Both natural conditions and anthropogenic factors affect the survivability,distribution,and population density of wildlife.To understand the extent and how these factors drive species distributions,a detailed descript...Both natural conditions and anthropogenic factors affect the survivability,distribution,and population density of wildlife.To understand the extent and how these factors drive species distributions,a detailed description of animal movement patterns in natural habitats is needed.In this study,we used satellite telemetry to monitor elevational ranges favored by endangered golden snub-nosed monkeys(Rhinopithecus roxellana),in the Qinling Mountains,central China.We investigated the abundance and distribution of food resources through sampling vegetation quadrats at different elevations and sampled anthropogenic activities using field surveys.Our results indicated that although there was no significant variation in food resources between low-(<1500 m)and middle-elevations(1500–2200 m),monkeys were found most often in areas above 1500 m,where there was less anthropogenic development(e.g.houses and roads);however,monkeys rarely ranged above 2200 m and had limited food availability at this altitude.There was limited human disturbance at this elevation.We suggest that both human activity and ecological constraints(i.e.food resources)have considerable effects on elevational use of R.roxellana in the Qinling Mountains.This study highlights the critical roles these factors can play in shaping the vertical distribution of high-altitude primates.This research provides useful insights for habitat-based conservation plans in which human disturbance management and habitat restoration should be prioritized.展开更多
基金This study was supported by Promotional project for Innovation team,the Department of Science and Technology of Shaanxi Prov.China(2018TD-017)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31622053,31730104,31901083)+3 种基金the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2019M663796)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDB31020302)This research was conducted with approval from the animal care committee of the Wildlife Protection Society of China(SL-2012-42)the specialist committee of the National Forestry Administration of China(SFALHXZ-2012-2788).
文摘Both natural conditions and anthropogenic factors affect the survivability,distribution,and population density of wildlife.To understand the extent and how these factors drive species distributions,a detailed description of animal movement patterns in natural habitats is needed.In this study,we used satellite telemetry to monitor elevational ranges favored by endangered golden snub-nosed monkeys(Rhinopithecus roxellana),in the Qinling Mountains,central China.We investigated the abundance and distribution of food resources through sampling vegetation quadrats at different elevations and sampled anthropogenic activities using field surveys.Our results indicated that although there was no significant variation in food resources between low-(<1500 m)and middle-elevations(1500–2200 m),monkeys were found most often in areas above 1500 m,where there was less anthropogenic development(e.g.houses and roads);however,monkeys rarely ranged above 2200 m and had limited food availability at this altitude.There was limited human disturbance at this elevation.We suggest that both human activity and ecological constraints(i.e.food resources)have considerable effects on elevational use of R.roxellana in the Qinling Mountains.This study highlights the critical roles these factors can play in shaping the vertical distribution of high-altitude primates.This research provides useful insights for habitat-based conservation plans in which human disturbance management and habitat restoration should be prioritized.
