nature reserve using the doubly labeled water method. Giant pandas in zoo like enclosures had a similar FMR (14,182 kJ/day) to giant pandas in larger field enclosures (13,280 kJ/day). In winter, giant pandas raised their metabolic rates when living at − 2.4 °C (36,108 kJ/day) indicating that they were below their thermal neutral zone. The lower critical temperature for thermoregulation was about 8.0 °C and the upper critical temperature was about 28 °C. Giant panda FMRs were somewhat lower than active metabolic rates of sloth bears, lower than FMRs of grizzly bears and polar bears and 69 and 81% of predicted values based on a regression of FMR versus body mass of mammals. That is probably due to their lower levels of activity since other bears actively forage for food over a larger home range and pandas often sit in a patch of bamboo and eat bamboo for hours at a time. The low metabolic rates of giant pandas in summer, their inability to acquire fat stores to hibernate in winter, and their ability to raise their metabolic rate to thermoregulate in winter are energetic adaptations related to eating a diet composed almost exclusively of bamboo. Differences in FMR of giant pandas between our study and previous studies (one similar and one lower) appear to be due to differences in activity of the giant pandas in those studies.
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11
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Martins-Oliveira AT, Zanin M, Canale GR, Costa CAD, Eisenlohr PV, Melo FCSAD, Melo FRD. A global review of the threats of mining on mid-sized and large mammals. J Nat Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2021.126025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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12
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Kang D. A review of the impacts of four identified major human disturbances on the habitat and habitat use of wild giant pandas from 2015 to 2020. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 763:142975. [PMID: 33109372 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Human disturbance poses a serious threat to the survival of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), but few systematic and specialized reviews on the impacts of human disturbance on pandas and their habitats have been published. After the fourth giant panda survey (2011-2014), some new studies and important findings have emerged. To update the understanding of the impacts of human disturbance, research on the impacts of major human disturbances on the habitat and habitat use of wild giant pandas from 2015 to 2020 was reviewed based on 33 publications (including three books and 30 articles). The major human disturbances in panda habitat included livestock grazing, roads, herb collection, and logging. Livestock affects panda habitat by occupying, disturbing, and defecating in it, and the time and intensity of habitat use by horses are greater than the time and intensity at which pandas use their habitats. Roads affect nearby habitats by disturbing the vegetation and causing pollution, and the effect of roads extends far beyond the roads themselves and varies with road type. The impacts of logging on the forest structure and bamboo in panda habitat are long-term. Pandas avoid habitats disturbed by livestock grazing, roads, and logging. The impacts of herb collection are not known, because they have received little attention. Findings suggested a need for further research on human disturbance to giant pandas, focusing on comprehensive evaluations of the interactions between different disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwei Kang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, No.35 Tsinghua East Road Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China.
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13
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Factors affecting presence and relative abundance of the Endangered volcano rabbit Romerolagus diazi, a habitat specialist. ORYX 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605320000368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractHabitat specialists are particularly vulnerable to extinction when habitat conditions are altered. Information on the habitat use of such species is thus important because it provides insight into factors that influence distribution and abundance, which is crucial for conservation. Here, we aimed to identify factors that influence the patterns of presence and abundance of the Endangered volcano rabbit Romerolagus diazi, a rare leporid with a patchy distribution. Through exhaustive sampling of its range in the Sierra Chichinautzin and Sierra Nevada volcanic fields, Mexico, and using generalized linear models, we found that the probability of patch occupancy was higher where bunchgrass cover exceeded 75%, rock cover exceeded 5%, no cattle grazing was observed and human settlements were at least 7 km away. Patches with greater relative abundance were those with similar characteristics, but located at elevations > 3,600 m, and with rock cover < 15%. Cattle grazing was identified as a major threat to local populations of the volcano rabbit, particularly in the Sierra Chichinautzin. Because of the significance of bunchgrasses for this species, the protection of the mountain grasslands is required in both volcanic fields.
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Chaudhary R, Zehra N, Musavi A, Khan JA. Evaluating the effect of ecological and anthropogenic variables on site use by sympatric large carnivores in Gir protected area, Gujarat, India. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Chaudhary
- R. Chaudhary (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4616-5057) ✉ , N. Zehra and J. A. Khan, Dept of Wildlife Sciences, Aligarh Muslim Univ., IN-202002 Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nazneen Zehra
- R. Chaudhary (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4616-5057) ✉ , N. Zehra and J. A. Khan, Dept of Wildlife Sciences, Aligarh Muslim Univ., IN-202002 Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Azra Musavi
- A. Musavi, Centre for Women Studies, Aligarh Muslim Univ., Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Jamal A. Khan
- R. Chaudhary (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4616-5057) ✉ , N. Zehra and J. A. Khan, Dept of Wildlife Sciences, Aligarh Muslim Univ., IN-202002 Uttar Pradesh, India
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15
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Kang D, Zhao Z, Chen X, Wang X, Li J. Characteristics and impacts of solid waste on giant panda habitat in Wanglang Nature Reserve. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 724:138210. [PMID: 32240861 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Systematic research on solid waste pollution in giant panda habitat is lacking. To fill in this gap in the literature, a survey for solid waste was conducted in Wanglang Nature Reserve in July and August of 2018 and 2019. A total of 16 transects, 16 giant panda habitat plots, 16 livestock habitat plots, and 16 common habitat plots were surveyed. We analyzed the type and distribution of solid waste and the possible impacts of typical solid waste. Results showed that 133 solid waste samples from the five categories (livestock feces, plastic waste, metal waste, construction waste, and paper waste) were detected. Livestock feces accounted for the highest proportion of solid waste at 82.7%, while the remaining types of waste accounted for only 17.3% of the solid waste observed. Livestock feces were distributed relatively evenly within 400 m from roads, while 69.6% of non-livestock fecal waste were distributed 0-100 m away from roads. Giant panda habitat and common habitat (shared by giant pandas and livestock) did not significantly differ in habitat characteristics, but livestock habitat was significantly different from them in the number of trees and the height of bamboo. Specifically, livestock habitat had more trees and shorter bamboo. Based on the short bamboo located in livestock habitat, we predicted that bamboo in the common habitat has a high probability of being damaged by livestock. To limit solid waste pollution, livestock should be forbidden from entering giant panda habitat. In addition, tourism and infrastructure construction activities should be strictly controlled. To ensure the effectiveness of conservation, the needs and possible contributions of residents in surrounding communities should be taken into account in the giant panda conservation plan, and routine monitoring of solid waste should be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwei Kang
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resource and Ecosystem Processes, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Zhijiang Zhao
- Rueral Economy and Regional Development Department, China International Engineering Consulting Corporation, Ltd, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resource and Ecosystem Processes, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiaorong Wang
- Wanglang Nature Reserve Administration Bureau, Sichuan 622553, China
| | - Junqing Li
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resource and Ecosystem Processes, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
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Callan R, Owens JR, Bi W, Kilham B, Yan X, Qi D, Hou R, Spotila JR, Zhang Z. Free-roaming dogs limit habitat use of giant pandas in nature reserves. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10247. [PMID: 32581315 PMCID: PMC7314740 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66755-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) were historically hunted using dogs and are currently threatened by free-roaming dogs and their associated diseases. To better understand the spatial magnitude of this threat, we used a GIS approach to investigate edge effects of dogs on giant panda habitat. We first examined two nature reserves with contrasting free-roaming dog populations: Liziping, with many dogs (~0.44/km2), and Daxiangling, with few dogs (~0.14/km2). Spatial analysis indicated that giant pandas at Liziping (but not Daxiangling) showed a shift in habitat use away from populated areas consistent with a risk response to the foray distance of free-roaming dogs (10.9 km path-distance). Most giant panda locations (86%) from the 2014 census in Liziping were clustered around remote “dog-free zones.” Expanding this analysis across the entire giant panda range revealed that 40% of panda habitat is within the foray distance of dogs. Our assessment will inform dog control programs including monitoring, education, veterinary care, and other measures. We recommend that reserves designated for the release of translocated pandas receive priority consideration for dog control efforts. Only by understanding and managing complex interactions between humans, domestic animals, and wild animals can we sustain natural systems in a world increasingly dominated by humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramana Callan
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610081, P.R. China
| | - Jacob R Owens
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610081, P.R. China
| | - Wenlei Bi
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610081, P.R. China.,Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | | | - Xia Yan
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610081, P.R. China
| | - Dunwu Qi
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610081, P.R. China
| | - Rong Hou
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610081, P.R. China.
| | - James R Spotila
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610081, P.R. China.,Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Zhihe Zhang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610081, P.R. China
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Fine-Scale Evaluation of Giant Panda Habitats and Countermeasures against the Future Impacts of Climate Change and Human Disturbance (2015–2050): A Case Study in Ya’an, China. SUSTAINABILITY 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/su10041081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Resting site use of giant pandas in Wanglang Nature Reserve. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13809. [PMID: 29062136 PMCID: PMC5653859 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14315-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the resting sites used by the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), which restricts our understanding of their resting habits and limits conservation efforts. To enhance our understanding of resting site requirements and factors affecting the resting time of giant pandas, we investigated the characteristics of resting sites in the Wanglang Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province, China. The results indicated that the resting sites of giant pandas were characterised by a mean slope of 21°, mean nearest tree size of 53.75 cm, mean nearest shrub size of 2.82 cm, and mean nearest bamboo number of 56. We found that the resting sites were closer to bamboo than to trees and shrubs, suggesting that the resting site use of giant pandas is closely related to the presence of bamboo. Considering that giant pandas typically rest near a large-sized tree, protection of large trees in the forests is of considerable importance for the conservation of this species. Furthermore, slope was found to be an important factor affecting the resting time of giant pandas, as they tended to rest for a relatively longer time in sites with a smaller degree of slope.
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