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Tan IZ, Matrai E, Martelli P. Monitoring the world-oldest zoo-housed male giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca): A case-study on pathway utilization. Zoo Biol 2024. [PMID: 38965870 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21853] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Habitat use monitoring is necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the biological and psychological requirements of animals under human care, facilitating improved exhibit designs and promoting animal welfare. Current studies focused on the space use of the exhibit while limited studies examined the pathway use of the zoo-housed animals. This study aimed to investigate the habitat use of An An, the world-oldest male giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) at Ocean Park Hong Kong using a pathway utilization monitoring method. The result showed uneven utilization of pathways favoring the upper area near his den over the lower area which required longer walking in the hilly exhibit. Moreover, the comparisons of walking directions showed a preference for gentle slopes during uphill movement and a favor for steep slopes during downhill movement. Our study also compared the walking distance between uphill and downhill movements and the results showed that An An walked longer distances heading upward than moving downward due to his choice of pathways. Our results are in line with the findings in the wild population, showing a preference for gentle slopes, especially in uphill movement. Our study demonstrated the value of the pathway monitoring technique. Due to its easy and time-effective use, this technique can be incorporated into the care teams' operation, providing valuable information on daily activity (e.g. accessing the walking ability of the aged animals by investigating the pathway use and walking distance) and habitat use. Consequently, the pathway monitoring technique can help improve exhibit designs promoting welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eszter Matrai
- Research Department, Ocean Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
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2
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Li C, Hou R, Bao Z, Wu W, Owens JR, Bi W, Xu Q, Gu X, Xiang Z, Qi D. Measuring ecosystem services and ecological sensitivity for comprehensive conservation in Giant Panda National Park. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e14215. [PMID: 37990845 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14215] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
China announced the development of its first 5 national parks in 2021, the primary objective of which is to conserve the natural state and integrity of natural ecosystems. As such, ecosystem services and biodiversity levels are crucial assessment factors for the parks. For Giant Panda National Park (GPNP), we evaluated ecological sensitivity based on water and soil erosion and rocky desertification; ecosystem services based on headwater conservation, soil and water conservation, and biodiversity conservation; and presence of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and sympatric species (e.g., takin [Budorcas taxicolor], Asiatic black bear [Ursus thibetanus]) habitat suitability derived from niche modeling to identify the ecosystem status and assess ecological problems within the park. From our results, we proposed ecologically critical areas to target to meet the park's goals. The suitable habitat for pandas and sympatric species encompassed 62.98% of the park and occurred mainly in the Minshan Mountains. One quarter of the total area (25.67%) contained areas important for ecosystem services. Ecologically sensitive and extremely sensitive areas covered 88.78% of the park and were distributed mainly in Qionglaishan and Minshan Mountains. This coverage indicated that there was much habitat for pandas and sympatric species but that the ecosystems in GPNP are vulnerable. Therefore, ecologically critical areas encompassed all suitable habitats for all the species examined and areas important and extremely important to ecosystem service provision,ecologically sensitive and extremely sensitive areas, encompassed 15.17% of panda habitat, accounted for 16.37% of the GPNP area, and were distributed mainly in the Minshan Mountains. Our results indicated where conservation efforts should be focused in the park and that by identifying ecologically critical areas managers can provide targeted protection for wildlife habitat and ecosystems and effectively and efficiently protect the composite ecosystem. Additionally, our methods can be used to inform development of new national parks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Hou
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
| | - Ziqiang Bao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
| | - Jacob R Owens
- Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Wenlei Bi
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- World Wide Fund for Nature, China Office, Beijing, China
| | - XiaoDong Gu
- Sichuan Forestry and Grassland Bureau, Chengdu, China
| | - Zuofu Xiang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
- College of Forestry, Central South University of Forestry & Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Dunwu Qi
- College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
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3
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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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5
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Li Y, Rao T, Gai L, Price ML, Yuxin L, Jianghong R. Giant pandas are losing their edge: Population trend and distribution dynamic drivers of the giant panda. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:4480-4495. [PMID: 37303043 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Comprehending the population trend and understanding the distribution range dynamics of species are necessary for global species protection. Recognizing what causes dynamic distribution change is crucial for identifying species' environmental preferences and formulating protection policies. Here, we studied the rear-edge population of the flagship species, giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), to (1) assess their population trend using their distribution patterns, (2) evaluate their distribution dynamics change from the second (1988) to the third (2001) survey (2-3 Interval) and third to the fourth (2013) survey (3-4 Interval) using a machine learning algorithm (eXtremely Gradient Boosting), and (3) decode model results to identify driver factors in the first known use of SHapley Additive exPlanations. Our results showed that the population trends in Liangshan Mountains were worst in the second survey (k = 1.050), improved by the third survey (k = 0.97), but deteriorated by the fourth survey (k = 0.996), which indicates a worrying population future. We found that precipitation had the most significant influence on distribution dynamics among several potential environmental factors, showing a negative correlation between precipitation and giant panda expansion. We recommend that further research is needed to understand the microenvironment and animal distribution dynamics. We provide a fresh perspective on the dynamics of giant panda distribution, highlighting novel focal points for ecological research on this species. Our study offers theoretical underpinnings that could inform the formulation of more effective conservation policies. Also, we emphasize the uniqueness and importance of the Liangshan Mountains giant pandas as the rear-edge population, which is at a high risk of population extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Li
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tong Rao
- Electric Power Research Institute, Yunnan Power Grid Co., Ltd, Kunming, China
| | - Luo Gai
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Megan L Price
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Liu Yuxin
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ran Jianghong
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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6
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Tang J, Swaisgood RR, Owen MA, Zhao X, Wei W, Hong M, Zhou H, Zhang Z. Assessing the effectiveness of protected areas for panda conservation under future climate and land use change scenarios. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 342:118319. [PMID: 37290306 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
While the relatively stable land use and land cover (LULC) patterns is an important feature of protected areas (PAs), the influence of this feature on future species distribution and the effectiveness of the PAs has rarely been explored. Here, we assessed the role of land use patterns within PAs on the projected range of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) by comparing projections inside and outside of PAs for four model configurations: (1) only climate covariates, (2) climate and dynamic land use covariates, (3) climate and static land use covariates and (4) climate and hybrid dynamic-static land use covariates. Our objectives were twofold: to understand the role of protected status on projected panda habitat suitability and evaluate the relative efficacy of different climate modeling approaches. The climate and land use change scenarios used in the models include two shared socio-economic pathways (SSPs) scenarios: SSP126 [an optimistic scenario] and SSP585 [a pessimistic scenario]. We found that models including land-use covariates performed significantly better than climate-only models and that these projected more suitable habitat than climate-only models. Static land-use models projected more suitable habitat than both the dynamic and hybrid models under SSP126, while these models did not differ under SSP585. China's panda reserve system was projected to effectively maintain suitable habitat inside PAs. Panda dispersal ability also significantly impacted outcomes, with most models assuming unlimited dispersal forecasting range expansion and models assuming zero dispersal consistently forecasting range contraction. Our findings highlight that policies targeting improved land-use practices should be an effective means for offsetting some of the negative effects of climate change on pandas. As the effectiveness of PAs is projected to be maintained, we recommend the judicious management and expansion of the PA system to ensure the resilience of panda populations into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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, China.
| | - Ronald R Swaisgood
- Conservation Science and Wildlife Health, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Escondido, CA, USA.
| | - Megan A Owen
- Conservation Science and Wildlife Health, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Escondido, CA, USA.
| | - 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, China.
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Lu S, Yue Y, Wang Y, Zhang D, Yang B, Yu Z, Lin H, Dai Q. The Factors Influencing Wildlife to Use Existing Bridges and Culverts in Giant Panda National Park. DIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/d15040487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Roads, acting as barriers, hamper wildlife movements and disrupt habitat connectivity. Bridges and culverts are common structures on roads, and some of them can function to allow wildlife passage. This study investigated the effects of traffic, the surrounding landscape, human disturbance, and bridge and culvert structures on the utilization of bridges and culverts as dedicated passages by wildlife, using motion-activated infrared camera traps along a 64 km road in Giant Panda National Park, Sichuan, China. The results show that both species richness and counts of wildlife recorded at the bridge and culvert were significantly lower than those observed at sites distant from roads. No large-sized wildlife was recorded at the bridges and culverts. Human activities and traffic volume significantly and negatively affect medium-sized wildlife utilization of bridges and culverts. We conclude that bridges and culverts serve as wildlife crossings, but their efficacy is weak. This emphasizes the necessity of retrofitting bridges and culverts via mitigation facilities such as noise and light barriers, and vegetation restoration on both sides of the roads in Giant Panda National Park.
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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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Kang D. A review of the habitat restoration of giant pandas from 2012 to 2021: Research topics and advances. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 852:158207. [PMID: 36028037 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a flagship species in nature conservation. Habitat degradation and fragmentation threaten the sustainable survival of giant pandas, and thus degraded habitats need to be restored and fragmented habitats require connection. In the past ten years, some new studies have emerged on the habitat restoration of giant pandas, yet no specialized reviews of this topic have been published. This paper reviews the habitat restoration of giant pandas based on related articles published between 2012 and 2021. Three principal research topics are identified and summarized: restoration effect, restoration requirements, and restoration considerations. The review demonstrates that some measures, such as protection projects and policies, controlling human disturbances and impacts, and natural recovery, contribute to the habitat restoration of giant pandas. Many issues related to artificial forests need to be addressed to clarify their role in habitat restoration. Many habitats with clear locations and types need restoration, especially those that are disturbed or threatened by human activities and some that are disturbed by natural disturbances such as earthquakes. To integrate consideration factors, a reference habitat should be established and well described. In addition, social and economic factors should not be ignored. More targeted studies of the habitat restoration of giant pandas are urgently needed, including theoretical, cross-scale, interdisciplinary, multi-factor, and long-term monitoring studies. This review provides a reference for future research work and a source of information for future restoration of giant panda habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwei Kang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
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Rule A, Dill SE, Sun G, Chen A, Khawaja S, Li I, Zhang V, Rozelle S. Challenges and Opportunities in Aligning Conservation with Development in China's National Parks: A Narrative Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12778. [PMID: 36232085 PMCID: PMC9566203 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As part of its effort to balance economic development with environmental objectives, China has established a new national park system, with the first five locations formally established in 2021. However, as the new parks all host or are proximate to human populations, aligning the socioeconomic needs and aspirations of local communities with conservation aims is critical for the long-term success of the parks. In this narrative review, the authors identify the ecological priorities and socioeconomic stakeholders of each of the five national parks; explore the tensions and synergies between these priorities and stakeholders; and synthesize the policy recommendations most frequently cited in the literature. A total of 119 studies were reviewed. Aligning traditional livelihoods with conservation, limiting road construction, promoting education and environmental awareness, and supporting the development of a sustainable tourism industry are identified as important steps to balance conservation with economic development in the new national parks.
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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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12
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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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13
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Xu Y, Yang B, Dai Q, Pan H, Zhong X, Ran J, Yang X, Gu X, Yang Z, Qi D, Hou R, Zhang Z. Landscape-scale giant panda conservation based on metapopulations within China's national park system. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabl8637. [PMID: 35905183 PMCID: PMC9337760 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abl8637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Historically, giant panda conservation in China has been compromised by disparate management of protected areas. It is thus crucial to address how giant panda populations can be managed cohesively on a landscape scale, an opportunity offered by China's newly established Giant Panda National Park. Here, we evaluated giant panda populations in a metapopulation context, based on range-wide data from the Fourth National Giant Panda Survey. We delineated metapopulations by geographic range, relative abundance, and relative density and assessed the extent of human disturbance each metapopulation faced. We found density-dependent and disturbance-influenced effects on habitat selection across metapopulations. We determined the main effects faced by each metapopulation regarding area sensitivity, population size, intraspecific competition, and disturbance. To enhance the landscape-scale conservation of giant pandas and various other wildlife across China's national park system, we propose that metapopulation management incorporates population status along with density-dependent and disturbance-related effects on habitat selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Biao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637002, China
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Qiang Dai
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Han Pan
- Society of Entrepreneurs and Ecology (SEE) Foundation, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Xue Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637002, China
| | - Jianghong Ran
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Xuyu Yang
- Sichuan Station of Wildlife Survey and Management, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Xiaodong Gu
- Sichuan Station of Wildlife Survey and Management, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Zhisong Yang
- Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Dunwu Qi
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Rong Hou
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637002, China
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14
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Han H, Swaisgood RR, Qiu L, Chen Y, Zhang Z. Down‐listing pandas and upgrading conservation: China setting an example to preserve wildlife worldwide. Anim Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H. Han
- 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 Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province Chengdu China
| | - R. R. Swaisgood
- Institute for Conservation Research San Diego Zoo Global Escondido Escondido CA USA
| | - L. Qiu
- 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 Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province Chengdu China
| | - Y. Chen
- 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 Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province Chengdu China
| | - Z. 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 Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province Chengdu China
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15
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Yang Y, Lin AK, Garber PA, Huang Z, Tian Y, Behie A, Momberg F, Grueter CC, Li W, Lwin N, Xiao W. The 10th anniversary of the scientific description of the black snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus strykeri): It is time to initiate a set of new management strategies to save this critically endangered primate from extinction. Am J Primatol 2022; 84:e23372. [PMID: 35262940 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23372] [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: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally, the genus Rhinopithecus (Milne-Edwards, 1872, Primates, Colobinae) included four allopatric species, restricted in their distributions to China and Vietnam. In 2010, a fifth species, the black snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus strykeri) was discovered in the Gaoligong Mountains located on the border between China and Myanmar. Despite the remoteness, complex mountainous terrain, dense fog, and armed conflict that characterizes this region, over this past decade Chinese and Myanmar scientists have begun to collect quantitative data on the ecology, behavior and conservation requirements of R. strykeri. In this article, we review the existing data and present new information on the life history, ecology, and population size of R. strykeri. We discuss these data in the context of past and current conservation challenges faced by R. strykeri, and propose a series of both short-term and long-term management actions to ensure the survival of this Critically Endangered primate species. Specifically, we recommend that the governments and stakeholders in China and Myanmar formulate a transboundary conservation agreement that includes a consensus on bilateral exchange mechanisms, scientific research and monitoring goals, local community development, cooperation to prevent the hunting of endangered species and cross-border forest fires. These actions will contribute to the long-term conservation and survival of this Critically Endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Yang
- Institute of Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Research, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China.,Institute of International Rivers and Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,School of Archaeology and Anthropology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.,International Center of Biodiversity and Primate Conservation, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Aung Ko Lin
- Fauna & Flora International, Myanmar Programme, Sanchaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Paul A Garber
- International Center of Biodiversity and Primate Conservation, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China.,Department of Anthropology, Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Zhipang Huang
- Institute of Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Research, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China.,International Center of Biodiversity and Primate Conservation, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Yinping Tian
- Lushui Bureau of Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve, Liuku, Yunnan, China
| | - Alison Behie
- School of Archaeology and Anthropology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Frank Momberg
- Fauna & Flora International, Myanmar Programme, Sanchaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Cyril C Grueter
- International Center of Biodiversity and Primate Conservation, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China.,School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Weibiao Li
- Lushui Bureau of Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve, Liuku, Yunnan, China
| | - Ngwe Lwin
- Fauna & Flora International, Myanmar Programme, Sanchaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Wen Xiao
- Institute of Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Research, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China.,International Center of Biodiversity and Primate Conservation, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
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16
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17
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Cui Z, Zhao W, Zhang Y, Zhao N, Shan G, Yu X, Ye X. Testing the efficacy of camera-trap sampling designs for monitoring giant pandas in a heterogeneous landscape. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:14098-14110. [PMID: 34601689 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16765-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The use of camera traps is prevalent in the ecological study of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). The reliability of camera-trap surveying results greatly depends on sampling designs that significantly influence the detection probability of the target species. Few studies have tested the efficacy of sampling designs on camera-trap surveys for monitoring giant pandas in a heterogeneous landscape. In this study, we conducted camera trapping of giant pandas based on two different sampling schemes in Changqing National Nature Reserve of China, and evaluated their outcomes based on three aspects: occupancy analysis, photographic rate, and activity pattern. The results demonstrated that both climate heterogeneity and distance to the nearest road had a strong positive influence on site occupancy, and slope and forest cover had a significant negative impact on site occupancy. Significant differences in the direction or magnitude of variables' influences indicated that there were apparently spatial-temporal dynamics of giant panda distribution between two sampling schemes. The low detection probabilities indicated that both sampling schemes were not robust to accurately monitor giant pandas in the whole study area. We recommended that more suitable sampling designs with local covariates be developed for camera-trap surveys monitoring giant pandas to account for temporal variability and small-scale variation in heterogeneous landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxia Cui
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, People's Republic of China
- Research Center for UAV Remote Sensing, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenai Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, People's Republic of China
- Research Center for UAV Remote Sensing, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, People's Republic of China
| | - Yashuai Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, People's Republic of China
- Research Center for UAV Remote Sensing, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, People's Republic of China
| | - Naxun Zhao
- Administration of Shaanxi Changqing National Nature Reserve, Hanzhong, 723000, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoyu Shan
- Administration of Shaanxi Changqing National Nature Reserve, Hanzhong, 723000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoping Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, People's Republic of China
- Research Center for UAV Remote Sensing, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinping Ye
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, People's Republic of China.
- Research Center for UAV Remote Sensing, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, People's Republic of China.
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18
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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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19
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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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20
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Huang K, Zhang H, Wang C, Hou R, Zhang P, He G, Guo S, Tang S, Li B, Oxnard C, Pan R. Use of historical and contemporary distribution of mammals in China to inform conservation. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021; 35:1787-1796. [PMID: 34219272 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A systematic understanding of dynamic animal extinction trajectories for different regions in a nation like China is critically important to developing practical conservation strategies. We explored historical and contemporary changes in terrestrial mammalian diversity to determine how diversity in each of the 5 regions in China has changed over time and to examine the conservation potential of these regions. We used records from databases on Pleistocene mammalian fossils and historical distribution records (1175-2020) for Primates (as a case study) to reconstruct evolutionary and historical distribution trajectories of the 11 orders of terrestrial mammals and to predict their prospective survival based on the national conservation strategy applied. The results indicated that since the Pleistocene, 4-5 mammalian orders have been lost in the northeast, 3 in central China, 2 along the coast, and 1 in the northwest. In the southwest, all 11 orders were maintained. Contemporarily, the coast and southwest had the highest and second-highest species densities. The southwest region and southeastern sections of the northwest region were the most historically and contemporarily diverse areas, which suggests that they should be the first priority for protected area (PA) designation. The central and coastal areas should be secondarily prioritized. In these 2 regions, conservation should focus on human coexistence with nature. Less attention should be paid to the PA in the northeast and western northwest because in these areas ecosystems are depauperate and the climate is harsh. Conservation in these areas should focus principally on avoiding further human encroachment on natural areas. Article impact statement: Historical and contemporary patterns of extinction can be a basis for mammalian conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Huang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - He Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | | | - Rong Hou
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Gang He
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Songtao Guo
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shiyi Tang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Baoguo Li
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- International Centre of Biodiversity and Primate Conservation Centre, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Charles Oxnard
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ruliang Pan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
- International Centre of Biodiversity and Primate Conservation Centre, Dali University, Dali, China
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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21
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Integrating Livestock Grazing and Sympatric Takin to Evaluate the Habitat Suitability of Giant Panda in the Wanglang Nature Reserve. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082469. [PMID: 34438926 PMCID: PMC8388666 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Giant pandas are facing the threat of habitat degradation. Both grazing livestock and sympatric animals have certain impacts on the giant panda habitat. This study evaluated the habitat suitability of giant panda in Wanglang Nature Reserve by simultaneously investigating livestock grazing and sympatric takin. Results for the giant panda habitat in Wanglang are not optimistic, and the extensive overlap of suitable habitats for livestock, takin and panda makes the situation worse. Abstract Habitat suitability provides essential information for the management of protected species. However, studies that jointly consider the impacts of human disturbance and sympatric animals in habitat suitability assessments of giant panda are limited, which may overestimate the habitat status. To address this issue, we evaluated the habitat suitability of giant panda in Wanglang Nature Reserve by simultaneously investigating livestock grazing and sympatric takin via MAXENT, a new attempt at the assessment of the habitat suitability of giant panda. We focused on describing the habitat suitability of giant panda and determining the habitat overlap between livestock, takin, and panda to evaluate the impacts of livestock grazing and sympatric takin on the suitable giant panda habitat. Results revealed that only 16.33% of the area in Wanglang was suitable giant panda habitat, of which 67.66% was shared by livestock, and 97.99% of the remaining suitable panda habitat not shared by livestock was revealed to be shared by takin. The results indicate an unfavorable habitat status of giant panda in Wanglang, with the potential extensive habitat overlap between livestock, takin and panda exerting further pressure. Thus, to effectively protect giant pandas and their habitats, grazing activity should be controlled. Furthermore, to accurately protect sympatric animals, the monitoring of panda and takin activities in the overlapping areas must be maintained.
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22
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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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23
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Kang D. A review of the impacts of four identified major human disturbances on the habitat and habitat use of wild giant pandas from 2015 to 2020. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 763:142975. [PMID: 33109372 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Human disturbance poses a serious threat to the survival of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), but few systematic and specialized reviews on the impacts of human disturbance on pandas and their habitats have been published. After the fourth giant panda survey (2011-2014), some new studies and important findings have emerged. To update the understanding of the impacts of human disturbance, research on the impacts of major human disturbances on the habitat and habitat use of wild giant pandas from 2015 to 2020 was reviewed based on 33 publications (including three books and 30 articles). The major human disturbances in panda habitat included livestock grazing, roads, herb collection, and logging. Livestock affects panda habitat by occupying, disturbing, and defecating in it, and the time and intensity of habitat use by horses are greater than the time and intensity at which pandas use their habitats. Roads affect nearby habitats by disturbing the vegetation and causing pollution, and the effect of roads extends far beyond the roads themselves and varies with road type. The impacts of logging on the forest structure and bamboo in panda habitat are long-term. Pandas avoid habitats disturbed by livestock grazing, roads, and logging. The impacts of herb collection are not known, because they have received little attention. Findings suggested a need for further research on human disturbance to giant pandas, focusing on comprehensive evaluations of the interactions between different disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwei Kang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, No.35 Tsinghua East Road Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China.
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24
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Hou J, Hull V, Connor T, Yang H, Gao J, Zhao F, Liao Y, Chen S, Huang J, Zeng Y, Zhou S, Zhou X, Zhang J. Scent communication behavior by giant pandas. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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25
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Zhao Y, Chen YP, Zheng Y, Ma Q, Jiang Y. Quantifying the heavy metal risks from anthropogenic contributions in Sichuan panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca melanoleuca) habitat. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 745:140941. [PMID: 32731070 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals (HM) are ubiquitous in environments, and HM pollution has become a severe global crisis. Previous studies have identified HM levels in Qinling panda habitats but their levels and the associated risks in Sichuan panda habitats are still unknown. Risk-based conservation management is in urgent need and should rely upon identifying risk distributions, quantified risk-source apportionment and collaborative governance. We carried out research in Sichuan panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca melanoleuca) habitats taking soil, bamboo, and water samples from three different areas (nature reserves, potential habitats, and surrounding regions) of five mountains. The concentrations of HM in the soil were higher than those in bamboo, but both exceeded the background or national standards to varying degrees, suggesting long-term pollution and multi-element contamination. Regional and geographical distribution differences revealed a positive correlation between intensity of human activities and HM pollution. HM contaminants observed in the Sichuan panda habitats, based on their sources, were categorized into coal combustion (34%), industry (44%), and traffic (22%). In particular, our results showed the northern and southern parts of habitat were of highest concern, as they had environmental conditions that could be harmful to the health of giant pandas. Coupling models applying positive matrix factorization model/risk were used to quantify source contributions to various risk types, which was based on real-time monitoring and served as a positive role in multi-step process for developing countermeasures, with the goal of collaboratively reframing the vision and governance of panda conservation in order to incorporate regional disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710075, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10049, China
| | - Yi-Ping Chen
- SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710075, China; Xi'an Institute for Innovative Earth Environment Research, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Yingjuan Zheng
- SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710075, China; Chinese Research Academy of environmental science, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Qingyi Ma
- Shaanxi Wild Animal Research Center, Zhouzhi, Xi'an 710402, China
| | - Yao Jiang
- Xi'an Institute for Innovative Earth Environment Research, Xi'an 710061, China
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26
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Kang D, Zhao Z, Chen X, Wang X, Li J. Characteristics and impacts of solid waste on giant panda habitat in Wanglang Nature Reserve. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 724:138210. [PMID: 32240861 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Systematic research on solid waste pollution in giant panda habitat is lacking. To fill in this gap in the literature, a survey for solid waste was conducted in Wanglang Nature Reserve in July and August of 2018 and 2019. A total of 16 transects, 16 giant panda habitat plots, 16 livestock habitat plots, and 16 common habitat plots were surveyed. We analyzed the type and distribution of solid waste and the possible impacts of typical solid waste. Results showed that 133 solid waste samples from the five categories (livestock feces, plastic waste, metal waste, construction waste, and paper waste) were detected. Livestock feces accounted for the highest proportion of solid waste at 82.7%, while the remaining types of waste accounted for only 17.3% of the solid waste observed. Livestock feces were distributed relatively evenly within 400 m from roads, while 69.6% of non-livestock fecal waste were distributed 0-100 m away from roads. Giant panda habitat and common habitat (shared by giant pandas and livestock) did not significantly differ in habitat characteristics, but livestock habitat was significantly different from them in the number of trees and the height of bamboo. Specifically, livestock habitat had more trees and shorter bamboo. Based on the short bamboo located in livestock habitat, we predicted that bamboo in the common habitat has a high probability of being damaged by livestock. To limit solid waste pollution, livestock should be forbidden from entering giant panda habitat. In addition, tourism and infrastructure construction activities should be strictly controlled. To ensure the effectiveness of conservation, the needs and possible contributions of residents in surrounding communities should be taken into account in the giant panda conservation plan, and routine monitoring of solid waste should be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwei Kang
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resource and Ecosystem Processes, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Zhijiang Zhao
- Rueral Economy and Regional Development Department, China International Engineering Consulting Corporation, Ltd, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resource and Ecosystem Processes, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiaorong Wang
- Wanglang Nature Reserve Administration Bureau, Sichuan 622553, China
| | - Junqing Li
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resource and Ecosystem Processes, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
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27
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Tang J, Swaisgood RR, Owen MA, Zhao X, Wei W, Pilfold NW, Wei F, Yang X, Gu X, Yang Z, Dai Q, Hong M, Zhou H, Zhang J, Yuan S, Han H, Zhang Z. Climate change and landscape-use patterns influence recent past distribution of giant pandas. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20200358. [PMID: 32576116 PMCID: PMC7329028 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.0358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change is one of the most pervasive threats to biodiversity globally, yet the influence of climate relative to other drivers of species depletion and range contraction remain difficult to disentangle. Here, we examine climatic and non-climatic correlates of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) distribution using a large-scale 30 year dataset to evaluate whether a changing climate has already influenced panda distribution. We document several climatic patterns, including increasing temperatures, and alterations to seasonal temperature and precipitation. We found that while climatic factors were the most influential predictors of panda distribution, their importance diminished over time, while landscape variables have become relatively more influential. We conclude that the panda's distribution has been influenced by changing climate, but conservation intervention to manage habitat is working to increasingly offset these negative consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), ChinaWest Normal University, Nanchong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ronald R. Swaisgood
- Research Group of Applied Ecology, Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, Escondido, CA
| | - Megan A. Owen
- Research Group of Applied Ecology, Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, Escondido, CA
| | - Xuzhe Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), ChinaWest Normal University, Nanchong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), ChinaWest Normal University, Nanchong, People's Republic of China
| | - Nicholas W. Pilfold
- Research Group of Applied Ecology, Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, Escondido, CA
| | - Fuwen Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuyu Yang
- Wildlife Conservation Station, Wildlife Conservation Division, Sichuan Forestry and Grassland Bureau, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Gu
- Wildlife Conservation Station, Wildlife Conservation Division, Sichuan Forestry and Grassland Bureau, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhisong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), ChinaWest Normal University, Nanchong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Dai
- Research Department of Amphibians and Reptiles, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingsheng Hong
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), ChinaWest Normal University, Nanchong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), ChinaWest Normal University, Nanchong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jindong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), ChinaWest Normal University, Nanchong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shibin Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), ChinaWest Normal University, Nanchong, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Han
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), ChinaWest Normal University, Nanchong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), ChinaWest Normal University, Nanchong, People's Republic of China
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Wang L, Yuan S, Nie Y, Zhao J, Cao X, Dai Y, Zhang Z, Wei F. Dietary flavonoids and the altitudinal preference of wild giant pandas in Foping National Nature Reserve, China. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e00981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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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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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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Wang Q, Zhang L, Gan X. Adaptability of the structure and biomass of Arundinaria spanostachya clonal populations grazing by wild giant pandas. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:2909-2918. [PMID: 31838681 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06964-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
To understand the defense mechanism of Arundinaria spanostachya clonal populations in response to grazing by giant pandas, dynamic variations in A. spanostachya clonal population structure and biomass allocation in a wild giant panda habitat at the Liziping Nature Reserve were evaluated, as well as whether the clonal populations would be continuously used by the wild giant pandas. The population density of each age-class in the grazed and control plots after grazing (2014a and 2015a) was similar to that before grazing (2013a). The effects of grazing on the size-class and height-class structures were relatively lower. Before and after grazing, the perennial individuals showed the highest total biomass, followed by the biennial and annual individuals, and the maximum dry matter content in each module was found in the culm, followed by the branch and leaf. The dry matter content of A. spanostachya individuals increased as the age class increased, whereas the total water content decreased. The maximum water content allocation in the modules was observed in the culm, and no significant differences were found between the shoot and leaf. Thus, foraging by the wild giant pandas had no impact on the size-class and height-class structures and biomass allocation of A. spanostachya clonal populations, and the clonal populations have established an adaptive mechanism against grazing by giant pandas. After grazing, the A. spanostachya clonal populations showed greater self-adjustment ability to restore the status to that before grazing and, thus, continuously supply food for the giant pandas. Further management intervention of A. spanostachya clonal populations after the foraging of wild giant pandas is not needed, which has implications for understanding the impact of co-evolutionary mechanisms between giant panda and its staple bamboo species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinqin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), Nanchong, 637009, China
| | - Longyan Zhang
- Modern Agricultural Industrial Park Management Center in Hengxian Country, Nanning, 530300, China
| | - Xiaohong Gan
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), Nanchong, 637009, China.
- Institute of Plant Adaptation and Utilization in Southwest Mountain, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China.
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Dong X, Chu YMR, Gu X, Huang Q, Zhang J, Bai W. Suitable habitat prediction of Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) and its implications for conservation in Baihe Nature Reserve, Sichuan, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:32374-32384. [PMID: 31602599 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06369-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
As an endemic primate species with one of the highest priorities in wildlife conservation in China, Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) have undergone a sharp decline and range reduction in recent centuries. Here, we used maximum entropy modelling (MaxEnt) integrated with four types of environmental variables, including three biological climate variables (Bio17, precipitation of the driest quarter; Bio6, min. temperature of the coldest month; and Bio2, mean diurnal range), three topographic variables (altitude, slope, and aspect), two anthropogenic variables (Human Footprint Index and human disturbance), and three vegetation-related variables (enhanced vegetation index, normalized difference vegetation index, and Wet Index) to identify the spatial distribution of suitable habitats for Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys in Baihe Nature Reserve (BNR), which is located in the Minshan Mountains. The average training AUC of our model performance is 0.929 ± 0.003. The model predicted 9.6 km2 of high suitability habitats and 14.1 km2 of moderate suitability habitats for Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys, adding up to only 11.7% of the total area of concern for the study in the BNR. The top four variables ranked in the model (altitude, Human Footprint Index, human disturbance, and Bio17) accounted for relative gain contributions of 23.3%, 19.3%, 14.2%, and 13.4%, respectively. The predicted suitable habitats were confined to an altitude range of 1971-3198 m, Human Footprint Index of mainly 3-5 values, low human disturbance (mainly livestock), and precipitation of the driest (or coldest) quarter of 9-22 mm. Additionally, the suitable habitats were mainly distributed in the core zone (36.1%), buffer zone (26.8%), and experimental zone (29.5%). The remaining habitats (7.6%) were distributed in the 0.5-km buffer zone of the reserve border. The predicted suitable habitats indicated limited suitable habitat space for the Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys, with most of the suitable habitat distributed outside the core zone in the BNR. Our findings highlighted that human activities in all three functional zones could be the most negative factor on suitable habitat distribution of Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys in the BNR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Dong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China.
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China.
| | - Yuan-Meng-Ran Chu
- School of Sociology and Anthropology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Gu
- Wildlife Resource Conservation and Management Station of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiongyu Huang
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology, Institute, Front Royal, VA, USA
| | - Jindong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China
| | - Wenke Bai
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China.
- Institute of Ecology, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China.
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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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Wang X, Huang J, Connor TA, Bai W, Zhang J, Wei W, Zhang Z, Liu D, Zhou C. Impact of livestock grazing on biodiversity and giant panda habitat. J Wildl Manage 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources ConservationChina West Normal UniversityNanchong Sichuan 637000 China
| | - Jinyan Huang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda Sichuan Wolong 623006 China
| | - Thomas A. Connor
- Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Department of Fisheries and WildlifeMichigan State University East Lansing MI 48823 USA
| | - Wenke Bai
- Institute of EcologyChina West Normal University Nanchong Sichuan 637000 China
| | - Jindong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources ConservationChina West Normal UniversityNanchong Sichuan 637000 China
| | - Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources ConservationChina West Normal UniversityNanchong Sichuan 637000 China
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources ConservationChina West Normal UniversityNanchong Sichuan 637000 China
| | - Dian Liu
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda Sichuan Wolong 623006 China
| | - Caiquan Zhou
- Institute of EcologyChina West Normal University Nanchong Sichuan 637000 China
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Yan X, Zhang H, Li D, Wu D, Zhou S, Sun M, Hu H, Liu X, Mou S, He S, Owen MA, Huang Y. Acoustic recordings provide detailed information regarding the behavior of cryptic wildlife to support conservation translocations. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5172. [PMID: 30914700 PMCID: PMC6435668 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41455-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
For translocated animals, behavioral competence may be key to post-release survival. However, monitoring behavior is typically limited to tracking movements or inferring behavior at a gross scale via collar-mounted sensors. Animal-bourne acoustic monitoring may provide a unique opportunity to monitor behavior at a finer scale. The giant panda is an elusive species of Ursid that is vulnerable to extinction. Translocation is an important aspect of the species' recovery, and survival and recruitment for pandas likely hinge on behavioral competence. Here we tested the efficacy of a collar-mounted acoustic recording unit (ARU) to remotely monitor the behavior of panda mothers and their dependent young. We found that trained human listeners could reliably identify 10 behaviors from acoustic recordings. Through visual inspection of spectrograms we further identified 5 behavioral categories that may be detectable by automated pattern recognition, an approach that is essential for the practical application of ARU. These results suggest that ARU are a viable method for remotely observing behaviors, including feeding. With targeted effort directed towards instrumentation and computing advances, ARU could be used to document how behavioral competence supports or challenges post-release survival and recruitment, and allow for research findings to be adaptively integrated into future translocation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yan
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan, 623006, China
- Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Hemin Zhang
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan, 623006, China
| | - Desheng Li
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan, 623006, China
| | - Daifu Wu
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan, 623006, China.
| | - Shiqiang Zhou
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan, 623006, China
| | - Mengmeng Sun
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan, 623006, China
| | - Haiping Hu
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan, 623006, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Liu
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan, 623006, China
| | - Shijie Mou
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan, 623006, China
| | - Shengshan He
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan, 623006, China
| | - Megan A Owen
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, California, United States.
| | - Yan Huang
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan, 623006, China.
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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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Comprehensive Breeding Techniques for the Giant Panda. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1200:275-308. [PMID: 31471801 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23633-5_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The dramatic growth of the captive giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) population exemplifies how the application of scientific findings to animal care and reproductive management can improve conservation breeding outcomes. Detailed behavioral studies of giant panda estrus, pregnancy and cub rearing have demonstrated the importance of husbandry management that supports natural reproductive behavior to enhance breeding success. Natural breeding has been valuably augmented by the development of assisted reproductive techniques founded through detailed studies of the reproductive physiology of the giant panda and outlining fundamental information about reproductive seasonality, male fertility and characterization of the estrous cycle. The resultant holistic understanding of giant panda reproduction has improved reproductive success in the captive population to such an extent that it is now self-sustaining and provides surplus animals for reintroduction. Despite these significant advances, there are knowledge gaps and remaining challenges to be addressed. Pregnancy detection remains the single biggest challenge when determining if natural mating or assisted breeding have been successful. Because pregnancy can only be determined in the few weeks prior to parturition, there are gaps in understanding and detecting delayed implantation and early embryonic loss. Additionally, dynamic management practices and standard of care for reproductive assistance needs to be developed. Only large breeding centers in China have the ability to promote normal reproductive behaviors and allow mate choice for the giant panda. These challenges need to be addressed in the near future in order to maintain a self-sustaining, genetically diverse and behaviorally competent captive population. This chapter documents the development of successful giant panda managed breeding programs by focusing on three key areas, (1) the development of science-driven reproductive techniques to improve fecundity in a species where the mating system was poorly understood, (2) how targeted research and adaptive management of social settings surrounding estrus and breeding improved reproductive success, and (3) insights and solutions to challenges faced across the program's history with future directions for research.
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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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