Dynamics of the space use patterns of giant pandas in Wolong Nature Reserve

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Online published: 2017-10-24

Abstract

In the process of long-term habitat selection, wildlife tend to choose more suitable habitats in order to reduce energy consumption and consume foods with higher nutritive value, resulting in a net energy benefit and increased survival. Previous statistical methods and macro-scale assessments of giant panda habitat have not fully considered the ecological characteristics of wildlife habitat and space utilization. This paper applies a home range model and landscape patterns analysis techniques to quantitatively analyze dynamics of spatial distribution and fragmentation of giant panda habitat in Wolong Nature Reserve. This study advances methods of habitat suitability assessment by evaluating spatial patterns characteristics at multiple probabilities of use, such as 25%, 50%, 75% and 95%. The results indicate that the population tended to concentrate in more suitable habitat, and that the edges of the habitat area are more vulnerable to disturbance by natural disaster and anthropogenic factors, and needs additional protection efforts. On the basis of giant panda behavior traits, we evaluated changes in the spatial patterns of giant panda habitat selection and demonstrated the value of incorporating spatial selection into wildlife habitat suitability evaluation. This study provides the scientific basis for further protection and management of wildlife habitat.

Cite this article

BAI Wenke, ZHANG Jindong, DONG Xin, LI Cheng, GU Xiaodong, ZHOU Caiquan . Dynamics of the space use patterns of giant pandas in Wolong Nature Reserve[J]. ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA, 2017 , 37(4) : 327 -335 . DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.201704002

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