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30 November 2024, Volume 44 Issue 6

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ORIGINAL PAPERS

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Amur tiger and leopard and their ungulate prey show differentiated spatiotemporal responses to human disturbances in the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park

LI Zichen, ZHOU Yutong, CAO Ranxing, JIA Kangning, MAI Xiaotong, FENG Jiawei, WANG Tianming

2024, 44(6):  665-680.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150992

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Human disturbances may disrupt carnivores coexistence in work landscapes, potentially triggering cascading influences in ecological communities. Responses in spatial and temporal behaviors to human activities can highlight species’survival strategies to maximize fitness. This study aims to quantify how human influences (e. g., peoples, vehicles, domestic dogs and livestock) may reshape Northeast China wildlife behaviour and their consequences for temporal interactions of predate-prey. We used a large dataset of 9 409 independent animals (tiger Panthera tigris, leopard P. pardus and their major ungulate prey) and human records from 23 831 camera nights at 107 camera trap sites in the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park, from which we assessed the role of human in structuring community, guildand species-level diel activity. We assessed the effects of human disturbances on wildlife behavior and compared temporal overlap among tigers, leopards and their ungulate prey, at sites of high and low disturbance, as determined by the human relative abundance index. Human detections corresponded to 66% of all detections at high-disturbance sites and 5% of all detections at low-disturbance sites. Tigers, leopards, and their main ungulate prey use different spatial and temporal strategies in response to human disturbances. At sites of high disturbance, nocturnal and crepuscular tigers significantly increased their activity, but significantly decreased overlap with the human’s temporal niche to release from interference competition. For all species and large carnivores, there is a significant net effect of disturbance increasing nocturnality. There is also high variation among species; specifically, disturbances drive significant shifts away from diurnality for tigers, while roe deer Capreolus pygargus, and wild boars Sus scrofa become more diurnal. Compared to less disturbed forests, temporal overlap of top-predators and prey decreases in higher disturbed forests, notably among sika deer, wild boar and top-predators. This study provides insights into the responses of threatened large carnivores (tiger and leopard) to humans in a newly established national park. These differences in response to human disturbances among large carnivores and major prey highlighted the variation in temporal behaviors animals can use to exist in anthropogenic environments. Our findings can help in predicting how a species will respond to future change based on their current temporal behavior.

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The distribution status, occupancy, and spatiotemporal pattern of large carnivores in Dingqing County, Xizang Autonomous Region

LI Xueyang, HE Yanjin, CHEN Xier, Yiyan, HUANG Hong, DONG Zhengyi, Bianbazhaxi, ZHAO Xiang, SHI Xiangying, Lü Zhi

2024, 44(6):  681-694.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150943

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The eastern and southern edges of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau are among the regions with the highest diversity of large carnivores globally. Dingqing County, located on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau in the Xizang Autonomous Region, is home to a variety of large carnivores yet lacks of systematic surveys. From 2020 to 2023, a camera trap survey was conducted in four areas in Dingqing County, covering 54 sites over 16 839 effective working days. Six large carnivore species were recorded during the survey, including gray wolf (Canis lupus), dhole (Cuon alpinus), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), leopard (Panthera pardus), snow leopard (P. uncia), and brown bear (Ursus arctos). Occupancy models were applied to the snow leopard and gray wolf, which had a higher number of independent captures, to explore the potential impacts of human activities and other environmental factors on their occupancy rates. The results showed that the average occupancy rate for snow leopards within the study area was 0. 66 ±0. 21, and for gray wolves 0. 33 ±0. 20. The occupancy rates for gray wolves were mainly influenced by ruggedness and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), while the occupancy rates for snow leopards were mainly influenced by NDVI and distance to road. The spatial and temporal niche overlap among large carnivores in Dingqing were estimated by the Pianka’s index and diel activity rhythm kernel density. Except for gray wolves and Eurasian lynxes (Pianka’s index = 0. 61), the spatial niche overlaps between other species were low (Pianka’s index ranged from 0. 00 to 0. 36). The activity rhythm overlap between snow leopards and gray wolves was 0. 91 (95% CI: 0. 86 - 0. 96, P= 0. 14), indicating high similarity of activity patterns, while significant differences in activity rhythms were observed between brown bears and both snow leopards (P= 0. 003) and gray wolves (P<0. 001). The separation of spatial and temporal niche may contribute to the maintenance of high large carnivore diversity in Dingqing. This study supplements the baseline information of large carnivores in Dingqing County, Xizang Autonomous Region, emphasizing the conservation importance of this area for its high diversity and providing information for the conservation and management design in the upper reaches of the Nujiang River through identifying important covariates of large carnivore occupancy rate and spatiotemporal analysis, laying the foundation for future biodiversity research and conservation efforts.

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Dietary composition and niche partitioning of sympatric carnivores in Altun Mountain National Nature Reserve

CONG Wei, ZHANG Yi, HUANG Taifu, LI Jia, XU Junquan, ZHANG Shengfa, LI huan, XUE Yadong, ZHANG Yuguang

2024, 44(6):  695-705.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150941

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Comparing the diet of sympatric carnivorous species can reveal their differences and degree of overlap in resource utilization, which is an important approach to understanding the interactions among species and the stability of ecosystems. This study analyzes the species identification, dietary composition, similarity, and niche overlap of 338 scat samples collected in the Altun Mountains Nature Reserve using DNA metabarcoding technology. Eight carnivorous species were identified, including snow leopard (Panthera uncia), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), wolf (Canis lupus), dhole (Cuon alpinus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), Tibetan fox (V. ferrilata), brown bear (Ursus arctos), and stone marten (Martes foina). A total of 11 orders and 22 prey species were identified, with Cetartiodactyla (36. 59%) and Lagomorpha (24. 39%) having higher relative frequency of occurrence in the carnivorous species diet at order level. Blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) was the most frequently detected prey species in the Cetartiodactyla order, and woolly hares (Lepus oiostolus) were the most frequently detected prey species in the Lagomorpha order. At the species level, Kiang (Equus kiang) was the most frequently detected prey species among all food categories, accounting for 20. 12% of the carnivorous species diet. Among carnivore species, brown bear and wolf had the highest dietary overlap (O_jk= 0. 797), followed by snow leopard and dhole (O_jk= 0. 764), indicating a competitive relationship in the utilization of food resources, while Tibetan fox and red fox had relatively low dietary overlap. In this study, the dietary composition and niche partitioning of carnivores in Altun Mountain National Nature Reserve were obtained, which is helpful to better understand the relationship of competition and coexistence between different species and provide scientific basis for species conservation.

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Spatiotemporal niche relationship between leopard and its sympatric carnivores in the forest of Baizha, Qinghai Province

CHAI Yuhua, MAO Xiaoning, Gamachenglinqiujiang, LI Guogang, SUN Nan

2024, 44(6):  706-716.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150945

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How does the presence of dominant top predators affect the spatiotemporal dynamics of other predators in the community, it is crucial for understanding the maintain mechanisms of animal community diversity. In Baizha forest of Qinghai province, located in the southern Sanjiangyuan region, based on monitoring data of 46 available infrared camera sites collected in winter between (October to next April) from 2021 to 2023, a total of 12 carnivores species are recorded, among which the leopard Panthera pardus is the dominant apex predator in the community. By comparing the vertical spatial distribution, site co-occurrence patterns, and daily activity rhythms between species, this study explores the spatiotemporal interactions between leopard and other predators within the community. The results show: in the spatial niche dimension, leopards utilize the broadest vertical space (Altitude 3 730 - 4 433 m), primarily distributed in the range of altitude 3 900 - 4 100 m. According to the Mann-Whitney U test, the activity altitude of small mustelid is similar to that of leopard, while other carnivores are distributed at significantly higher (snow leopard, wolf, and Eurasian lynx) or lower elevations (brown bear, red fox, and leopard cat). The analysis of single-season dual-species occupancy models between leopards and other carnivores indicates that when leopard is present, wolf and red fox exhibit spatial avoidance (SIF<1); other carnivores tend to coexist with leopard (SIF>1). Elevation is an important factor affecting the probability of site use by the Eurasian lynx, Asian badger, stone marten and leopard cat. Notably, as elevation increases, the spatial relationship between the Asian badger and leopard shifts from coexistence to distinct separation. Regarding the temporal niche dimension, kernel density estimation of daily activity rhythms reveals that leopard exhibited a diurnal activity rhythm, being more active from morning and peaking at 19: 00. Wolf displayes diurnal activity; Although the daily activity does not significantly differ from that of leopard, their activity peaks are staggered. Other carnivores are mainly nocturnal, showing significant differences from the leopard’s diurnal activity rhythm, with the exception of the Asian badger. This study provides fundamental information of the composition and interspecies relationships in the carnivore community of high-altitude forest, and contributes to a deeper understanding of their coexistence mechanisms.

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The occupancy rate and population estimation of snow leopards in the source of Shule River, Qilian Mountain National Park (Qinghai)

LI Yanzhi, JIANG Nan, MA Cunxin, JIA Ding, GAO Yayue, HUANG Hong, ZHAO Xiang, SHI Xiangying, LI Xueyang, Lü Zhi

2024, 44(6):  717-728.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150944

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The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is widely distributed in the mountainous area of Central Asia and is the flagship species of the alpine ecosystem. The Qilian Mountain, one of the global snow leopard Landscape Conservation Units, is crucial for snow leopard conservation across its range. However, previous studies in Qilian Mountain National Park were mostly conducted in areas located in Gansu Province, and the habitat use and population size of snow leopard in the Qinghai portion remain poorly studied, hindering a comprehensive understanding of the species status. From 2018 to 2021, we carried out a camera trap monitoring at the source of Shule River of Qilian Mountain National Park (Qinghai). We analyzed the snow leopard occupancy rate, colonization probability, and extinction probability during the winter of 2019–2021 through a single-species multiple-season occupancy model, and then estimated the snow leopard population size using capture-recapture model. The effective working days of camera traps accumulated to 37 614 days and 674 snow leopard independent captures were obtained. The mean occupancy rate of snow leopards in January – March of 2019 – 2021 was 0. 50 ±0. 11, the colonization probability was 0. 25 ±0. 08, and the extinction probability was 0. 11 ±0. 08. The main environmental factors affecting the snow leopard occupancy rate were altitude and the relative abundance of blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur). The altitude had a significant negative effect (β = -1. 20 ±0. 58, P= 0. 04), which was different from previous studies in Gansu, Qilian Mountain National Park. The relative abundance of blue sheep had a positive effect (β = 1. 83 ±1. 05, P= 0. 08). We identified 88 snow leopard individuals within the monitoring period, and the capture-recapture model showed that the population of snow leopards in this area was 36 ±7, 16 ±4, and 22 ±5 during 2019, 2020, and 2021. Only a few individuals were recorded more than two consecutive years, indicating that the source of the Shule River in Qilian Mountains might be an important corridor for snow leopards. Considering the significant differences in snow leopard habitat use and variability of the population estimation discovered in our study, the conservation and management strategies for Qilian Mountain should be informed by a comprehensive assessment of the entire area.

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Activity patterns and spatial distribution of snow leopard (Panthera uncia) in eastern Altun Mountains

WANG Tianhui, MA Yongsheng, WU Hao, HEZIERHAN Sataer, HUATI Habiyaxi, GAO Shuaishuai, ZHANG Yu, LI Jia

2024, 44(6):  729-737.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150933

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As the apex predator of plateau ecosystems in Central Asia and the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) plays an essential role in maintaining ecosystem stability. However, the secretive nature of this rare species, and the inaccessibility and harshness of the areas have limited the availability of research data, and thus resulted in scattered and slow progress in the ecology and conservation research on this species. Understanding snow leopard activity patterns and spatial distribution is vital for the development of effective conservation. In this study, we used camera trapping to survey activity patterns of snow leopard during dry and rainy season in eastern Altun Mountains, China, and used occupancy models to document the spatial distribution and influence factors, from May 2021 to January 2023. We obtained 545 independent detections of snow leopard during a total camera trapping effort of 37 760 effective camera trap days at 59 sites. The number of independent detections of snow leopard activity captured by infrared cameras in the dry season were significantly higher than in the rainy season, and detections were highest in November. During the dry season, snow leopards showed mainly crepuscular activity patterns, and the activity peaks were around 09: 00 and 19: 00, with activity intensity higher in dusk than dawn. The species showed nocturnal to crepuscular activity pat‐terns during the rainy season; the activity peaks were around 08: 00 and 22: 00. The average occupancy rate (ψ) estimated was 0. 699 ±0. 07 and average detection probability (Pr) was 0. 083 ±0. 005. Occupancy models reveal that snow leopard is positively (β = 2. 272 ±2. 779) associated with elevation and negatively (β = -0. 331 ±0. 779) associated with precipitation. Our study filled the gaps in field ecological research of snow leopard in Altun Mountains, provided basic information for further in-depth ecology research of species, and supported scientific conservation planning.

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A preliminary study on the reproductive parameters and survival situation of Panthera pardus japonensis population in central Taihang Mountains, China

ZHAO Ying, LIU Beibei, ZHEN Xin, MA Ziyu, HUANG Qiaowen, SONG Dazhao, SHEN Xiaoli, LI Sheng

2024, 44(6):  738-748.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150994

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Panthera pardus japonensis is the top predator in the temperate montane forest ecosystem of North China and has critical ecological functions. In this study, we conducted a systematically designed camera-trapping survey on the wild population of Panthera pardus japonensis in central Taihang Mountains from 2016 to 2023. Based on the data collected from 332 camera stations with an extensive sampling effort of 416 242 camera-days, we summarized the breeding records and examined the reproductive parameters of this leopard population. The survey covered 191 sampling grid cells (4 km×4 km each), and a total of 5 065 independent detections of Panthera pardus japonensis were recorded, of which 261 were recognized as breeding events, including 17 following events between adult male and female, 5 mating events, and 243 cub-rearing events. A total of 57 adult female leopards (the minimum number of identifiable individuals) were identified, of which 24 female leopards gave birth to 43 litters, including 19 litters that were consecutive births. A total of 79 cubs were recorded as successfully leaving the den and dwelling with their mother. Among the cubs whose gender can be clearly identified (n= 29), the female to male sex ratio was 0. 93: 1. Male-female following events mainly occurred in winter and spring, while births were distributed throughout the year without distinct seasonality. The litter size was 1. 84 ±0. 74 (n= 43), the interval between successive births was 18. 83 ±9. 18 months (n= 19), and the age of females upon the first parturition was 4. 61 ±1. 62 years (n= 3). The cubs became independent at 11. 98 ±1. 93 months (n= 26), and 32. 6% of the juveniles remained within our study area for over 1 year after their independence. The results of Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that, the average survival duration of female and male cubs was 1 648 and 1 467 days, respectively, and the survival curve of males showed a steeper downward trend. For the first time, in this study we examined the reproductive parameters of Panthera pardus japonensis population based on long-term field survey data and observatory records. Future research shall further explore the underlying mechanisms of how human and natural factors affect the leopard’s reproductive and survival, and determine the key limiting factors. The results of these studies will provide scientific support and valuable guidance for formulating effective conservation strategies for this endangered big cat.

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The current distribution and prediction of suitable habitat of dhole (Cuon alpinus) in Qilian Mountains, China

LIU Yanlin, WANG Yidan, LI Yibin, YU Chenxing, WANG Zhonghua, HU Dazhi, MA Cunxin, WANG Dajun, LI Sheng

2024, 44(6):  749-761.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150969

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Since the mid-20th Century, the population size and distribution range of dholes (Cuon alpinus) in China have dramatically decreased, and a lack of knowledge of their current distribution status has become a key obstacle to be ur‐gently resolved in order to develop specific conservation planning and action. The occurrence of dholes has been frequently reported in recent years in the Qilian Mountains, the largest mountain system on the northeastern Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. To determine the current distribution status of dholes in the Qilian Mountains, we systematically compiled information on dhole occurrences based on camera-trapping surveys and direct observation reports from 2016 to 2024. We predicted the habitat suitability for dholes in the Qilian Mountains using an ensemble species distribution model by incorporating 24 environmental variables across four categories. The results showed that a total of 90 confirmed dhole occurrence locations were collected, among which 61 and 29 locations are inside and outside Qilianshan National Park (Pilot site), respectively. Within the national park, the Jiuquan section had the most locations (n= 38), followed by Zhangye section (n= 18), while the Qinghai section had only 5 locations. The ensemble model (AUC = 0. 974, TSS = 0. 864) showed that the total area of suitable habitat for dholes in the Qilian Mountains was about 1. 06×10⁵km², mainly distributed along the border between Gansu and Qinghai provinces, as well as in Zongwulong Mountain of Qinghai Province. The total area of suitable habitat within the Qilianshan National Park (Pilot site) was 3. 91×10⁴ km². Ruggedness, density of livestock, and annual mean temperature were the most important factors influencing the habitat suitability of dholes. Compared with the range maps provided by IUCN, we confirm and refine the distribution of dholes in the Qilian Mountains, thereby filling a key knowledge gap. The mountains around the Subei County in Gansu Province, and the Zongwulong Mountain, Datong Mountain and Tolai Mountain in Qinghai Province currently lack dhole surveys, which requires specific attention in future investigations. We recommend adopting a dual flagship species conservation strategy that emphasizes both snow leopards (Panthera uncia) and dholes in the future construction of the Qilianshan National Park to promote comprehensive surveys and effective protection of the dholes.

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Habitat suitability analysis of wolves (Canis lupus) in the Gongga Mountains, Sichuan Province

QIAO Jiang, JI Pengzhen, LI Qian, QIAN Zongliang, LI Xuqin, RUAN Guangfa, JIANG Yong, WANG Jie

2024, 44(6):  762-770.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150946

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Understanding the habitat use and distribution pattern of species is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. This study presents 39 distribution sites of Canis lupus detected by infrared cameras from 2011 to 2023 in Gongga Mountain National Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province. Using the MaxEnt model, we analyzed the suitable habitat of wolves in the Gongga Mountains and investigated the association between environmental features and wolf occurrence. The results showed that the suitable habitat area of wolves was 1 061 km², with low, middle, and high suitable areas accounting for 9. 0%, 4. 1%, and 2. 2% of total area, respectively. The suitable habitat was primarily distributed on the western slope of Gongga Mountains in Kangding County, but was less prevalent in Jiulong, Luding, and Shimian counties. temperature annual range, distance to rivers, and aspect were the top three environmental variables contributing to the spatial distribution of wolves, and the cumulative contribution rate was 81. 6%. The model response area curves indicate that the most suitable habitat for wolves located in the shady gentle slopes with an annual temperature of 28. 5 - 30. 0 ℃, by the riverside, and at altitudes of 3 300 - 4 500 m, mainly covering subalpine coniferous forests and alpine scrub meadows. In addition, we recovered a large area of suitable habitat for wolves on the western side of Gongga Mountain Reserve, and we suggest that this area should be included in the monitoring scope during the special investi‐gation of wolves. Through periodic and systematic data collection, the role of wolves in maintaining the stability of ecosystem functioning can be effectively evaluated. It is worth noting that the balance of socio-economic development and wolf protection is also an issue that should be considered in the future. This study provides a theoretical framework for the long-term protection of wolves in the Gongga Mountain National Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province.

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Wolf (Canis lupus) den sites selection in the Ruoergai grassland wetland, Sichuan Province, China

ZHANG Yunqiao, WANG Wan, YANG Yixin, Zhoumecuo, Zhimeiji, XIAO Junhou, YU Yuan, ZHANG Zhenyang, DAI Qiang

2024, 44(6):  771-780.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150965

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The Ruoergai grassland wetland is located on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, with important ecological functions and fragile ecosystems. As a large carnivore in the region, wolves play a key role in maintaining ecosystem stability. However, the characteristics of wolf den site selection characteristics in the alpine grassland wetland are still unclear, which severely limits the development of conservation strategies in the region. In this study, 50 wolf den sites were recorded by line transect method and infrared camera survey from August 2022 to May 2023, and key factors affecting wolf den site selection were analyzed using logistic regression. The results showed that wolves preferred to build dens on upper slopes/mesas and mountain tops/high ridges, areas with steeper slopes, high terrain ruggedness index and roughness, areas close to buildings but away from farmland, and areas away from marshes and permanent water. Among the variables, the eight with the highest importance were 30 m resolution of slope, topographic position index, distance to buildings, distance to farmland, distance to permanent water, distance to bare, distance to bare ground squared, and distance to grassland. Compared with wolves living in forest and grassland ecosystems, wolves in the Ruoergai grassland wetlands have some uniqueness in den site selection. This study enriches the understanding of wolf den site selection behaviour and provides a scientific basis for the conservation and management of wolf breeding habitat in the Ruoergai grassland wetland.

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The spatial distribution and research field of global large felid studies based on collar tracking

ZHANG Yuewen, WANG Jiangyue, LI Sheng

2024, 44(6):  781-794.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150959

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Large felids are the apex predators of their inhabited terrestrial ecosystems, performing vital ecological functions that are essential for ecosystem stability and biodiversity conservation. These species are typically characterized by elusive behavior and high vigilance to humans, which brings significant challenges to researchers working on the field survey and research of these species. Nevertheless, with technological advances, collar tracking has brought new opportunities and become an important tool for ecological research. To comprehensively understand the current status of collar tracking research on large felids, this study systematically reviewed the literature from 1985 to 2024 on the 12 large felid species worldwide. We analyzed the spatial distribution of studies, tracking information and research fields to identify the current trends and research gaps, and provide an outlook for the future development and application of collar tracking. We collected 491 articles on large felids tracking, with the number of relevant articles having increased significantly since 2010. With regard to spatial distribution, the study sites (n= 501) spanned 49 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. North America, southern Africa, northwestern Europe, and southern Asia were hotspots for collar tracking research on large felids, while regions such as China, Russia and northern South America had notable research gaps. The number of studies on cougar (Puma concolor), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), lion (Panthera leo), leopard (P. pardus), and tiger (P. tigris) was considerable. Collar tracking technology has shifted from VHF radio telemetry to satellite tracking since 2010, with the latter becoming the mainstream due to its high accuracy, large data amount wide coverage and minimal human resource requirements. Existing research has focused mainly on predation or feeding, habitat selection and use, home range, movement patterns and population dynamics. This study proposes strengthening collar tracking research in China, promoting technological innovation in tracking, establishing standardized collar tracking research paradigms, and enhancing interdisciplinary cooperation and data sharing to facilitate the effective conservation and management of large felids.

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Research on genetic diversity and global distribution pattern of feline species

Lü Zelong, LI Kexin, HU Yibo

2024, 44(6):  795-803.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150957

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Felids play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem balance. Due to the impacts of the factors including human activities and habitat fragmentation, the population sizes of wild feline species significantly decreased and their genetic diversity has rapidly been lost. To explore and compare the genetic evolutionary potential of different wild feline species, this study collected the published data of population genetic diversity based on three genetic markers–D-loop, CYTB and microsatellites and evaluated the genetic diversity levels of feline species. Combining with the feline geographical distribution data, we analyzed the spatial distribution pattern of feline genetic diversity. The results showed that 19 species had population-level genetic diversity data among 40 wild feline species. Specifically, 17 species were studied based on microsatellite marker, 10 species based on CYTB marker, and 3 species based on D-loop marker. Iberian lynx has the lowest population genetic diversity, and pampas cat and leopard have the highest population genetic diversity. Furthermore, wild feline species in middle and southern South America, southern and eastern Africa, and Indian peninsula have higher genetic diversity, while wild feline species in northern North America and northwestern China have lower genetic diversity. In addition, the results also demonstrated that the population genetic diversity based on CYTB and microsatellite is positively correlated with the species diversity. This study evaluated the population genetic di‐versity levels and the spatial pattern in feline species, which provides scientific guidance for genetic diversity conservation.

SCIENTIFIC NOTES

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A preliminary study of the historical and current distribution of dhole (Cuon alpinus) in Sichuan Province

LIU Ke, JI Shengnan, GUAN Tianpei, LI Sheng

2024, 44(6):  804-814.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150981

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Dhole (Cuon alpinus) was once widely distributed in most provinces of China and played an important role in various ecosystems as an apex predator. However, over the past few decades, both the distribution range and population of dholes in China have experienced dramatic decline. In order to investigate the historical and current distribution of dholes in Sichuan, a former important distribution province, we identified and mapped the county-level units where dholes occurred in the 1980s (historical distribution), and identified the protected areas where they are detected in camera-trapping surveys over the past 20 years (current distribution). The results showed that there were 59 county-level administrative units with dhole distribution in the 1980s, accounting for 32. 2% of the total number of county-level units and 59. 1% of the total area of the province, mainly concentrated in the plateaus in the west and northwest of Sichuan, as well as the mountainous areas in western, northern and northeastern Sichuan Basin. For the current distribution, we retrieved a total of 174 academic papers on camera-trapping surveys and monitoring conducted within Sichuan, involving 45 county-level administrative regions and 42 nature reserves. Dholes were only recorded in three nature reserves during the last two decades: Heishuihe (Dayi County, 2011), Wolong (Wenchuan County, 2015) and Zhubalong (Batang County, 2019). In addition to these three protected areas, a total of 31 protected areas (covering 30 counties) have accumulated extensive camera-trapping sampling efforts (> 4 000 camera-days) but with no detection of dholes. These results provide us preliminary information on the potential historical and current distribution of dholes within Sichuan Province, which will serve as a foundational reference for future field studies and conservation efforts dedicated to this endangered species.