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Yang B, Feng W, Zhou W, He K, Yang Z. Association between Soil Physicochemical Properties and Bacterial Community Structure in Diverse Forest Ecosystems. Microorganisms 2024; 12:728. [PMID: 38674672 PMCID: PMC11052384 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the importance of the soil bacterial community for ecosystem functions has long been recognized, there is still a limited understanding of the associations between its community composition, structure, co-occurrence patterns, and soil physicochemical properties. The objectives of the present study were to explore the association between soil physicochemical properties and the composition, diversity, co-occurrence network topological features, and assembly mechanisms of the soil bacterial community. Four typical forest types from Liziping Nature Reserve, representing evergreen coniferous forest, deciduous coniferous forest, mixed conifer-broadleaf forest, and its secondary forest, were selected for this study. The soil bacterial community was analyzed using Illumina MiSeq sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling was used to illustrate the clustering of different samples based on Bray-Curtis distances. The associations between soil physicochemical properties and bacterial community structure were analyzed using the Mantel test. The interactions among bacterial taxa were visualized with a co-occurrence network, and the community assembly processes were quantified using the Beta Nearest Taxon Index (Beta-NTI). The dominant bacterial phyla across all forest soils were Proteobacteria (45.17%), Acidobacteria (21.73%), Actinobacteria (8.75%), and Chloroflexi (5.06%). Chao1 estimator of richness, observed ASVs, faith-phylogenetic diversity (faith-PD) index, and community composition were distinguishing features of the examined four forest types. The first two principal components of redundancy analysis explained 41.33% of the variation in the soil bacterial community, with total soil organic carbon, soil moisture, pH, total nitrogen, carbon/nitrogen (C/N), carbon/phosphorous (C/P), and nitrogen/phosphorous (N/P) being the main soil physicochemical properties shaping soil bacterial communities. The co-occurrence network structure in the mixed forest was more complex compared to that in pure forests. The Beta-NTI indicated that the bacterial community assembly of the four examined forest types was collaboratively influenced by deterministic and stochastic ecological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Yang
- Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu 610041, China; (W.F.); (W.Z.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Wanju Feng
- Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu 610041, China; (W.F.); (W.Z.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Wenjia Zhou
- Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu 610041, China; (W.F.); (W.Z.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Ke He
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637002, China;
| | - Zhisong Yang
- Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu 610041, China; (W.F.); (W.Z.); (Z.Y.)
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Huang Q, Xu J, Wong JP, Radeloff VC, Songer M. Prioritizing global tall forests toward the 30 × 30 goals. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2023; 37:e14135. [PMID: 37377172 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The Global Deal for Nature sets an ambitious goal to protect 30% of Earth's land and ocean by 2030. The 30 × 30 initiative is a way to allocate conservation resources and extend protection to conserve vulnerable and underprotected ecosystems while reducing carbon emissions to combat climate change. However, most prioritization methods for identifying high-value conservation areas are based on thematic attributes and do not consider vertical habitat structure. Global tall forests represent a rare vertical habitat structure that harbors high species richness in various taxonomic groups and is associated with large amounts of aboveground biomass. Global tall forests should be prioritized when planning global protected areas toward reaching the 30 × 30 goals. We examined the spatial distribution of global tall forests based on the Global Canopy Height 2020 product. We defined global tall forests as areas with the average canopy height above 3 thresholds (20, 25, and 30 m). We quantified the spatial distribution and protection level of global tall forests in high-protection zones, where the 30 × 30 goals are being met or are within reach, and low-protection zones, where there is a low chance of reaching 30 × 30 goals. We quantified the protection level by computing the percentage of global tall forest area protected based on the 2017 World Database on Protected Areas. We also determined the global extent and protection level of undisturbed, mature, tall forests based on the 2020 Global Intact Forest Landscapes mask. In most cases, the percentage of protection decreased as forest height reached the top strata. In the low-protection zones, <30% of forests were protected in almost all tall forest strata. In countries such as Brazil, tall forests had a higher percentage of protection (consistently >30%) compared to forests of lower height, presenting a more effective conservation model than in countries such as the United States, where forest protection was almost uniformly <30% across height strata. Our results show an urgent need to target forest conservation in the greatest height strata, particularly in high-protection areas, where most global tall forests are found. Vegetation vertical structure can inform the decision-making process toward the 30 × 30 goals because it can be used to identify areas of high conservation value for biodiversity protection which also contribute to carbon sequestration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongyu Huang
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, USA
| | - Jin Xu
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, USA
| | - Jesse Pan Wong
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, USA
- Department of Geography, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
| | - Volker C Radeloff
- Forest and Wildlife Ecology Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Melissa Songer
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, USA
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Wang Y, Wei W, Yuan F, Cao D, Zhang Z. The Science Underlying Giant Panda Conservation Translocations. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3332. [PMID: 37958087 PMCID: PMC10649174 DOI: 10.3390/ani13213332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is the flagship species of animal conservation worldwide, and the number of captive pandas reached 673 in 2021. According to the Fourth National Survey Report on the Giant Panda, there are 1864 wild pandas, segregated into 33 local populations, and 25 of these populations are too small to be self-sustaining. In addition to the conservation and restoration of panda habitats, conservation translocations, an approach that has been shown to be effective in slowing or reversing biodiversity loss, are highly desirable for panda conservation. The captive-bred panda population has grown rapidly, laying the foundation for releasing captive-bred pandas into the wild. This paper reviews the scientific advances in conservation translocations of pandas. Studies have shown that before translocation conservation programs are implemented, we should determine what factors are causing the depletion of the original population at the release site. The selection of suitable release sites and individuals will help to improve the survival rate of released individuals in the wild. Pre-release training and post-release monitoring are essential to ensure successful releases. We also see the great potential for increasing applications of Adaptive Management to improve the success of giant panda conservation translocation programs. This review provides theoretical guidance for improvement of the success rate in conservation translocations for captive pandas, and uses the panda as a model species to provide a global reference for the conservation translocations of rare and endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637001, China; (Y.W.); (W.W.); (D.C.)
- Liziping Giant Panda’s Ecology and Conservation Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637001, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637001, China; (Y.W.); (W.W.); (D.C.)
- Liziping Giant Panda’s Ecology and Conservation Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637001, China
| | - Feiyun Yuan
- Sichuan Lushi Expressway Co., Ltd., Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Dandan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637001, China; (Y.W.); (W.W.); (D.C.)
- Liziping Giant Panda’s Ecology and Conservation Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637001, China
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637001, China; (Y.W.); (W.W.); (D.C.)
- Liziping Giant Panda’s Ecology and Conservation Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637001, China
- Chengdu Normal University, Chengdu 611130, China
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Wang Y, Swaisgood RR, Wei W, Zhou H, Yuan F, Hong M, Han H, Zhang Z. Signal detection theory applied to giant pandas: Do pandas go out of their way to make sure their scent marks are found? Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10517. [PMID: 37706159 PMCID: PMC10495809 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Inter-animal communication allows signals released by an animal to be perceived by others. Scent-marking is the primary mode of such communication in giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Signal detection theory propounds that animals choose the substrate and location of their scent marks so that the signals released are transmitted more widely and last longer. We believe that pandas trade-off scent-marking because they are an energetically marginal species and it is costly to generate and mark chemical signals. Existing studies only indicate where pandas mark more frequently, but their selection preferences remain unknown. This study investigates whether the marking behavior of pandas is consistent with signal detection theory. Feces count, reflecting habitat use intensity, was combined with mark count to determine the selection preference for marking. The results showed that pandas preferred to mark ridges with animal trails and that most marked tree species were locally dominant. In addition, marked plots and species were selected for lower energy consumption and a higher chance of being detected. Over 90% of the marks used were the longest-surviving anogenital gland secretion marks, and over 80% of the marks were oriented toward animal trails. Our research demonstrates that pandas go out of their way to make sure their marks are found. This study not only sheds light on the mechanisms of scent-marking by pandas but also guides us toward more precise conservation of the panda habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)China West Normal UniversityNanchongChina
- Liziping Giant Panda's Ecology and Conservation Observation and Research Station of Sichuan ProvinceNanchongChina
| | - Ronald R. Swaisgood
- Conservation Science and Wildlife HealthSan Diego Zoo Wildlife AllianceEscondidoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)China West Normal UniversityNanchongChina
- Liziping Giant Panda's Ecology and Conservation Observation and Research Station of Sichuan ProvinceNanchongChina
| | - Hong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)China West Normal UniversityNanchongChina
- Liziping Giant Panda's Ecology and Conservation Observation and Research Station of Sichuan ProvinceNanchongChina
| | - Feiyun Yuan
- Sichuan Tibetan Area Expressway Co., LtdChengduChina
- Sichuan LuShi Expressway Co., LtdChengduChina
| | - Mingsheng Hong
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)China West Normal UniversityNanchongChina
- Liziping Giant Panda's Ecology and Conservation Observation and Research Station of Sichuan ProvinceNanchongChina
| | - Han Han
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)China West Normal UniversityNanchongChina
- Liziping Giant Panda's Ecology and Conservation Observation and Research Station of Sichuan ProvinceNanchongChina
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)China West Normal UniversityNanchongChina
- Liziping Giant Panda's Ecology and Conservation Observation and Research Station of Sichuan ProvinceNanchongChina
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Li J, Li D, Dong W. Coexistence patterns of sympatric giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in Changqing National Nature Reserve, China. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2023.1029447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Similar species may co-occur in sympatry because of the partitioning of habitat use and resources at different spatial and temporal scales. Understanding coexistence patterns of species may contribute to further uncovering the underlying coexistence mechanisms, and ultimately benefit the conservation of threatened species. In this study, camera trapping was used to investigate spatial and temporal activity patterns of sympatric giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in Changqing National Nature Reserve in Qinling Mountains, China. Our study obtained 281 independent detections of giant pandas and 185 of Asiatic black bears during 93,606 camera-trap days from April 2014 to October 2017. We performed occupancy modeling and temporal overlap analyses to examine the spatial-temporal relationships between pandas and bears, and results showed that: (1) giant pandas had higher detection probabilities than Asiatic black bears, while having lower occupancy probabilities; (2) Elevation positively predicted giant panda and negatively predicted Asiatic black bear occupancy, understory vegetation type negatively predicted giant panda occupancy, and distance to nearest settlement positively predicted Asiatic black bear occupancy; (3) giant pandas were more active in spring and winter, while Asiatic black bears were more active in summer, and the two species had low spatial overlap with one another throughout the year; (4) both giant pandas and Asiatic black bears showed mainly diurnal activity patterns, and had high temporal overlap with one another in spring and moderate temporal overlap with one another in autumn. Our results provide detailed information of the spatial and temporal ecology of sympatric giant pandas and Asiatic black bears in the Qinling Mountains of China, which could act as a guide to construct conservation priorities as well as design efficient management programs.
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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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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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Liu Z, Zhao X, Wei W, Hong M, Zhou H, Tang J, Zhang Z. Predicting range shifts of the giant pandas under future climate and land use scenarios. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9298. [PMID: 36110881 PMCID: PMC9465186 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding and predicting how species will respond to global environmental change (i.e., climate and land use change) is essential to efficiently inform conservation and management strategies for authorities and managers. Here, we assessed the combined effect of future climate and land use change on the potential range shifts of the giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in Sichuan Province, China. We used species distribution models (SDMs) to forecast range shifts of the giant pandas by the 2050s and 2070s under four combined climate and land use change scenarios. We also compared the differences in distributional changes of giant pandas among the five mountains in the study area. Our SDMs exhibited good model performance and were not overfitted, with a mean Boyce index of 0.960 ± 0.015 and a mean omission rate of 0.002 ± 0.003, and suggested that precipitation seasonality, annual mean temperature, the proportion of forest cover, and total annual precipitation are the most important factors in shaping the current distribution pattern of the giant pandas. Our projections of future species distribution also suggested a range expansion under an optimistic greenhouse gas emission, while suggesting a range contraction under a pessimistic greenhouse gas emission. Moreover, we found that there is considerable variation in the projected range change patterns among the five mountains in the study area. Especially, the suitable habitat of the giant panda is predicted to increase under all scenarios in the Minshan mountains, while is predicted to decrease under all scenarios in Daxiangling and Liangshan mountains, indicating the vulnerability of the giant pandas at low latitudes. Our findings highlight the importance of an integrated approach that combines climate and land use change to predict the future species distribution and the need for a spatial explicit consideration of the projected range change patterns of target species for guiding conservation and management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education) China West Normal University Nanchong China
| | - Xuzhe Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education) China West Normal University Nanchong China.,Institute of Ecology, China West Normal University Nanchong China.,Liziping Giant Panda's Ecology and Conservation Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province Nanchong China
| | - Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education) China West Normal University Nanchong China.,Liziping Giant Panda's Ecology and Conservation Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province Nanchong China
| | - Mingsheng Hong
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education) China West Normal University Nanchong China.,Liziping Giant Panda's Ecology and Conservation Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province Nanchong China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education) China West Normal University Nanchong China.,Liziping Giant Panda's Ecology and Conservation Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province Nanchong China
| | - Junfeng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education) China West Normal University Nanchong China.,Institute of Ecology, China West Normal University Nanchong China.,Liziping Giant Panda's Ecology and Conservation Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province Nanchong China
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education) China West Normal University Nanchong China.,Liziping Giant Panda's Ecology and Conservation Observation and Research Station of Sichuan Province Nanchong China
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McShea WJ, Hwang MH, Liu F, Li S, Lamb C, McLellan B, Morin DJ, Pigeon K, Proctor MF, Hernandez-Yanez H, Frerichs T, Garshelis DL. Is the delineation of range maps useful for monitoring Asian bears? Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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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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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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12
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Habitat suitability evaluation for giant panda in Liziping National Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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13
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A culture of conservation: How an ancient forest plantation turned into an old‐growth forest reserve – The story of the Wamulin forest. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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14
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Positive responses from giant pandas to the Natural Forest Conservation Programme based on slope utilisation. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Yang B, Qin S, Xu W, Busch J, Yang X, Gu X, Yang Z, Wang B, Dai Q, Xu Y. Gap Analysis of Giant Panda Conservation as an Example for Planning China's National Park System. Curr Biol 2020; 30:1287-1291.e2. [PMID: 32197079 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.01.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Protected areas have been the cornerstone for conservation globally [1], but gaps still exist in preserving biodiversity [2]. Meanwhile, areas designated as protected have overlaps between designations and might vary in their management [3, 4]. All three phenomena-coverage gaps, overlapping designations, and disparities in management-are present in China [5, 6]. China plans to establish a national park system for the first time, aiming to reform the existing protected-area system [7-9]. However, there has been no quantitative spatial analysis that can aid the planning of national parks. This study shows how an improved conservation gap analysis can inform the construction of new national parks. Taking the proposed Giant Panda National Park as an example, we analyzed the relationship between panda habitat and the existing protected areas, considering not only de jure designated coverage but also de facto levels of two types of potentially harmful activities (timber extraction and human disturbance). We find that, first, there are coverage gaps in the four mountains comprising the potential national park, and existing protected areas have overlaps between designations. Second, current protected areas have gaps and disparities in terms of restrictions on timber extraction and human disturbance. Third, overlapped designations and less restrictive management appear to have adverse effects on panda protection. On the basis of these results, we propose integrated management under a single national park administration, focusing on the key gaps, which we identify. This study can serve as a reference for the establishment of other national parks in China and the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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; School of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Siyu Qin
- Geography Department, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin 10099, Germany
| | - Wansu Xu
- School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Kent CT2 7NZ, UK
| | - Jonah Busch
- Earth Innovation Institute, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA
| | - 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
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637002, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637002, China
| | - Qiang Dai
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Yu Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China.
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Kang D, Zhao Z, Chen X, Lin Y, Wang X, Li J. Evaluating the effects of roads on giant panda habitat at two scales in a typical nature reserve. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 710:136351. [PMID: 31923690 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about how roads affect the habitats of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), this study aimed to provide a scientific basis to better understand this question, and to formulate targeted measures to reduce the adverse effects of roads. To evaluate the effects of roads on giant panda habitat, a field survey was carried out in the Wanglang Nature Reserve at two scales, 400 m2 and 100 m2, in July and August of every year from 2015 to 2019. We compared the community characteristics of roadside habitats, giant panda habitats and the local environment by using difference tests and multiple comparison methods. The results showed that, at the 400 m2 scale, the significant differences in number of bamboo clumps and regeneration size among different habitats were related to roads. At the 100 m2 scale, the significant difference in number of bamboo clumps was also related to roads. Roads may affect the number of bamboo clumps and regeneration size, which alters important characteristics of giant panda habitat. The roadside habitat had fewer bamboo clumps and smaller regeneration sizes than the giant panda habitat, and this lack of food may be why giant pandas seldom use the roadside habitat. To improve the suitability of the roadside habitats, more bamboo should be planted and protective measures should be taken to ensure the normal growth of bamboo and regeneration species. This study provides reference methods for future studies on the effects of roads in other regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwei Kang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Zhijiang Zhao
- Rural Economy and Regional Development Department, China International Engineering Consulting Corporation, Ltd, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yicheng Lin
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiaorong Wang
- Wanglang Nature Reserve Administration Bureau, Sichuan 622553, China
| | - Junqing Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
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18
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Wei W, Swaisgood RR, Pilfold NW, Owen MA, Dai Q, Wei F, Han H, Yang Z, Yang X, Gu X, Zhang J, Yuan S, Hong M, Tang J, Zhou H, He K, Zhang Z. Assessing the Effectiveness of China's Panda Protection System. Curr Biol 2020; 30:1280-1286.e2. [PMID: 32197077 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.01.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Protected areas form the backbone of biodiversity conservation, yet their effectiveness is often not known nor even evaluated [1-3]. China-best known for its record of ecological degradation in the face of rapidly increasing gross domestic product and resource consumption [4]-has in recent years enacted a series of policies and programs to conserve its natural resources. Chief among them is an ambitious protected area system covering 17% of its terrestrial land mass [4, 5]. An important early impetus for the establishment of this reserve system was the protection of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) [5-8]. Using data from two previous large-scale surveys [9, 10] separated by a decade, and including over 50,000 habitat plots, we examined the panda population and habitat trends inside and outside reserves. Despite ambitious ecocompensation programs in panda habitat outside reserves [11-13], the protection provided by reserves reduced most classes of human disturbance compared to outside reserves, and most disturbances decreased through time more strongly inside than outside reserves. Reserves also contained more and increasing suitable panda than found outside reserves [14, 15]. Comparing reserve performance, reserves with increasing older forests and bamboo correlated with increasing panda populations. Together these findings indicate that China's panda reserves have been effective and that they are functioning better over time, conserving more and better habitats and containing more pandas. While China's protected area system still has much room for improvement [4, 5], including to support pandas [16], these findings underscore the progress made in China's nascent environmental movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Ronald R Swaisgood
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, Escondido, CA 92027-7000, USA
| | - Nicholas W Pilfold
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, Escondido, CA 92027-7000, USA
| | - Megan A Owen
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, Escondido, CA 92027-7000, USA
| | - Qiang Dai
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Fuwen Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Han Han
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Zhisong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Xuyu Yang
- Sichuan Station of Wild life survey and Management, Chengdu 610082, China
| | - Xiaodong Gu
- Sichuan Station of Wild life survey and Management, Chengdu 610082, China
| | - Jindong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Shibin Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Mingsheng Hong
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Junfeng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Ke He
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China.
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19
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Investigating spatial non-stationary environmental effects on the distribution of giant pandas in the Qinling Mountains, China. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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20
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Shen X, Li S, McShea WJ, Wang D, Yu J, Shi X, Dong W, Mi X, Ma K. Effectiveness of management zoning designed for flagship species in protecting sympatric species. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:158-167. [PMID: 31069848 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Flagship species have been used widely as umbrella species (i.e., species with large home range whose protection often provides protection for sympatric species) in the management of China's nature reserves. This conflation of flagship and umbrella species is best represented by the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and other large, endangered mammals designated as conservation targets in site selection and planning of reserves. Few empirical studies have tested the effectiveness of flagship species as surrogates for a broader range of sympatric species. Using extensive camera-trap data, we examined the effectiveness of management zones designated to protect flagship (target) species in conserving sympatric species in 4 wildlife reserves (Gutianshan, Changqing, Laohegou, and Wolong). We tested whether the progression from peripheral to core zones was associated with an increasing habitat association for both target and sympatric species. The distribution patterns of the study species across the zones in each reserve indicated a disparity between management zones and the species' habitat requirements. Management zone was included in the final model for all target species, and most of them had higher occurrence in core zones relative to less-protected zones, but zone was not a predictor for most of the sympatric species. When management zone was associated with the occurrence of sympatric species, threatened species generally had higher detections in core zones, whereas common species had higher detections outside of the core zone. Our results suggested that reserve planning based on flagship species does not adequately protect sympatric species due to their specialized habitat requirements. We recommend re-examining the effectiveness of management zoning and urge a multispecies and reserve-wide monitoring plan to improve protection of China's wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Sheng Li
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - William J McShea
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, U.S.A
| | - Dajun Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jianping Yu
- Gutianshan National Nature Reserve, Kaihua, Zhejiang, 324300, China
| | - Xiaogang Shi
- Wolong National Nature Reserve, Wenchuan, Sichuan, 623004, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Changqing National Nature Reserve, Yanxian, Shaanxi, 723000, China
| | - Xiangcheng Mi
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Keping Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
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21
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Connor T, Viña A, Winkler JA, Hull V, Tang Y, Shortridge A, Yang H, Zhao Z, Wang F, Zhang J, Zhang Z, Zhou C, Bai W, Liu J. Interactive spatial scale effects on species distribution modeling: The case of the giant panda. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14563. [PMID: 31601927 PMCID: PMC6787011 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50953-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Research has shown that varying spatial scale through the selection of the total extent of investigation and the grain size of environmental predictor variables has effects on species distribution model (SDM) results and accuracy, but there has been minimal investigation into the interactive effects of extent and grain. To do this, we used a consistently sampled range-wide dataset of giant panda occurrence across southwest China and modeled their habitat and distribution at 4 extents and 7 grain sizes. We found that increasing grain size reduced model accuracy at the smallest extent, but that increasing extent negated this effect. Increasing extent also generally increased model accuracy, but the models built at the second-largest (mountain range) extent were more accurate than those built at the largest, geographic range-wide extent. When predicting habitat suitability in the smallest nested extents (50 km2), we found that the models built at the next-largest extent (500 km2) were more accurate than the smallest-extent models but that further increases in extent resulted in large decreases in accuracy. Overall, this study highlights the impacts of the selection of spatial scale when evaluating species' habitat and distributions, and we suggest more explicit investigations of scale effects in future modeling efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Connor
- Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Andrés Viña
- Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Geography, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Julie A Winkler
- Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Vanessa Hull
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Ashton Shortridge
- Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Hongbo Yang
- Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Zhao
- Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Geography, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jindong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation, China West Normal University, Ministry of Education, Nanchong, China
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation, China West Normal University, Ministry of Education, Nanchong, China
| | - Caiquan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation, China West Normal University, Ministry of Education, Nanchong, China
| | - Wenke Bai
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation, China West Normal University, Ministry of Education, Nanchong, China
| | - Jianguo Liu
- Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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22
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Hong M, Wei W, Zhou H, Tang J, Han H, Zhang Z. Creative conservation in China: releasing captive giant pandas into the wild. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:31548-31549. [PMID: 31493077 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06384-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mingsheng Hong
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China
| | - Junfeng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China
| | - Han Han
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China.
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23
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Rong Z, Liu X, Zhao C, He L, Liu J, Gao Y, Zang F, Xu H, Guo Z, Mao Y. Evaluating giant panda as a surrogate species for conservation co-occurring species in the Baishuijiang National Nature Reserve. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:8939-8948. [PMID: 30715699 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04420-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The establishment of nature reserves is a key approach for biodiversity conservation worldwide. However, the effectiveness of nature reserves established by protecting the habitat needs of surrogate species is questioned. In this study, the Baishuijiang National Nature Reserve (Baishuijiang NNR), located in the Minshan Mountains, China, which is established mainly for the conservation of giant panda (a surrogate for the conservation of other endangered species) was selected. We quantitatively evaluated the conservation effectiveness of the reserve for giant panda and co-occurring species (here, seven protected species) using a maximum entropy model (Maxent), and analyzed spatial congruence between giant panda and other seven species. Results shown that the habitat of giant panda generally included the habitat of other seven protected species, suggesting that conservation of giant panda habitat also allows the conservation for the habitat of almost co-occurring species. Hence, the natural reserve established for giant panda as a surrogate species has a relatively high effectiveness. A high proportion of the suitable habitat for six species is inside the core zone, but a high proportion of the suitable habitat for two species is located in the experimental and buffer zones. Thus, the two species are affected by human activities. To improve the conservation effectiveness of the nature reserve, the management zones need to be amended. The result of the study will be beneficial for future conservation and management of the reserve. This study provides an effective method for evaluating the conservation effectiveness of nature reserves in other area of the worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanlei Rong
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingming Liu
- Gansu Baishuijiang National Nature Reserve Management Bureau, Wenxian, 746400, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanyan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, People's Republic of China.
| | - Liwen He
- Gansu Baishuijiang National Nature Reserve Management Bureau, Wenxian, 746400, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunfei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, People's Republic of China
| | - Haojie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoxia Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, People's Republic of China
| | - Yahua Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, People's Republic of China
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24
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He K, Dai Q, Gu X, Zhang Z, Zhou J, Qi D, Gu X, Yang X, Zhang W, Yang B, Yang Z. Effects of roads on giant panda distribution: a mountain range scale evaluation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1110. [PMID: 30710093 PMCID: PMC6358623 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37447-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Few studies have focused on the mountain ranges scale effects of roads on wildlife. This lack of data could lead to an underestimation of the negative impact of roads on animal populations. We analyzed a dataset that included 74.4% of the giant panda population and covered 78.7% of the global giant panda habitat to estimate road-effect zones for major roads, and to investigate how these major roads influenced the distribution of giant pandas on a mountain range spatial scale. We found that the density of giant panda signs was significantly decreased by proximity to major roads. The effect zone reached 5,000 m from national roads and 1,500 m from provincial roads. Structural equation model analysis revealed that the strongest negative impact of major roads on giant pandas was via the reduction of nearby forest cover. The results should provide a better understanding of the impact of anthropogenic infrastructure and regional economic development on wildlife, thus providing a basis for conservation policy decisions. We suggest that the environmental impact assessment of proposed roadways or further researches on road ecological effects should expand to a larger scale and consider the possible habitat degradation caused by road access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke He
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry Of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637002, China
| | - Qiang Dai
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xianghui Gu
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China.,School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550001, China
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry Of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637002, China
| | - Jiang Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550001, China.
| | - Dunwu Qi
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, 610086, China
| | - Xiaodong Gu
- Sichuan Station of Wild life survey and Management, Chengdu, 610082, China
| | - Xuyu Yang
- Sichuan Station of Wild life survey and Management, Chengdu, 610082, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Sichuan Provincial Institute of Forestry Survey and Planning, Chengdu, 610082, China
| | - Biao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry Of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637002, China.
| | - Zhisong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry Of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637002, China.
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25
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Kang D, Zhao Z, Li S, Chen X, Wang X, Li J. Feeding habitat characteristics of giant pandas at different scales: A case study in the Wanglang Nature Reserve. Glob Ecol Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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26
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Wei W, Han H, Zhou H, Hong M, Cao S, Zhang Z. Microhabitat use and separation between giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), takin (Budorcas taxicolor), and goral (Naemorhedus griseus) in Tangjiahe Nature Reserve, China. FOLIA ZOOLOGICA 2018. [DOI: 10.25225/fozo.v67.i3-4.a10.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China Wes
| | - Han Han
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China Wes
| | - Hong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China Wes
| | - Mingsheng Hong
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China Wes
| | - Shanshan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China Wes
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China Wes
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27
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Ma T, Hu Y, Russo IRM, Nie Y, Yang T, Xiong L, Ma S, Meng T, Han H, Zhang X, Bruford MW, Wei F. Walking in a heterogeneous landscape: Dispersal, gene flow and conservation implications for the giant panda in the Qinling Mountains. Evol Appl 2018; 11:1859-1872. [PMID: 30459834 PMCID: PMC6231463 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the interaction between life history, demography and population genetics in threatened species is critical for the conservations of viable populations. In the context of habitat loss and fragmentation, identifying the factors that underpin the structuring of genetic variation within populations can allow conservationists to evaluate habitat quality and connectivity and help to design dispersal corridors effectively. In this study, we carried out a detailed, fine‐scale landscape genetic investigation of a giant panda population from the Qinling Mountains for the first time. With a large microsatellite data set and complementary analysis methods, we examined the role of isolation‐by‐barriers (IBB), isolation‐by‐distance (IBD) and isolation‐by‐resistance (IBR) in shaping the pattern of genetic variation in this giant panda population. We found that the Qinling population comprises one continuous genetic cluster, and among the landscape hypotheses tested, gene flow was found to be correlated with resistance gradients for two topographic factors, slope aspect and topographic complexity, rather than geographical distance or barriers. Gene flow was inferred to be facilitated by easterly slope aspect and to be constrained by topographically complex landscapes. These factors are related to benign microclimatic conditions for both the pandas and the food resources they rely on and more accessible topographic conditions for movement, respectively. We identified optimal corridors based on these results, aiming to promote gene flow between human‐induced habitat fragments. These findings provide insight into the permeability and affinities of giant panda habitats and offer important reference for the conservation of the giant panda and its habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxiao Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Yibo Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China.,Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics Chinese Academy of Sciences Kunming China
| | | | - Yonggang Nie
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China.,Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics Chinese Academy of Sciences Kunming China
| | - Tianyou Yang
- School of Life Sciences Guizhou Normal University Guiyang Guizhou China
| | - Lijuan Xiong
- School of Life Sciences Guizhou Normal University Guiyang Guizhou China
| | - Shuai Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Tao Meng
- Guangxi Forest Inventory & Planning Institute Nanning Guangxi China
| | - Han Han
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | | | - Michael W Bruford
- Cardiff School of Biosciences Cardiff University Cardiff UK.,Sustainable Places Research Institute Cardiff University Cardiff UK
| | - Fuwen Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China.,Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics Chinese Academy of Sciences Kunming China
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28
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Wang F, Zhao Q, McShea WJ, Songer M, Huang Q, Zhang X, Zhou L. Incorporating biotic interactions reveals potential climate tolerance of giant pandas. Conserv Lett 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- National Zoological ParkSmithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Front Royal Virginia
- Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan
| | - Qing Zhao
- School of Natural ResourcesUniversity of Missouri Columbia Missouri
| | - William J. McShea
- National Zoological ParkSmithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Front Royal Virginia
| | - Melissa Songer
- National Zoological ParkSmithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Front Royal Virginia
| | - Qiongyu Huang
- National Zoological ParkSmithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Front Royal Virginia
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29
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Wei W, Swaisgood RR, Dai Q, Yang Z, Yuan S, Owen MA, Pilfold NW, Yang X, Gu X, Zhou H, Han H, Zhang J, Hong M, Zhang Z. Giant panda distributional and habitat‐use shifts in a changing landscape. Conserv Lett 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)China West Normal University Nanchong China
| | - Ronald R. Swaisgood
- Division of Recovery EcologyInstitute for Conservation Research Escondido California
| | - Qiang Dai
- Chengdu Institute of BiologyChinese Academy of Sciences Chengdu China
| | - Zhisong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)China West Normal University Nanchong China
| | - Shibin Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)China West Normal University Nanchong China
| | - Megan A. Owen
- Division of Recovery EcologyInstitute for Conservation Research Escondido California
| | - Nicholas W. Pilfold
- Division of Recovery EcologyInstitute for Conservation Research Escondido California
| | - Xuyu Yang
- Wildlife Conservation DivisionSichuan Forestry Bureau Chengdu China
| | - Xiaodong Gu
- Wildlife Conservation DivisionSichuan Forestry Bureau Chengdu China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)China West Normal University Nanchong China
| | - Han Han
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)China West Normal University Nanchong China
| | - Jindong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)China West Normal University Nanchong China
| | - Mingsheng Hong
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)China West Normal University Nanchong China
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)China West Normal University Nanchong China
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Zhang Y, Mathewson PD, Zhang Q, Porter WP, Ran J. An ecophysiological perspective on likely giant panda habitat responses to climate change. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2018; 24:1804-1816. [PMID: 29251797 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Threatened and endangered species are more vulnerable to climate change due to small population and specific geographical distribution. Therefore, identifying and incorporating the biological processes underlying a species' adaptation to its environment are important for determining whether they can persist in situ. Correlative models are widely used to predict species' distribution changes, but generally fail to capture the buffering capacity of organisms. Giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) live in topographically complex mountains and are known to avoid heat stress. Although many studies have found that climate change will lead to severe habitat loss and threaten previous conservation efforts, the mechanisms underlying panda's responses to climate change have not been explored. Here, we present a case study in Daxiangling Mountains, one of the six Mountain Systems that giant panda distributes. We used a mechanistic model, Niche Mapper, to explore what are likely panda habitat response to climate change taking physiological, behavioral and ecological responses into account, through which we map panda's climatic suitable activity area (SAA) for the first time. We combined SAA with bamboo forest distribution to yield highly suitable habitat (HSH) and seasonal suitable habitat (SSH), and their temporal dynamics under climate change were predicted. In general, SAA in the hottest month (July) would reduce 11.7%-52.2% by 2070, which is more moderate than predicted bamboo habitat loss (45.6%-86.9%). Limited by the availability of bamboo and forest, panda's suitable habitat loss increases, and only 15.5%-68.8% of current HSH would remain in 2070. Our method of mechanistic modeling can help to distinguish whether habitat loss is caused by thermal environmental deterioration or food loss under climate change. Furthermore, mechanistic models can produce robust predictions by incorporating ecophysiological feedbacks and minimizing extrapolation into novel environments. We suggest that a mechanistic approach should be incorporated into distribution predictions and conservation planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuke Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Paul D Mathewson
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Qiongyue Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Warren P Porter
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jianghong Ran
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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He K, Qing J, Zhang Z, Yang B, Zhang K, Huang F, Yang Z, Dai Q, Gu X, Yang X, Huang Y, Li D, Zhang H. Assessing the reproductive status of a breeding, translocated female giant panda using data from GPS collar. FOLIA ZOOLOGICA 2018. [DOI: 10.25225/fozo.v67.i1.a5.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ke He
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, 637002 Nanchong, China;, , ,
| | - Jing Qing
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, 637002 Nanchong, China;, , ,
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, 637002 Nanchong, China;, , ,
| | - Biao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, 637002 Nanchong, China;, , ,
| | - Kan Zhang
- Liziping National Nature Reserve, 625400 Shimian, China;,
| | - Feng Huang
- Liziping National Nature Reserve, 625400 Shimian, China;,
| | - Zhisong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, 637002 Nanchong, China;, , ,
| | - Qiang Dai
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaodong Gu
- Sichuan Station of Wildlife Survey and Management, 610082 Chengdu, China;,
| | - Xuyu Yang
- Sichuan Station of Wildlife Survey and Management, 610082 Chengdu, China;,
| | - Yan Huang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, 623006 Wolong, China;, ,
| | - Desheng Li
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, 623006 Wolong, China;, ,
| | - Hemin Zhang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, 623006 Wolong, China;, ,
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Wu C, Vellend M, Yuan W, Jiang B, Liu J, Shen A, Liu J, Zhu J, Yu M. Patterns and determinants of plant biodiversity in non-commercial forests of eastern China. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188409. [PMID: 29161324 PMCID: PMC5697849 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-commercial forests represent important habitats for the maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem function in China, yet no studies have explored the patterns and determinants of plant biodiversity in these human dominated landscapes. Here we test the influence of (1) forest type (pine, mixed, and broad-leaved), (2) disturbance history, and (3) environmental factors, on tree species richness and composition in 600 study plots in eastern China. In total, we found 143 species in 53 families of woody plants, with a number of species rare and endemic in the study region. Species richness in mixed forest and broad-leaved forest was higher than that in pine forest, and was higher in forests with less disturbance. Species composition was influenced by environment factors in different ways in different forest types, with important variables including elevation, soil depth and aspect. Surprisingly, we found little effect of forest age after disturbance on species composition. Most non-commercial forests in this region are dominated by species poor pine forests and mixed young forests. As such, our results highlight the importance of broad-leaved forests for regional plant biodiversity conservation. To increase the representation of broad-leaved non-commercial forests, specific management practices such as thinning of pine trees could be undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuping Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Academy of Forestry, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mark Vellend
- Departement de biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Weigao Yuan
- Zhejiang Academy of Forestry, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bo Jiang
- Zhejiang Academy of Forestry, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiajia Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Aihua Shen
- Zhejiang Academy of Forestry, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinliang Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinru Zhu
- Zhejiang Academy of Forestry, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mingjian Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- * E-mail:
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Li Y, Swaisgood RR, Wei W, Nie Y, Hu Y, Yang X, Gu X, Zhang Z. Withered on the stem: is bamboo a seasonally limiting resource for giant pandas? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:10537-10546. [PMID: 28281076 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8746-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In response to seasonal variation in quality and quantity of available plant biomass, herbivorous foragers may alternate among different plant resources to meet nutritional requirements. Giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) are reliant almost exclusively on bamboo which appears omnipresent in most occupied habitat, but subtle temporal variation in bamboo quality may still govern foraging strategies, with population-level effects. In this paper, we investigated the possibility that temporal variation in the quality of this resource is involved in population regulation and examined pandas' adaptive foraging strategies in response to temporal variation in bamboo quality. Giant pandas in late winter and early spring consumed a less optimal diet in Foping Nature Reserve, as the availability of the most nutritious and preferred components and age classes of Bashania fargesii declined, suggesting that bamboo may be a seasonally limiting resource. Most panda mortalities and rescues occurred during the same period of seasonal food limitation. Our findings raised the possibility that while total bamboo biomass may not be a limiting factor, carrying capacity may be influenced by subtle seasonal variation in bamboo quality. We recommend that managers and policy-makers should consider more than just the quantity of bamboo in the understory and that carrying capacity estimates should be revised downward to reflect the fact that all bamboos are not equal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youxu Li
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation, Ministry of Education, Nanchong, China
| | - Ronald R Swaisgood
- Applied Animal Ecology, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation, Ministry of Education, Nanchong, China
| | - Yonggang Nie
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yibo Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuyu Yang
- Wildlife Conservation Division, Sichuan Forestry Bureau, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaodong Gu
- Wildlife Conservation Division, Sichuan Forestry Bureau, Chengdu, China
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation, Ministry of Education, Nanchong, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald R. Swaisgood
- Recovery Ecology, San Diego Zoo Global; Institute for Conservation Research; San Diego CA 92027 USA
| | - Dajun Wang
- School of Life Sciences; Peking University; Beijing China
| | - Fuwen Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
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Wei W, Zeng J, Han H, Zhou H, Nie Y, Yuan S, Zhang Z. Diet and foraging-site selection by giant pandas in a National Nature Reserve in China. ANIM BIOL 2017. [DOI: 10.1163/15707563-00002521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
For any endangered species, our understanding of the spatial variability in its diet across its distribution range, can be important for its conservation. This study focuses on the feeding habitat of the giant panda. For one full year, we surveyed seasonal foraging behaviors of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in Foping Nature Reserve, China. The results indicated that giant pandas mainly foraged on new shoots ofBashania fargesiiandFargesia qinlingensisin spring and summer, and leaves constituted the major part of their diet in autumn and winter. Stems only marginally occurred in their diet in late winter and early spring. The general pattern in diet composition of giant pandas across mountains reflected the combined consequence of nutrition quality and food availability. Factors affecting foraging-site selection by giant pandas differed across seasons. In spring, they preferred foraging sites closer to trails, with new shoots ofB. fargesiihigher in basal diameter and less affected by worms. In summer, they foraged at sites with higher density of new shoots and perennial bamboos. Besides overstorey canopy, slope and distance to trails were the other two factors affecting their foraging-site selection in autumn. Temporal variation in diet composition and foraging-site selection exhibited by giant pandas perhaps reflected behaviorally adaptive strategies to changing environmental factors, helping to maximize their energy intake for successful survival and reproduction. Our results, for the first time, support the hypothesized negative effect of some worms on foraging-site selection by giant pandas due to their ingestion of new shoots in spring. Protecting of giant panda foraging sites in these areas where abundant young bamboo resource exist, strengthening management of human activities which can influence giant pandas forage to improve forage habitat quality and widely implementing actions of biological worm pest control during the period when shoot sprouts are eaten can potentially have important implications for habitat conservation for this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation of Ministry of Education, Shida Road 1#, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Juanjuan Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation of Ministry of Education, Shida Road 1#, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Han Han
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation of Ministry of Education, Shida Road 1#, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation of Ministry of Education, Shida Road 1#, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Yonggang Nie
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Shibin Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation of Ministry of Education, Shida Road 1#, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation of Ministry of Education, Shida Road 1#, Nanchong 637009, China
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Relationship between human disturbance and Endangered giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca habitat use in the Daxiangling Mountains. ORYX 2016. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605315000800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe Endangered giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca is one of the most threatened mammals. The species has experienced declines in its population and habitat as a result of human disturbance. We investigated the influence of human disturbance on habitat use by giant pandas in the Daxiangling Mountains, in China's Sichuan Province. We mapped all signs of giant panda and all locations of seven types of human disturbance in the study area. We used correlation analysis, generalized linear models, and Akaike information criteria to analyse the influence of the various types of human disturbances on habitat use by the giant panda. Our results showed that habitat use was positively correlated with elevation and distance from roads, residences, hydropower stations and logging or tree-felling sites, but negatively correlated with distance from bamboo shoot collection sites and trap sites. We found that the road-effect zone spanned a distance of c. 1,200 m and that human residence could affect the intensity of habitat use by giant pandas at distances > 2,500 m. The effect of roads on habitat use was probably influenced by the association of roads with residences, hydropower stations and mines. In the area occupied by giant pandas, we recommend increased regulation to minimize the expansion and impact of roads, residences, hydropower stations and logging activities.
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Hearing sensitivity in context: Conservation implications for a highly vocal endangered species. Glob Ecol Conserv 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2016.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Wei F, Swaisgood R, Hu Y, Nie Y, Yan L, Zhang Z, Qi D, Zhu L. Progress in the ecology and conservation of giant pandas. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2015; 29:1497-1507. [PMID: 26372302 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) conservation is a possible success story in the making. If extinction of this iconic endangered species can be avoided, the species will become a showcase program for the Chinese government and its collaborators. We reviewed the major advancements in ecological science for the giant panda, examining how these advancements have contributed to panda conservation. Pandas' morphological and behavioral adaptations to a diet of bamboo, which bear strong influence on movement ecology, have been well studied, providing knowledge to guide management actions ranging from reserve design to climate change mitigation. Foraging ecology has also provided essential information used in the creation of landscape models of panda habitat. Because habitat loss and fragmentation are major drivers of the panda population decline, efforts have been made to help identify core habitat areas, establish where habitat corridors are needed, and prioritize areas for protection and restoration. Thus, habitat models have provided guidance for the Chinese governments' creation of 67 protected areas. Behavioral research has revealed a complex and efficient communication system and documented the need for protection of habitat that serves as a communication platform for bringing the sexes together for mating. Further research shows that den sites in old-growth forests may be a limiting resource, indicating potential value in providing alternative den sites for rearing offspring. Advancements in molecular ecology have been revolutionary and have been applied to population census, determining population structure and genetic diversity, evaluating connectivity following habitat fragmentation, and understanding dispersal patterns. These advancements form a foundation for increasing the application of adaptive management approaches to move panda conservation forward more rapidly. Although the Chinese government has made great progress in setting aside protected areas, future emphasis will be improved management of pandas and their habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuwen Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichenxilu 1-5, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Ronald Swaisgood
- Applied Animal Ecology, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, U.S.A
| | - Yibo Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichenxilu 1-5, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yonggang Nie
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichenxilu 1-5, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Li Yan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichenxilu 1-5, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichenxilu 1-5, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Dunwu Qi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichenxilu 1-5, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Lifeng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichenxilu 1-5, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
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Lei M, Yuan S, Yang Z, Hong M, Yang X, Gu X, Huang F, Zhang Z. Comparison of microhabitats and foraging strategies between the captive-born Zhangxiang and wild giant pandas: implications for future reintroduction. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:15089-15096. [PMID: 26003090 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4720-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The female giant panda Zhangxiang (pedigree number 826) was born on August 20, 2011 in Wolong Nature Reserve, China. On November 6, 2013, Zhangxiang was transported into the acclimatization enclosure in the Liziping Nature Reserve. Before Zhangxiang left the enclosure into the wild, we conducted the first study to compare microhabitats and foraging strategies between Zhangxiang in the enclosure and giant pandas in the wild. Compared with the latter, microhabitats of Zhangxiang in the enclosure are characteristic of gentler slope, more trees, higher canopy, smaller tree DBH, and lower density of living bamboos. Diet composition and foraging behaviors significantly differed between Zhangxiang and wild giant pandas, perhaps reflecting the combined consequence of environmental conditions (e.g., bamboo species) and individual status (e.g., age, mastication ability, etc.). The difference in microhabitats and foraging strategies between Zhangxiang and wild giant pandas implied that after being released into the natural habitat in the reserve, Zhangxiang will have to adapt to the environmental conditions once again. For future reintroduction, the enclosure can be extended to the Bashania spanostachya forest in the reserve, and captive giant pandas for release can thus normally transit into the wild without human intervention during acclimatization period. For other acclimatization enclosures to be constructed in the future, ecological environment inside, including topography, forests, and bamboos as well, should as possible as can match the habitat that the giant panda to-be-reinforced populations inhabit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaowen Lei
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation, Ministry of Education, Shida Road 1#, Nanchong, 637009, China
| | - Shibin Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation, Ministry of Education, Shida Road 1#, Nanchong, 637009, China
| | - Zisong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation, Ministry of Education, Shida Road 1#, Nanchong, 637009, China
| | - Mingsheng Hong
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation, Ministry of Education, Shida Road 1#, Nanchong, 637009, China
| | - Xuyu Yang
- Wildlife Conservation Division, Sichuan Forestry Bureau, Renmin Road 15#, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Xiaodong Gu
- Wildlife Conservation Division, Sichuan Forestry Bureau, Renmin Road 15#, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Feng Huang
- Liziping National Nature Reserve Administration Bureau, Shimian, 625400, China
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation, Ministry of Education, Shida Road 1#, Nanchong, 637009, China.
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41
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Hong M, Yuan S, Yang Z, Yang X, Gu X, Huang F, Zhang Z. Comparison of microhabitat selection and trace abundance of giant pandas between primary and secondary forests in Liziping Nature Reserve, China: effects of selective logging. Mamm Biol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2015.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Qi D, Xu C, Hou R, Chen P, Owens JR, Zhang Z, Gu X, Yang Z, Chen L. Using habitat models to evaluate protected area designing for giant pandas. FOLIA ZOOLOGICA 2015. [DOI: 10.25225/fozo.v64.i1.a7.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dunwu Qi
- The Key Laboratory for Conservation Biology of Endangered Wildlife, Sichuan Province, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan 610081, China
| | - Chi Xu
- Xuebaoding National Nature Reserve, Mianyang 622550, China
| | - Rong Hou
- The Key Laboratory for Conservation Biology of Endangered Wildlife, Sichuan Province, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan 610081, China
| | - Peng Chen
- The Key Laboratory for Conservation Biology of Endangered Wildlife, Sichuan Province, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan 610081, China
| | - Jacob R. Owens
- The Key Laboratory for Conservation Biology of Endangered Wildlife, Sichuan Province, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan 610081, China
| | - Zhihe Zhang
- The Key Laboratory for Conservation Biology of Endangered Wildlife, Sichuan Province, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan 610081, China
| | - Xiaodong Gu
- Sichuan Forestry Department, Wildlife Conservation Division, Chengdu, Sichuan 610081, China
| | - Zhisong Yang
- The Key Laboratory for Conservation Biology of Endangered Wildlife, Sichuan Province, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan 610081, China
| | - Limin Chen
- Tangjianghe National Nature Reserve, Qingchuan 628109, China
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43
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Rothman JM. Nutritional geometry provides new insights into the interaction between food quality and demography in endangered wildlife. Funct Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M. Rothman
- Department of Anthropology Hunter College of the City University of New York 695 Park Avenue New York10065 USA
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Kang D, Wang X, Yang H, Duan L, Li J. Habitat use by giant panda in relation to man-made forest in Wanglang Nature Reserve of China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 21:13440-13445. [PMID: 25012204 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3194-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the effectiveness of human restoration in species conservation, in this study, we undertook a field survey of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) habitat and man-made forest habitat in Wanglang Nature Reserve of China. Our results revealed that giant panda did not use the man-made forest in this area so far, and that there were significant differences between the giant panda habitat and the man-made forest habitat. Compared with giant panda habitat, the man-made forest habitat was characterized by lower shrub coverage, thinner trees and lower bamboo density. To improve the effectiveness of human restoration, the habitat requirement of giant panda should be fully consider in the whole process of habitat restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwei Kang
- The Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Li R, Xu M, Wong MHG, Qiu S, Sheng Q, Li X, Song Z. Climate change-induced decline in bamboo habitats and species diversity: implications for giant panda conservation. DIVERS DISTRIB 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Renqiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling; Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources; the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Ming Xu
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources; Rutgers University; New Brunswick NJ 08901 USA
| | - Michelle Hang Gi Wong
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling; Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources; the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Shuai Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling; Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources; the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Qingkai Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling; Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources; the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Xinhai Li
- Key Laboratory of the Zoological Systematics and Evolution; Institute of Zoology; the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Zengming Song
- PRC-GEF Partnership on Land Degradation in Dryland Ecosystems; Beijing China
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Yang B, Busch J, Zhang L, Ran J, Gu X, Zhang W, Du B, Xu Y, Mittermeier RA. China's Collective Forest Tenure Reform and the Future of the Giant Panda. Conserv Lett 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Biao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment; Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences; Sichuan University; Chengdu 610064 China
| | - Jonah Busch
- Center for Global Development; 2055 L St. NW, Fifth Floor Washington DC 20036 USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering; Ministry of Education; College of Life Sciences; Beijing Normal University; Beijing 100875 China
| | - Jianghong Ran
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment; Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences; Sichuan University; Chengdu 610064 China
| | - Xiaodong Gu
- Sichuan Wildlife Resource Survey and Conservation Management Station; Chengdu 610081 China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Sichuan Provincial Institute of Forestry Survey and Planning; Chengdu 610081 China
| | - Beibei Du
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment; Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences; Sichuan University; Chengdu 610064 China
- Conservation International; 2011 Crystal Drive, Suite 500 Arlington VA 22202 USA
| | - Yu Xu
- School of Resources and Environmental Sciences; Pingdingshan University; Pingdingshan 467000 China
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Hull V, Roloff G, Zhang J, Liu W, Zhou S, Huang J, Xu W, Ouyang Z, Zhang H, Liu J. A synthesis of giant panda habitat selection. URSUS 2014. [DOI: 10.2192/ursus-d-13-00011.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Wei F, Hu Y, Yan L, Nie Y, Wu Q, Zhang Z. Giant pandas are not an evolutionary cul-de-sac: evidence from multidisciplinary research. Mol Biol Evol 2014; 32:4-12. [PMID: 25274274 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msu278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is one of the world's most endangered mammals and remains threatened by environmental and anthropogenic pressure. It is commonly argued that giant pandas are an evolutionary cul-de-sac because of their specialized bamboo diet, phylogenetic changes in body size, small population, low genetic diversity, and low reproductive rate. This notion is incorrect, arose from a poor understanding or appreciation of giant panda biology, and is in need of correction. In this review, we summarize research across morphology, ecology, and genetics to dispel the idea, once and for all, that giant pandas are evolutionary dead-end. The latest and most advanced research shows that giant pandas are successful animals highly adapted to a specialized bamboo diet via morphological, ecological, and genetic adaptations and coadaptation of gut microbiota. We also debunk misconceptions around population size, population growth rate, and genetic variation. During their evolutionary history spanning 8 My, giant pandas have survived diet specialization, massive bamboo flowering and die off, and rapid climate oscillations. Now, they are suffering from enormous human interference. Fortunately, continued conservation effort is greatly reducing impacts from anthropogenic interference and allowing giant panda populations and habitat to recover. Previous ideas of a giant panda evolutionary cul-de-sac resulted from an unsystematic and unsophisticated understanding of their biology and it is time to shed this baggage and focus on the survival and maintenance of this high-profile species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuwen Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yibo Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Yan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yonggang Nie
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Zhang Z, Sheppard JK, Swaisgood RR, Wang G, Nie Y, Wei W, Zhao N, Wei F. Ecological scale and seasonal heterogeneity in the spatial behaviors of giant pandas. Integr Zool 2014; 9:46-60. [PMID: 24447661 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We report on the first study to track the spatial behaviors of wild giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) using high-resolution global positioning system (GPS) telemetry. Between 2008 and 2009, 4 pandas (2 male and 2 female) were tracked in Foping Reserve, China for an average of 305 days (± 54.8 SE). Panda home ranges were larger than those of previous very high frequency tracking studies, with a bimodal distribution of space-use and distinct winter and summer centers of activity. Home range sizes were larger in winter than in summer, although there was considerable individual variability. All tracked pandas exhibited individualistic, unoriented and multiphasic movement paths, with a high level of tortuosity within seasonal core habitats and directed, linear, large-scale movements between habitats. Pandas moved from low elevation winter habitats to high elevation (>2000 m) summer habitats in May, when temperatures averaged 17.5 °C (± 0.3 SE), and these large-scale movements took <1 month to complete. The peak in panda mean elevation occurred in Jul, after which they began slow, large-scale movements back to winter habitats that were completed in Nov. An adult female panda made 2 longdistance movements during the mating season. Pandas remain close to rivers and streams during winter, possibly reflecting the elevated water requirements to digest their high-fiber food. Panda movement path tortuosity and first-passage-time as a function of spatial scale indicated a mean peak in habitat search effort and patch use of approximately 700 m. Despite a high degree of spatial overlap between panda home ranges, particularly in winter, we detected neither avoidance nor attraction behavior between conspecifics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, Escondido, California, USA; Institute of Rare Animals and Plants, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China
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Evaluating landscape options for corridor restoration between giant panda reserves. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105086. [PMID: 25133757 PMCID: PMC4136856 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The establishment of corridors can offset the negative effects of habitat fragmentation by connecting isolated habitat patches. However, the practical value of corridor planning is minimal if corridor identification is not based on reliable quantitative information about species-environment relationships. An example of this need for quantitative information is planning for giant panda conservation. Although the species has been the focus of intense conservation efforts for decades, most corridor projects remain hypothetical due to the lack of reliable quantitative researches at an appropriate spatial scale. In this paper, we evaluated a framework for giant panda forest corridor planning. We linked our field survey data with satellite imagery, and conducted species occupancy modelling to examine the habitat use of giant panda within the potential corridor area. We then conducted least-cost and circuit models to identify potential paths of dispersal across the landscape, and compared the predicted cost under current conditions and alternative conservation management options considered during corridor planning. We found that due to giant panda's association with areas of low elevation and flat terrain, human infrastructures in the same area have resulted in corridor fragmentation. We then identified areas with high potential to function as movement corridors, and our analysis of alternative conservation scenarios showed that both forest/bamboo restoration and automobile tunnel construction would significantly improve the effectiveness of corridor, while residence relocation would not significantly improve corridor effectiveness in comparison with the current condition. The framework has general value in any conservation activities that anticipate improving habitat connectivity in human modified landscapes. Specifically, our study suggested that, in this landscape, automobile tunnels are the best means to remove current barriers to giant panda movements caused by anthropogenic interferences.
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