Research on the change of giant pandas’ spatial utilization and road impacts in the Qinling Mountains

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  • School of Environment, Tsinghua University

Online published: 2017-07-05

Abstract

Research on the spatial utilization dynamics of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) population and human interference are essential to identify potential habitat and to sustain the population. The data were collected from the Third and the Forth National Survey of Giant Panda Populations and Habitats. Geographic information system technology and comparative analyses were applied to investigate spatial utilization dynamics in giant panda populations and the disturbance of roads on neighboring panda populations. Our results show that: (1) In the period 2000-2012, giant panda’s high spatial utilization density increased to the west and decreased to the east. It increased in Huangbaiyuan Nature Reserves, but decreased slightly in Foping, Guangyinsha and Zhouzhi Nature Reserves. The area of high-density panda spatial utilization decreased in size, as pandas spread out over a wider area. The maximum increase in utilization density was 3.05 tracks/km2, and the maximum decrease was 2.71 tracks/km2.  (2) The rateof increase of Giant pandas’ spatial utilization density rose within 2000m in national, provincial, county roads. The range of spatial utilization density change decreased 2000m away from rural roads. Spatial utilization density increased 3500m between highways. Our study on the spatial utilization pattern of giant panda population provides a reference for more suitable and sustainable habitats, which would be helpful to optimize road locations and nature reserve planning, and to alleviate the conflict between human activities and wildlife.

Cite this article

LIU Lanmei, LIU Xuehua, JIN Xuelin, WANG Zhichen, GONG Minghao . Research on the change of giant pandas’ spatial utilization and road impacts in the Qinling Mountains[J]. ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA, 2017 , 37(3) : 215 -225 . DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.201703001

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