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Habitat suitability assessment and conservation strategies for giant pandas in Fengtongzhai Nature Reserve, China.

RONG Zhan-lei, ZHANG Jin-dong, HONG Ming-sheng, YUAN Shi-bin, ZHANG Ze-jun**   

  1. (Giant Panda Conservation and Culture Research Center, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, Sichuan, China)
  • Online:2015-03-10 Published:2015-03-10

Abstract: Habitat quality evaluation is the basis for making scientific conservation measures and enhancing protection efficacy for the endangered wildlife. Fengtongzhai Nature Reserve is the type locality of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), which is located in the middle of Qionglai Mountains. Previous studies associating with giant panda protection focused on habitat selection, while habitat suitability studies have not yet reported. In order to promote the scientific conservation of the wild giant panda population, we evaluated the habitat suitability of the giant panda in the reserve using landscape connection degree model. Four ecological factors including altitude, slope, vegetation type and food sources were selected as the indicators. The result showed that the unsuitable habitat area, suitable habitat area and the most suitable habitat area were 223.26, 133.67 and 33.46 km2, accounting for 57%, 34% and 9% of the total area of the reserve, respectively. The spatial distribution of the most suitable habitat and the suitable habitat were relatively scattered in the reserve. The sign locations of giant pandas were mainly found in the higher degree suitable habitat regions. We suggest those that sensitive areas with human activities should be emphasized in future management for ensuring the dispersal of individuals among different habitat patches. Especially, the daily routine work of protection and management should focus on the region connected to Huangshuihe Nature Reserve, and the management extent of Fengtongzhai Nature Reserve should be expanded to some degree.

Key words: Xishuangbanna, litter, tropical montane rain forest, soil, hydrological function