海南尖峰岭中华穿山甲的分布与保护现状

Distribution and conservation status of Chinese pangolin(Manis pentadactyla)in Jianfengling,Hainan

中华穿山甲(Manis pentadactyla)是国家I级重点保护野生动物,被IUCN红色名录列为极危(CR)物种,也被列入CITES附录I。分布现状信息的匮乏是制约该物种保护规划制定与保护行动开展的关键因素。本文利用红外相机陷阱法和样线调查法,于2020年8月至2021年11月在海南尖峰岭林区进行中华穿山甲海南亚种(M.p.pusilla)的监测调查,分析评估了其分布与保护现状。调查发现:(1)尖峰岭林区7个公里网格内的8台红外相机拍摄到10次中华穿山甲出没的影像,且在11个网格内见到35个觅食洞穴,其中在红外相机损失率较低的南中区域记录到的中华穿山甲实体数量和洞穴数最多;(2)中华穿山甲主要分布于尖峰岭林区400-1,000 m海拔区域,林区的国家公园一般控制区内仍然有3台红外相机拍摄到中华穿山甲及调查记录到18个觅食洞穴。结果表明:海南尖峰岭林区仍然存在中华穿山甲种群,目前可能被海拔等因素隔离为3个小种群;人为干扰是影响该物种种群恢复的重要因素之一。因此,本文提出如下建议:(1)管理部门要落实各项管护制度并加强巡护管理力度以把人为干扰程度降到最低;(2)管理部门在今后国家公园总体规划调整时可将有中华穿山甲等极危物种分布的一般控制区调整为核心保护区,而在未调整规划前则要重点加强该区域的管理,对建设项目布局等要尽量避开该区域;(3)尽快开展尖峰岭林区中华穿山甲的生境适宜性分析及廊道研究,以使该物种得到更有效的保护和管理;(4)今后要定期开展其监测与保护研究,明确尖峰岭林区中华穿山甲种群数量的动态变化;(5)在海南岛范围内开展中华穿山甲资源调查,明确该物种在海南的种群数量及分布等情况。

Aims:The Chinese pangolin(Manis pentadactyla)has been recently listed as a Class-I National Key Protected Species in China,assessed as Critically Endangered(CR)by the IUCN Red List,and included in the CITES Appendix I.Understanding the population status,spatial distribution,and habitat requirements of endangered species is paramount to their conservation.The paucity of pangolin distribution data is of urgent concern in the formulation of conservation planning and action for this species.Therefore,this study will evaluate the distribution and conservation status of the Chinese pangolin in the forestry district of the Jianfengling,Hainan.Methods:Pangolin activity was monitored using 124 infrared wildlife cameras set in 122 kilometer grids and performing 364 line transects set in 182 grids,respectively,in the Jianfengling forestry district from August 2020 to November 2021.Results:The study area was divided into the park core and the peripheral zone.Eight infrared cameras captured 10 pangolin photos and 35 foraging burrows were found in 11 grids in the Jianfengling forestry district.Pangolin camera sightings and burrows were most prevalent in the Nanzhong area.In the peripheral zone,pangolins were captured by three cameras and 18 burrows were found.Pangolin activity was mainly distributed from 400 to 1,000 m elevation.Conclusion:This study indicated that wild pangolins still exist in the Jianfengling forestry district and that human disturbance was a key factor impeding pangolin population restoration.We suggest that the national park management measures to minimize human-wildlife conflict.Park management should also strengthen the conservation of areas utilized by pangolins and prevent construction activity therein.Furthermore,we recommend expanding the core protected area of the national park to better match pangolin distribution.Further research on pangolin habitat suitability and habitat corridors research in the Jianfengling forestry district is also urgently needed.It remains unknown that size and structure of the pangolin population in the study area.Therefore,regular monitoring and protection are required to understand the health of this population in the future.Additionally,further research is required for pangolin population size and distribution on Hainan Island to better understand the population health of this critically endangered species and to inform future conservation strategies.