Habitat evaluation constitutes an important and fundamental step in the management of wildlife populations and conservation policy planning. Geographic information system (GIS) and species presence data provide the ...Habitat evaluation constitutes an important and fundamental step in the management of wildlife populations and conservation policy planning. Geographic information system (GIS) and species presence data provide the means by which such evaluation can be done. Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) is widely used in habitat suitability modeling due to its power of accuracy and additional descriptive properties To survey snow leopard populations in Qomolangma (Mt. Everest) National Nature Reserve (QNNR), Xizang (Tibet), China, we pooled 127 pugmarks, 415 scrape marks, and 127 non-invasive identifications of the animal along line transects and recorded 87 occurrences through camera traps from 2014-2017. We adopted the MaxEnt model to generate a map highlighting the extent of suitable snow leopard habitat in QNNR. Results showed that the accuracy of the MaxEnt model was excellent (mean AUC=0.921). Precipitation in the driest quarter, ruggedness, elevation, maximum temperature of the warmest month, and annual mean temperature were the main environmental factors influencing habitat suitability for snow leopards, with contribution rates of 20.0%, 14.4%, 13.3%, 8.7%, and 8.2% respectively The suitable habitat area extended for 7 001.93 km^2, representing 22.72% of the whole reserve. The regions bordering Nepal were the main suitable snow leopard habitats and consisted of three separate habitat patches Our findings revealed that precipitation, temperature conditions, ruggedness, and elevations of around 4 000 m a.s.I, influenced snow leopard preferences at the landscape level in QNNR. We advocate further research and cooperation with Nepal to evaluate habitat connectivity and to explore possible proxies of population isolation among these patches. Furthermore, evaluation of subdivisions within the protection zones of QNNR is necessary to improve conservation strategies and enhance protection.展开更多
The rhizosphere, distinct from bulk soil, is defined as the volume of soil around living roots and influenced by root activities. We investigated protease, invertase, cellulase, urease, and acid phosphatase activities...The rhizosphere, distinct from bulk soil, is defined as the volume of soil around living roots and influenced by root activities. We investigated protease, invertase, cellulase, urease, and acid phosphatase activities in rhizosphere and bulk soils of six Nothotsuga longibracteata forest communities within Tianbaoyan National Nature Reserve, including N. longibracteata + either Phyllostachys pubescens, Schima superba, Rhododendron simiarum, Cunninghamia lanceolata, or Cyclobalanopsis glauca, and N. longibracteata pure forest. Rhizosphere soils possessed higher protease, invertase, cellulase, urease, and acid phosphatase activities than bulk soils. The highest invertase, urease, and acid phosphatase activities were observed in rhizosphere samples of N. longibracteata + S. superba. Protease was highest in the N. longibracteata + R. simiarum rhizosphere, while cellulase was highest in the pure N. longibracteata forest rhizosphere. All samples exhibited obvious rhizosphere effects on enzyme activities with a significant linear correlation between acid phosphatase and cellulase activities (p 〈 0.05) in rhizosphere soils and between protease and acid phosphatase activities (p 〈 0.05) in bulk soils. A principal component analysis, correlating 13 soil chemical properties indices relevant to enzyme activities, showed that protease, invertase, acid phosphatase, total N, and cellulase were the most important variables impacting rhizosphere soil quality.展开更多
National nature reserves are an important part of classification management on ecological protection in China. Taking the national nature reserves of Jilin Province as examples, this paper introduced the stability ind...National nature reserves are an important part of classification management on ecological protection in China. Taking the national nature reserves of Jilin Province as examples, this paper introduced the stability index by referring to the intensity model of landuse and land-cover change(LUCC), and analyzed the overall stability of land-use and land-cover(LULC) in the study area from the time interval level and land category level. The stability of LULC in different types of nature reserves was tracked and identified by extracting land-use change trajectory, and the land-use change trajectory was divided into three types: stable type, sub-stable type and unstable type. The impact of LUCC on regional ecosystem services was studied by using hotspot analysis and gravity center analysis. The results showed that: 1) The LULC in the study area was stable on the whole, and the proportion of stable land area reached 86.08%. The intensity of LUCC showed an increasing trend in recent 20 years, and the conversion of cultivated land and construction land was active in continuous time interval. 2) The stability of LULC in forest ecological reserves and wildlife reserves in the eastern part of Jilin Province was the highest, while that in inland wetland reserves and geological relic reserves in the central and western part of Jilin Province was lower.3) The LUCC in national nature reserves not only changed the value of its own ecosystem service function, but also affected the ecosystem service function of the whole region. The combination of intensity analysis and land-use change trajectory was used to identify the characteristics of stability of LULC in nature reserves, which was conducive to deeply understand the process of LUCC in national nature reserves and provided reasonable suggestions for regional ecological protection.展开更多
[Objective] The aim was to study the current situation and protection countermeasures of wild plant resources in Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve. [Method] The current situation of wild plant resources in Xishuan...[Objective] The aim was to study the current situation and protection countermeasures of wild plant resources in Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve. [Method] The current situation of wild plant resources in Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve was researched by means of route survey, sample plot survey and literature survey, and then the main impact factors of wild plant resources were analyzed by using participatory rural appraisal and problem tree analysis, finally protection countermeasures were put forward according to current situation and main impact factors. [Result] There were 2 779 species of vascular plants belonging to 214 families and 1 012 genera (including subfamilies and varieties) in Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve, among them, there existed 261 species of pteridophyte belonging to 41 families and 91 genera, 14 species of gymnosperm belonging to 6 families and 6 genera, and 2 504 species of angiosperm belonging to 167 families and 915 genera. Wild plant resources in reserve were mainly affected by planting under forest, habitat fragmentation, cutting trees, collection and utilization of no-timber products, development of animal husbandry, insufficient recognition of community residents to reserve management establishment and lots of floating population. In the future, wild plant resources in reserve could be protected through strengthening propaganda, education and management, enforcing the law strictly and other countermeasures. [Conclusion] The study could provide theoretical foundation for the protection of wild plant resources in Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve.展开更多
Snow leopards are one of the least known large cats, the population of which has dramatically de- creased. Their habitat loss was considered the main reason for the decline during the last decade, but their habitat pr...Snow leopards are one of the least known large cats, the population of which has dramatically de- creased. Their habitat loss was considered the main reason for the decline during the last decade, but their habitat preferences are still not well known. In this paper, we studied the winter habitat preferences of snow leopards in the Tomur National Nature Reserve (TNNR) in Northwest China during 2004-2005. We used sign surveys and tran- sects to study the winter habitat selection of snow leopards. The results indicated that snow leopards showed a preference for habitat variabilities in slope aspect, vegetation cover, dominant topographical features, landform ruggedness and grazing status. We found that prey availability and dominant topographical features were the most important factors that determined the winter habitat selection of snow leopards. Our results supported the idea that the habitat preferences of snow leopards are a tradeoff between suitable habitat features and avoidance of potential human interactions.展开更多
By the contingent value method, we studied the non-use value of wetland ecosystem service of Hongxing National Nature Reserve (HNNR) in Heilongjiang Pro- vince, northeast China. The proportion of respondents willing...By the contingent value method, we studied the non-use value of wetland ecosystem service of Hongxing National Nature Reserve (HNNR) in Heilongjiang Pro- vince, northeast China. The proportion of respondents willing to pay (WTP) for protection of HNNR was 63 %. The WTP ratio was affected by geographical area, contact nature, personal preferences, and familiar degree of the respondents. The WTP value was affected by age, education level and career of the respondents. The mainly reasons for people rejecting to pay for protecting HNNR were "I am not familiar to HNNR" and "I had no capacity for additional spending because of low income". Weighted average individual WTP value was CNY 59.26 Yuan ind.^-1 year^-1 for all the respondents with WTP. The total non-use ecosystem service value of HNNR was CNY 1430 million Yuan in 2013. The heritage value was highest followed by existence value and option value. From the high ecosystem service value in HNNR, it is very important to construct nature reserve for protecting natural ecosystems and human sustainable use of natural resources.展开更多
The characteristics of vertical and horizontal variations of lead element(Pb) in soil plant system of vertical zone in Changbai Mountain National Nature Reserve(CNNR) were studied. The results showed that Pb concentr...The characteristics of vertical and horizontal variations of lead element(Pb) in soil plant system of vertical zone in Changbai Mountain National Nature Reserve(CNNR) were studied. The results showed that Pb concentrations in soils of vertical zone are all above 25 mg/kg, and the average Pb concentration of each soil zone negatively correlates its degree of variation, i.e. brown coniferous forest soil zone has the lowest average Pb concentration of four soil zones, and the highest horizontal variation; however, mountain soddy forest soil has the highest average Pb concentration, and the lowest horizontal variation; the average concentration of plant Pb of each plant zone is lower than the worldwide average level of Pb in plant(Clarke), respectively, and plant Pb content order is consistent with soil Pb content order, but their horizontal variations are different from those in soil zones, the variation of mountain tundra forest zone is highest, but Betula ermanii forest zone the lowest. Vertical variation of plant Pb is obviously higher than that in soils with variation coefficient of 89.76%; the enrichment capability of plant for Pb is depended on the plant types and the different organs of plant; parent material and parent rock, pH values, soil organic matter and soil particle fraction etc. are the main factors influencing variations of Pb content in soil plant system of vertical zone in CNNR.展开更多
With the advancement of industrialization and urbanization,the natural landscape has been destroyed to varying degrees,presenting the trend of landscape fragmentation and ecosystem degradation.Taking Dinghu Mountain N...With the advancement of industrialization and urbanization,the natural landscape has been destroyed to varying degrees,presenting the trend of landscape fragmentation and ecosystem degradation.Taking Dinghu Mountain National Nature Reserve as an example,a three-dimension measurement system of separation degree,fractal dimension and interference intensity for landscape fragmentation is established and verified by collecting survey data through questionnaires.The research results will provide a theoretical reference for landscape conservation and sustainable development of national nature reserves.展开更多
<div style="text-align:justify;"> With global warming and increased human activity, more and more ground surface areas have been affected, which leads to the creation of many problems. To understand th...<div style="text-align:justify;"> With global warming and increased human activity, more and more ground surface areas have been affected, which leads to the creation of many problems. To understand the ecological environment changes in a typical alpine region, information on landcovers changes in the study area from 2000 to 2020 was obtained by combining remote sensing, geographic information system, and traditional statistical analysis for the Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. The results show that the changes of surface cover in Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve are relatively concentrated, mainly distributed in the sections of south, northwest, central, and northeast, with the area of the changed regions and the unchanged regions being 31,127.45 km<sup>2</sup> and 271,941.37 km<sup>2</sup>, respectively. The transformation between the various types of ground landcover is mainly characterized by a shift from other types to grassland and from grassland to bare land. And the regions of change are mostly concentrated between 3500 - 4600 m in elevation. </div>展开更多
The prevention and control of invasive of alien species is an important work for nature reserves.This study analyzes the development trend of the alien species sika deer in Liancheng National Nature Reserve.From Octob...The prevention and control of invasive of alien species is an important work for nature reserves.This study analyzes the development trend of the alien species sika deer in Liancheng National Nature Reserve.From October 2019 to June 2020,3523 valid photos and videos of terrestrial animals were acquired from 130 camera traps,and sika deer were recorded in 21 photos from 13 traps.The survival of the sika deer population was investigated by means of morphological identification,population structure analysis,species relative abundance indices,and species spatial association analysis.A total of 13 sika deer individuals were identified by camera trapping,including two kids and three subadults representing the reproductive capacity of the population.Spatially,sika deer is not associated with any local species and was outside the spatial association network of terrestrial animals in Liancheng National Nature Reserve,indicating that the sika deer population has not been integrated into the local community and has failed to perform its ecological function.It is worth noting that the reserve provides habitat suitable for sika deer and that the population has adequate reproductive capacity.Due to the lack of large apex predators in the reserve,the population size of ungulates such as sika deer,red deer,and Siberian roe deer may expand and lead to population outbreaks and the associated problems for the ecosystem.To restore large-and medium-sized carnivores and avoid the population outbreak of the species,the present challenges require immediate attention in Liancheng National Nature Reserve.展开更多
For preventing ecosystem degradation, protecting natural habitats and conserving biodiversity within the habitats, 2588 nature reserves have been established in China at the end of 2010. The total area is up to 149.44...For preventing ecosystem degradation, protecting natural habitats and conserving biodiversity within the habitats, 2588 nature reserves have been established in China at the end of 2010. The total area is up to 149.44 million ha and covers over 15% of Chinese terrestrial surface. Land-cover change, as the primary driver of biodiversity change, directly impacts ecosystem structures and functions. In this paper, 180 National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are selected and their total area is 44.71 million ha, accounting for 29.9% of all NNRs in China. In terms of the ecosystem characteristics and their major protected object, all selected NNRs are classified into 7 types. A Positive and Negative Change Index of Land-cover (PNCIL) was developed to analyze the land-cover change of each NNRs type from the late 1980s to 2005. The results show that the land-cover of all selected NNRs types have degradated to a certain degree except the forest ecosystem reserves with a decreasing rate, but the rate of degrada tion alleviated gradually. The mean positive and negative change rates of land-cover in all core zones decreased by 0.69% and 0.16% respectively. The landscape pattern of land-cover in the core zones was more stable than that in the buffer zones and the experimental zones. Furthermore, the ecological diversity and patch connectivity of land-cover in selected NNRs increased generally. In short, the land-cover of 180 selected NNRs in China had a beneficial chan qe trend after NNRs established, especially between 1995 and 2005.展开更多
Quantifying correlation between the spatial patterns of natural wetland plants and environmental gradient gives better understanding of wetland habitats, which is the fundamental for the strategy making on the protect...Quantifying correlation between the spatial patterns of natural wetland plants and environmental gradient gives better understanding of wetland habitats, which is the fundamental for the strategy making on the protection and restoration of natural wetlands. In this study, the spatial patterns of wetland plants and the environmental gradient of wetland habitats were assessed in the Honghe National Nature Reserve (HNNR) in Northeast China, a wetland of international importance on the Ramsar list. Biophysical parameters’ values of wetland plants were obtained by field sampling methods, and wetland mapping at the community scale was completed using remote sensing techniques. Digital delineation of the surface water system, hydrological zoning and wetness index were produced by spatial analysis methods in Geographic Information System. An ecological ordination method and two clustering methods were used to quantify the relationship between the spatial distribution patterns of wetland plants and the corresponding environmental gradients. Such quantitative analyses also present the specific diversity of different types of wetland plants based on the environmental attributes of their habitats. With the support from modern geo-information techniques, the experimental results indicate how four ecotypes of wetland plants spatially transit from forest swamp, shrub wetland and meadow into marsh wetland with increasing wetness index and water table. And they also show how wetland spatial distribution patterns are controlled by an environmental gradient of wetness. Another key finding of this research work is that our results present the exact fundamental differences between marsh and non-marsh plants of 11 wetland plant communities within the core study area. Hence, this case study gives a good sample for better understanding of the complex correlation between the spatial patterns of wetland plants and their environmental attributes using advanced digital analysis methods. It is also useful to show how to integrate geoinformatic techniques with statistical analysis methods based on the field data base.展开更多
Niubeiliang National Nature Reserve(NNR,108°45p-109°04p E,33°47p-33°56p N)is located on the east-ern range of the Qinling Mountains in Shaanxi Province,China and spans the southern and northern slo...Niubeiliang National Nature Reserve(NNR,108°45p-109°04p E,33°47p-33°56p N)is located on the east-ern range of the Qinling Mountains in Shaanxi Province,China and spans the southern and northern slopes of Mt.Qinling.A transect survey and investigation were carried out in NNR to determine the fauna characteristics and ecological distribution of carnivora and artiodactyla from May 2003 to August 2004.The NNR has 18 mammals(carnivore and artiodactyl),two of which belong to the first class and seven to the second class of state key protected wildlife in China.The results of this study indicated that ungulates were abun-dant in the NNR,as all ungulates that were distributed within Mt.Qinling could be found within the reserve.However,only 45.5%of the carnivores distributed within Mt.Qinling were detected within the NNR.Among the mammals,there were 12 oriental species(66.7%),1 palearctic specie(5.5%)and 5 widely-distributed species(27.8%).The NNR is a crossing area of palearctic species and oriental species on the zoogeo-graphical regions,and it is a transitional area from the oriental realm to the palearctic realm.The results of the analysis on the ecological distribution of carnivore and artiodactyl in the area showed that their elevation ranges had large differences.The species whose elevation ranges above 1300 m,about 1000 m,and in 450-700 m occupied one third respectively.The results also indicated that species richness for the mam-mals in the NNR peaked at a middle elevation(rising at first,then descending with the increase in elevation).Not only on the southern slope,but also on the northern slope of Mt.Qinling,the number of species distributed in the area at 1800-2200 m a.s.l.was the largest(more than 80%),while the number of species distributed in the area above 2600 m a.s.l.was the smallest(about 50%).Elevation gradients of species richness for the mammals in the NNR also embodied the mammal distributions among the vegetation types.The number of species distributed in the mixed coniferous and broadleaf deciduous forest at middle elevations was the larg-est,while the number of species distributed in the broadleaf deciduous forest at middle and low elevations,subalpine coniferous forest,subalpine shrubbery and meadow was relatively smaller.展开更多
Nowadays Songshan National Nature Reserve attracts a rapidly increasing number of tourists. However, the development of a tourist economy and the further exploitation of the natural landscape threaten the ecology and ...Nowadays Songshan National Nature Reserve attracts a rapidly increasing number of tourists. However, the development of a tourist economy and the further exploitation of the natural landscape threaten the ecology and management of the reserve. Therefore, defining the relationship between ecological tourism and ecological protection can provide a framework for the management and exploitation of the reserve. Based on the analysis of current situation and questions of the reserve, this paper probes into the relationship between tourism development and ecological protection. Furthermore, it provides specific measures and suggestions for the existing problems.展开更多
As a typical inland wetland, Yangguan nature reserve wetland in Dunhuang is one of the important stops of migratory route for birds, which is vulnerable and particular. Study on the community characteristics and speci...As a typical inland wetland, Yangguan nature reserve wetland in Dunhuang is one of the important stops of migratory route for birds, which is vulnerable and particular. Study on the community characteristics and species diversity of wetland has great signifi cance for biodiversity protection. Based on the fi eld investigation, the fl oristic composition, geographical elements and species diversity of wetland plants were studied in Yangguan reserve of Dunhuang. The results showed that 26 families, 56 genera and 74 species were recorded in the study area. The largest families were the Gramineae and Chenopodiaceae, accounting for 29.73% of the total. Herbs were the most abundant life-form, accounting for 77.03% of the total. The fl oral geographical elements of the plants were mainly composed of temperate zone distribution type. By using two way indicator species analysis(TWINSPAN), the vegetation in 36 sampling plots could be classifi ed into 8 communities. The species diversity indexes of communities were relatively low, but had large differences among each other. According to the importance value, the Margalef richness index(Rm) ranged from 0 to 4.200. Simpson diversity index(D) was between 0 and 0.512; Shannon diversity index(H) ranged from 0 to 1.400, and Pielou evenness index(J) was within the range of 0.538 to 1.000. The results indicated that the plant species were relatively rare and simple in general, the species diversity of communities was low, and the ecological environment was fragile in Yangguan nature reserve of Dunhuang.展开更多
The probability of crane living in reedy wetlands can reach 100%, at the same time, the area of reed, the water level and adjacent water area are main factors which control the crane'...The probability of crane living in reedy wetlands can reach 100%, at the same time, the area of reed, the water level and adjacent water area are main factors which control the crane's habitat selection. We all know that all these factors are spatially heterogeneous. For the Xianghai wetland safety and to protect the Xianghai wetland habitat of crane, this paper has mainly identified a solution to these problems. The wetland information is extracted from the TM images, which reflect the whole wetland landscape and are very important for both quantitative analysis of remote sensing observation of the earth system and positioning analysis in GIS database that is automatically extracted from DEM. The DEM for Xianghai characteristics of topography is created. On the basis of the GRID SUBMODULE, applying the GIS spatial overlay analysis, the relationship between the water level and the reed area below the water level and the rating distribution maps of reed area above water level is established. When the water level reaches the altitude of 165 m, the reed area, 981.2 ha is maximum, i.e., the water level of 165 m is the optimal.展开更多
Based on the sub-forest management inventory, volume-derived biomass and mean biomass, carbon storage and its spatial distribution of forest vegetation in Kanas National Nature Reserve(hereinafter referred to as the R...Based on the sub-forest management inventory, volume-derived biomass and mean biomass, carbon storage and its spatial distribution of forest vegetation in Kanas National Nature Reserve(hereinafter referred to as the Reserve) were calculated. The results showed that carbon storage of forest vegetation in the Reserve was 3.004 7 Tg C, mean carbon density was 49.58 Mg C/hm^2; carbon storage of different vegetation types: forest land >shrubbery > open forest > scattered trees, among which carbon storage of forest land accounted for 90.18% of the total carbon storage of the forest vegetation, and mean carbon density of forest land was 68.87 Mg C/hm^2; in terms of regional distribution, spatial distribution of carbon storage and carbon density declined from southwest to northeast; in the Reserve, carbon storage of mature and over-mature forest stands accounted for 79.89% of carbon storage of forest land. If scientifi c management is applied, carbon sequestration capacity of forest will be improved.展开更多
As an important hub on the East Asian-Australian Flyway(EAAF),Hongze Lake is an important migratory stopover and wintering site for hundreds of thousands of birds.However,research on bird community diversity in this a...As an important hub on the East Asian-Australian Flyway(EAAF),Hongze Lake is an important migratory stopover and wintering site for hundreds of thousands of birds.However,research on bird community diversity in this area is still lacking.We conducted a bird survey from July 2020 to June 2021 using the line transect method on the terrestrial habitat,as well as the fixed-point method in the lake wetland at the Sihong Hongze Lake Wetland National Nature Reserve located in northwestern Hongze Lake,and analyzed the temporal-spatial variation in the bird community.The results showed that a total of 170432 detections of 215 bird species belonging to 18 orders and 55 families were recorded.In terms of species composition,the proportion of terrestrial birds was relatively high,followed by waterfowl richness,with high numbers of Anatidae species and shorebirds.For bird species abundance,waterfowl had the highest abundance of common coot(Fulica atra),belonging to the Rallidae family,followed by Anatidae and Ardeidae species.The abundance of shorebirds was extremely low,and that of non-waterfowl was also low.In terms of temporal patterns,the number of bird species and richness index were higher in spring and autumn but lower in winter and summer.The bird abundance was the highest in winter,and the remaining three seasons were similar in terms of bird abundance.The diversity index and evenness index were higher in spring,summer and autumn,and lowest in winter.For the spatial pattern,the open water in the western part of the reserve included the most densely distributed areas for birds,and the number of bird species and their abundance were both the highest in that part.There were significant differences in the bird community structures among the four habitats.The species number and richness index of birds in the reed habitat were the highest,and the bird abundance was also high,but the diversity index and evenness index were low.Although the bird abundance in the lake habitat was much higher than in the other habitats,the diversity index,evenness index and richness index were the lowest.The numbers of bird species and individuals in tourist attraction land and farmland were low,but the diversity index,evenness index and richness index were high.Our results reveal the spatial and temporal patterns of bird species diversity and abundance in Sihong Hongze Lake Wetland National Nature Reserve,and reflect the effects of different habitat types on bird diversity.展开更多
Human-wildlife conflict(HWC)negatively impacts both humans and wildlife.Attitudes of local residents have been critical in promoting wildlife conservation.It is therefore necessary to understand the characteristics of...Human-wildlife conflict(HWC)negatively impacts both humans and wildlife.Attitudes of local residents have been critical in promoting wildlife conservation.It is therefore necessary to understand the characteristics of HWC and identify influential factors on attitudes towards conservation to implement conservation strategies efficiently.This research focused on features of human-elephant interactions,while attitudes and values regarding the small population of Asian elephants(Elephas maximus)in Nangunhe National Nature Reserve(NNR),Yunnan,China.The total of 327 valid questionnaires were gathered around the area where Asian elephants were distributed.Logistic regression models were employed to analyze the correlations among five predictor variables(‘Area’,‘Family size’,‘Annual income’,‘Quantity of family members in non-primary industries’and‘Experiencing loss or not’)and three response variables(‘Attitude towards elephants’,‘Perception of the values of elephants’and‘Attitude towards tourism development’).The study area was densely forested with tea plants,rubber trees,corns and sugarcane.There,25.99%of respondents reported the experience of human-elephant conflict(HEC),with crop raiding and cash crop damages being the major conflict types.To demonstrate respect for elephants and to mitigate HEC,a unique custom called‘Giving tribute to elephants’was developed long ago.Respondents’township with an official annual festival of‘Giving Tribute to Elephants’(odds ratio(OR)=2.75,P=1.73×10^(-6))and higher annual income(OR=2.09,P=5.45×10^(-5))significantly contributed to forming a more positive attitude towards elephants,whereas HEC itself have contributed to a more negative attitude(OR=0.50,P=3.29×10^(-3)).Therefore,we propose that:1)reducing human-elephant conflict by testing multiple mitigation measures and adopting the most effective one of them;2)enhancing local livelihoods through the development of ecological products and ecotourism;and 3)preserving and developing the Wa culture in this region.The study area deserves more attention and further research to explore and obtain endorsement from the public to achieve coexistence between human and wildlife.展开更多
It is necessary to understand vegetation dynamics and their climatic controls for sustainable ecosystem management.This study examines the vegetation dynamics and the effect of climate change on vegetation growth in t...It is necessary to understand vegetation dynamics and their climatic controls for sustainable ecosystem management.This study examines the vegetation dynamics and the effect of climate change on vegetation growth in the pristine conditions of 58 woodland National Nature Reserves(NNRs)located in the upper Yangtze River basin(UYRB)in China which are little influenced by human activities.Changes in the normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI),precipitation,and temperature in the selected NNRs were observed and analyzed for the period between 1999 and 2015.The relationship between time-lag effect of climate and changes in the NDVI were assessed using Pearson correlations.The results showed three major trends.1)The NDVI increased during the study period;this indicates an increase in the amount of green vegetation,especially due to the warmer climate during the growing season.The NDVIs in March and September were significantly affected by the temperature of the previous months.Spring temperatures increased significantly(P<0.05)and there was a delay between climatic factors and their effect on vegetation,which depended on the previous season.In particular,the spring temperature had a delayed effect on the NDVI in summer.2)The way in which vegetation responds to climatic factors varied significantly across the seasons.Temperature had a greater effect on the NDVI in spring and summer and the effect was greater at higher altitudes.A similar trend was observed for precipitation,except for altitudes of 1000–2000 m.3)Temperature had a greater effect on the NDVI in spring and autumn at higher altitudes.The same trend was observed for precipitation in summer.These findings suggest that the vegetation found in NNRs in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River was in good condition between 1999 and 2015 and that the growth and development of vegetation in the region has not been adversely affected by climate change.This demonstrates the effectiveness of nature reserves in protecting regional ecology and minimizing anthropogenic effects.展开更多
基金funded primarily by the Everest Snow Leopard Conservation Center,a partnership initiative of Vanke Foundation and Qomolangma National Nature Reserve Administration
文摘Habitat evaluation constitutes an important and fundamental step in the management of wildlife populations and conservation policy planning. Geographic information system (GIS) and species presence data provide the means by which such evaluation can be done. Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) is widely used in habitat suitability modeling due to its power of accuracy and additional descriptive properties To survey snow leopard populations in Qomolangma (Mt. Everest) National Nature Reserve (QNNR), Xizang (Tibet), China, we pooled 127 pugmarks, 415 scrape marks, and 127 non-invasive identifications of the animal along line transects and recorded 87 occurrences through camera traps from 2014-2017. We adopted the MaxEnt model to generate a map highlighting the extent of suitable snow leopard habitat in QNNR. Results showed that the accuracy of the MaxEnt model was excellent (mean AUC=0.921). Precipitation in the driest quarter, ruggedness, elevation, maximum temperature of the warmest month, and annual mean temperature were the main environmental factors influencing habitat suitability for snow leopards, with contribution rates of 20.0%, 14.4%, 13.3%, 8.7%, and 8.2% respectively The suitable habitat area extended for 7 001.93 km^2, representing 22.72% of the whole reserve. The regions bordering Nepal were the main suitable snow leopard habitats and consisted of three separate habitat patches Our findings revealed that precipitation, temperature conditions, ruggedness, and elevations of around 4 000 m a.s.I, influenced snow leopard preferences at the landscape level in QNNR. We advocate further research and cooperation with Nepal to evaluate habitat connectivity and to explore possible proxies of population isolation among these patches. Furthermore, evaluation of subdivisions within the protection zones of QNNR is necessary to improve conservation strategies and enhance protection.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.31370624)the Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education(Grant No.20103515110005)+3 种基金the National Science Foundation of Fujian,China(Grant No.2011J01071)Young Teacher Project of Fujian Province(Grant No.JA13118JK2013016)the National College Students’Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program(Grant No.111zc3009)
文摘The rhizosphere, distinct from bulk soil, is defined as the volume of soil around living roots and influenced by root activities. We investigated protease, invertase, cellulase, urease, and acid phosphatase activities in rhizosphere and bulk soils of six Nothotsuga longibracteata forest communities within Tianbaoyan National Nature Reserve, including N. longibracteata + either Phyllostachys pubescens, Schima superba, Rhododendron simiarum, Cunninghamia lanceolata, or Cyclobalanopsis glauca, and N. longibracteata pure forest. Rhizosphere soils possessed higher protease, invertase, cellulase, urease, and acid phosphatase activities than bulk soils. The highest invertase, urease, and acid phosphatase activities were observed in rhizosphere samples of N. longibracteata + S. superba. Protease was highest in the N. longibracteata + R. simiarum rhizosphere, while cellulase was highest in the pure N. longibracteata forest rhizosphere. All samples exhibited obvious rhizosphere effects on enzyme activities with a significant linear correlation between acid phosphatase and cellulase activities (p 〈 0.05) in rhizosphere soils and between protease and acid phosphatase activities (p 〈 0.05) in bulk soils. A principal component analysis, correlating 13 soil chemical properties indices relevant to enzyme activities, showed that protease, invertase, acid phosphatase, total N, and cellulase were the most important variables impacting rhizosphere soil quality.
基金Under the auspices of National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42071255)。
文摘National nature reserves are an important part of classification management on ecological protection in China. Taking the national nature reserves of Jilin Province as examples, this paper introduced the stability index by referring to the intensity model of landuse and land-cover change(LUCC), and analyzed the overall stability of land-use and land-cover(LULC) in the study area from the time interval level and land category level. The stability of LULC in different types of nature reserves was tracked and identified by extracting land-use change trajectory, and the land-use change trajectory was divided into three types: stable type, sub-stable type and unstable type. The impact of LUCC on regional ecosystem services was studied by using hotspot analysis and gravity center analysis. The results showed that: 1) The LULC in the study area was stable on the whole, and the proportion of stable land area reached 86.08%. The intensity of LUCC showed an increasing trend in recent 20 years, and the conversion of cultivated land and construction land was active in continuous time interval. 2) The stability of LULC in forest ecological reserves and wildlife reserves in the eastern part of Jilin Province was the highest, while that in inland wetland reserves and geological relic reserves in the central and western part of Jilin Province was lower.3) The LUCC in national nature reserves not only changed the value of its own ecosystem service function, but also affected the ecosystem service function of the whole region. The combination of intensity analysis and land-use change trajectory was used to identify the characteristics of stability of LULC in nature reserves, which was conducive to deeply understand the process of LUCC in national nature reserves and provided reasonable suggestions for regional ecological protection.
文摘[Objective] The aim was to study the current situation and protection countermeasures of wild plant resources in Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve. [Method] The current situation of wild plant resources in Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve was researched by means of route survey, sample plot survey and literature survey, and then the main impact factors of wild plant resources were analyzed by using participatory rural appraisal and problem tree analysis, finally protection countermeasures were put forward according to current situation and main impact factors. [Result] There were 2 779 species of vascular plants belonging to 214 families and 1 012 genera (including subfamilies and varieties) in Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve, among them, there existed 261 species of pteridophyte belonging to 41 families and 91 genera, 14 species of gymnosperm belonging to 6 families and 6 genera, and 2 504 species of angiosperm belonging to 167 families and 915 genera. Wild plant resources in reserve were mainly affected by planting under forest, habitat fragmentation, cutting trees, collection and utilization of no-timber products, development of animal husbandry, insufficient recognition of community residents to reserve management establishment and lots of floating population. In the future, wild plant resources in reserve could be protected through strengthening propaganda, education and management, enforcing the law strictly and other countermeasures. [Conclusion] The study could provide theoretical foundation for the protection of wild plant resources in Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve.
基金supported by the Science Supporting Project of the National Ministry of Science and Technology(2008BA C39B04)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30470262 and 30970340)+1 种基金the International Science and Technology Cooperation Program of China(2010DFA92720)the Chinese Academy of Sciences Visiting Professorships for Senior International Scientists(2009Z2-5)
文摘Snow leopards are one of the least known large cats, the population of which has dramatically de- creased. Their habitat loss was considered the main reason for the decline during the last decade, but their habitat preferences are still not well known. In this paper, we studied the winter habitat preferences of snow leopards in the Tomur National Nature Reserve (TNNR) in Northwest China during 2004-2005. We used sign surveys and tran- sects to study the winter habitat selection of snow leopards. The results indicated that snow leopards showed a preference for habitat variabilities in slope aspect, vegetation cover, dominant topographical features, landform ruggedness and grazing status. We found that prey availability and dominant topographical features were the most important factors that determined the winter habitat selection of snow leopards. Our results supported the idea that the habitat preferences of snow leopards are a tradeoff between suitable habitat features and avoidance of potential human interactions.
基金supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(DL13BAX10)the Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province of China(QC2013C037)the assisted project by Heilongjiang Postdoctoral Funds for Scientific Research Initiation(LBH-Q13006)
文摘By the contingent value method, we studied the non-use value of wetland ecosystem service of Hongxing National Nature Reserve (HNNR) in Heilongjiang Pro- vince, northeast China. The proportion of respondents willing to pay (WTP) for protection of HNNR was 63 %. The WTP ratio was affected by geographical area, contact nature, personal preferences, and familiar degree of the respondents. The WTP value was affected by age, education level and career of the respondents. The mainly reasons for people rejecting to pay for protecting HNNR were "I am not familiar to HNNR" and "I had no capacity for additional spending because of low income". Weighted average individual WTP value was CNY 59.26 Yuan ind.^-1 year^-1 for all the respondents with WTP. The total non-use ecosystem service value of HNNR was CNY 1430 million Yuan in 2013. The heritage value was highest followed by existence value and option value. From the high ecosystem service value in HNNR, it is very important to construct nature reserve for protecting natural ecosystems and human sustainable use of natural resources.
基金WetlandInnovationItemofChineseAcademyofSciences (No .ZKHZ 3 0 6 )
文摘The characteristics of vertical and horizontal variations of lead element(Pb) in soil plant system of vertical zone in Changbai Mountain National Nature Reserve(CNNR) were studied. The results showed that Pb concentrations in soils of vertical zone are all above 25 mg/kg, and the average Pb concentration of each soil zone negatively correlates its degree of variation, i.e. brown coniferous forest soil zone has the lowest average Pb concentration of four soil zones, and the highest horizontal variation; however, mountain soddy forest soil has the highest average Pb concentration, and the lowest horizontal variation; the average concentration of plant Pb of each plant zone is lower than the worldwide average level of Pb in plant(Clarke), respectively, and plant Pb content order is consistent with soil Pb content order, but their horizontal variations are different from those in soil zones, the variation of mountain tundra forest zone is highest, but Betula ermanii forest zone the lowest. Vertical variation of plant Pb is obviously higher than that in soils with variation coefficient of 89.76%; the enrichment capability of plant for Pb is depended on the plant types and the different organs of plant; parent material and parent rock, pH values, soil organic matter and soil particle fraction etc. are the main factors influencing variations of Pb content in soil plant system of vertical zone in CNNR.
基金Sponsored by Key Scientific Research Platform and Research Projects of Universities and Colleges in Guangdong Province (2018WTSCX154)Youth Project of Scientific Research Fund of Zhaoqing University in 2020 (202036)。
文摘With the advancement of industrialization and urbanization,the natural landscape has been destroyed to varying degrees,presenting the trend of landscape fragmentation and ecosystem degradation.Taking Dinghu Mountain National Nature Reserve as an example,a three-dimension measurement system of separation degree,fractal dimension and interference intensity for landscape fragmentation is established and verified by collecting survey data through questionnaires.The research results will provide a theoretical reference for landscape conservation and sustainable development of national nature reserves.
文摘<div style="text-align:justify;"> With global warming and increased human activity, more and more ground surface areas have been affected, which leads to the creation of many problems. To understand the ecological environment changes in a typical alpine region, information on landcovers changes in the study area from 2000 to 2020 was obtained by combining remote sensing, geographic information system, and traditional statistical analysis for the Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. The results show that the changes of surface cover in Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve are relatively concentrated, mainly distributed in the sections of south, northwest, central, and northeast, with the area of the changed regions and the unchanged regions being 31,127.45 km<sup>2</sup> and 271,941.37 km<sup>2</sup>, respectively. The transformation between the various types of ground landcover is mainly characterized by a shift from other types to grassland and from grassland to bare land. And the regions of change are mostly concentrated between 3500 - 4600 m in elevation. </div>
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grants 32171545 and 41801220).
文摘The prevention and control of invasive of alien species is an important work for nature reserves.This study analyzes the development trend of the alien species sika deer in Liancheng National Nature Reserve.From October 2019 to June 2020,3523 valid photos and videos of terrestrial animals were acquired from 130 camera traps,and sika deer were recorded in 21 photos from 13 traps.The survival of the sika deer population was investigated by means of morphological identification,population structure analysis,species relative abundance indices,and species spatial association analysis.A total of 13 sika deer individuals were identified by camera trapping,including two kids and three subadults representing the reproductive capacity of the population.Spatially,sika deer is not associated with any local species and was outside the spatial association network of terrestrial animals in Liancheng National Nature Reserve,indicating that the sika deer population has not been integrated into the local community and has failed to perform its ecological function.It is worth noting that the reserve provides habitat suitable for sika deer and that the population has adequate reproductive capacity.Due to the lack of large apex predators in the reserve,the population size of ungulates such as sika deer,red deer,and Siberian roe deer may expand and lead to population outbreaks and the associated problems for the ecosystem.To restore large-and medium-sized carnivores and avoid the population outbreak of the species,the present challenges require immediate attention in Liancheng National Nature Reserve.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.41271406 No.40801150+3 种基金 China National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, No.40825003 National Basic Research Program of China, No.2009CB421105 No.2010CB95090403 Youth Science Funds of State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environment Information System, CAS
文摘For preventing ecosystem degradation, protecting natural habitats and conserving biodiversity within the habitats, 2588 nature reserves have been established in China at the end of 2010. The total area is up to 149.44 million ha and covers over 15% of Chinese terrestrial surface. Land-cover change, as the primary driver of biodiversity change, directly impacts ecosystem structures and functions. In this paper, 180 National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are selected and their total area is 44.71 million ha, accounting for 29.9% of all NNRs in China. In terms of the ecosystem characteristics and their major protected object, all selected NNRs are classified into 7 types. A Positive and Negative Change Index of Land-cover (PNCIL) was developed to analyze the land-cover change of each NNRs type from the late 1980s to 2005. The results show that the land-cover of all selected NNRs types have degradated to a certain degree except the forest ecosystem reserves with a decreasing rate, but the rate of degrada tion alleviated gradually. The mean positive and negative change rates of land-cover in all core zones decreased by 0.69% and 0.16% respectively. The landscape pattern of land-cover in the core zones was more stable than that in the buffer zones and the experimental zones. Furthermore, the ecological diversity and patch connectivity of land-cover in selected NNRs increased generally. In short, the land-cover of 180 selected NNRs in China had a beneficial chan qe trend after NNRs established, especially between 1995 and 2005.
基金Knowledge Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,No.KZCX2-YW-Q06-03 National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.40871241
文摘Quantifying correlation between the spatial patterns of natural wetland plants and environmental gradient gives better understanding of wetland habitats, which is the fundamental for the strategy making on the protection and restoration of natural wetlands. In this study, the spatial patterns of wetland plants and the environmental gradient of wetland habitats were assessed in the Honghe National Nature Reserve (HNNR) in Northeast China, a wetland of international importance on the Ramsar list. Biophysical parameters’ values of wetland plants were obtained by field sampling methods, and wetland mapping at the community scale was completed using remote sensing techniques. Digital delineation of the surface water system, hydrological zoning and wetness index were produced by spatial analysis methods in Geographic Information System. An ecological ordination method and two clustering methods were used to quantify the relationship between the spatial distribution patterns of wetland plants and the corresponding environmental gradients. Such quantitative analyses also present the specific diversity of different types of wetland plants based on the environmental attributes of their habitats. With the support from modern geo-information techniques, the experimental results indicate how four ecotypes of wetland plants spatially transit from forest swamp, shrub wetland and meadow into marsh wetland with increasing wetness index and water table. And they also show how wetland spatial distribution patterns are controlled by an environmental gradient of wetness. Another key finding of this research work is that our results present the exact fundamental differences between marsh and non-marsh plants of 11 wetland plant communities within the core study area. Hence, this case study gives a good sample for better understanding of the complex correlation between the spatial patterns of wetland plants and their environmental attributes using advanced digital analysis methods. It is also useful to show how to integrate geoinformatic techniques with statistical analysis methods based on the field data base.
基金This paper was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.30200033,30230080,30170133).
文摘Niubeiliang National Nature Reserve(NNR,108°45p-109°04p E,33°47p-33°56p N)is located on the east-ern range of the Qinling Mountains in Shaanxi Province,China and spans the southern and northern slopes of Mt.Qinling.A transect survey and investigation were carried out in NNR to determine the fauna characteristics and ecological distribution of carnivora and artiodactyla from May 2003 to August 2004.The NNR has 18 mammals(carnivore and artiodactyl),two of which belong to the first class and seven to the second class of state key protected wildlife in China.The results of this study indicated that ungulates were abun-dant in the NNR,as all ungulates that were distributed within Mt.Qinling could be found within the reserve.However,only 45.5%of the carnivores distributed within Mt.Qinling were detected within the NNR.Among the mammals,there were 12 oriental species(66.7%),1 palearctic specie(5.5%)and 5 widely-distributed species(27.8%).The NNR is a crossing area of palearctic species and oriental species on the zoogeo-graphical regions,and it is a transitional area from the oriental realm to the palearctic realm.The results of the analysis on the ecological distribution of carnivore and artiodactyl in the area showed that their elevation ranges had large differences.The species whose elevation ranges above 1300 m,about 1000 m,and in 450-700 m occupied one third respectively.The results also indicated that species richness for the mam-mals in the NNR peaked at a middle elevation(rising at first,then descending with the increase in elevation).Not only on the southern slope,but also on the northern slope of Mt.Qinling,the number of species distributed in the area at 1800-2200 m a.s.l.was the largest(more than 80%),while the number of species distributed in the area above 2600 m a.s.l.was the smallest(about 50%).Elevation gradients of species richness for the mammals in the NNR also embodied the mammal distributions among the vegetation types.The number of species distributed in the mixed coniferous and broadleaf deciduous forest at middle elevations was the larg-est,while the number of species distributed in the broadleaf deciduous forest at middle and low elevations,subalpine coniferous forest,subalpine shrubbery and meadow was relatively smaller.
文摘Nowadays Songshan National Nature Reserve attracts a rapidly increasing number of tourists. However, the development of a tourist economy and the further exploitation of the natural landscape threaten the ecology and management of the reserve. Therefore, defining the relationship between ecological tourism and ecological protection can provide a framework for the management and exploitation of the reserve. Based on the analysis of current situation and questions of the reserve, this paper probes into the relationship between tourism development and ecological protection. Furthermore, it provides specific measures and suggestions for the existing problems.
基金Sponsored by Global Change Special Funded Project of National Key Scientifi c Research Program(2013CB956000)
文摘As a typical inland wetland, Yangguan nature reserve wetland in Dunhuang is one of the important stops of migratory route for birds, which is vulnerable and particular. Study on the community characteristics and species diversity of wetland has great signifi cance for biodiversity protection. Based on the fi eld investigation, the fl oristic composition, geographical elements and species diversity of wetland plants were studied in Yangguan reserve of Dunhuang. The results showed that 26 families, 56 genera and 74 species were recorded in the study area. The largest families were the Gramineae and Chenopodiaceae, accounting for 29.73% of the total. Herbs were the most abundant life-form, accounting for 77.03% of the total. The fl oral geographical elements of the plants were mainly composed of temperate zone distribution type. By using two way indicator species analysis(TWINSPAN), the vegetation in 36 sampling plots could be classifi ed into 8 communities. The species diversity indexes of communities were relatively low, but had large differences among each other. According to the importance value, the Margalef richness index(Rm) ranged from 0 to 4.200. Simpson diversity index(D) was between 0 and 0.512; Shannon diversity index(H) ranged from 0 to 1.400, and Pielou evenness index(J) was within the range of 0.538 to 1.000. The results indicated that the plant species were relatively rare and simple in general, the species diversity of communities was low, and the ecological environment was fragile in Yangguan nature reserve of Dunhuang.
基金Knowledge Innovation Project of CAS No.KZCX2-SW-320-1+1 种基金 National Key Project for Science and Technology No.2001-BA608B-03-02
文摘The probability of crane living in reedy wetlands can reach 100%, at the same time, the area of reed, the water level and adjacent water area are main factors which control the crane's habitat selection. We all know that all these factors are spatially heterogeneous. For the Xianghai wetland safety and to protect the Xianghai wetland habitat of crane, this paper has mainly identified a solution to these problems. The wetland information is extracted from the TM images, which reflect the whole wetland landscape and are very important for both quantitative analysis of remote sensing observation of the earth system and positioning analysis in GIS database that is automatically extracted from DEM. The DEM for Xianghai characteristics of topography is created. On the basis of the GRID SUBMODULE, applying the GIS spatial overlay analysis, the relationship between the water level and the reed area below the water level and the rating distribution maps of reed area above water level is established. When the water level reaches the altitude of 165 m, the reed area, 981.2 ha is maximum, i.e., the water level of 165 m is the optimal.
基金Sponsored by"Twelfth Five-year Plan"of National Science&Technology Support Program in Rural Areas(2012BAD22B0301)Xinjiang Science & Technology Program(xjlk(2013)001)Open Fund of Xinjiang Aertai Mountain Forest Ecosystem Positioning Research Station
文摘Based on the sub-forest management inventory, volume-derived biomass and mean biomass, carbon storage and its spatial distribution of forest vegetation in Kanas National Nature Reserve(hereinafter referred to as the Reserve) were calculated. The results showed that carbon storage of forest vegetation in the Reserve was 3.004 7 Tg C, mean carbon density was 49.58 Mg C/hm^2; carbon storage of different vegetation types: forest land >shrubbery > open forest > scattered trees, among which carbon storage of forest land accounted for 90.18% of the total carbon storage of the forest vegetation, and mean carbon density of forest land was 68.87 Mg C/hm^2; in terms of regional distribution, spatial distribution of carbon storage and carbon density declined from southwest to northeast; in the Reserve, carbon storage of mature and over-mature forest stands accounted for 79.89% of carbon storage of forest land. If scientifi c management is applied, carbon sequestration capacity of forest will be improved.
基金The Forestry Bureau of Jiangsu Province(202004120).
文摘As an important hub on the East Asian-Australian Flyway(EAAF),Hongze Lake is an important migratory stopover and wintering site for hundreds of thousands of birds.However,research on bird community diversity in this area is still lacking.We conducted a bird survey from July 2020 to June 2021 using the line transect method on the terrestrial habitat,as well as the fixed-point method in the lake wetland at the Sihong Hongze Lake Wetland National Nature Reserve located in northwestern Hongze Lake,and analyzed the temporal-spatial variation in the bird community.The results showed that a total of 170432 detections of 215 bird species belonging to 18 orders and 55 families were recorded.In terms of species composition,the proportion of terrestrial birds was relatively high,followed by waterfowl richness,with high numbers of Anatidae species and shorebirds.For bird species abundance,waterfowl had the highest abundance of common coot(Fulica atra),belonging to the Rallidae family,followed by Anatidae and Ardeidae species.The abundance of shorebirds was extremely low,and that of non-waterfowl was also low.In terms of temporal patterns,the number of bird species and richness index were higher in spring and autumn but lower in winter and summer.The bird abundance was the highest in winter,and the remaining three seasons were similar in terms of bird abundance.The diversity index and evenness index were higher in spring,summer and autumn,and lowest in winter.For the spatial pattern,the open water in the western part of the reserve included the most densely distributed areas for birds,and the number of bird species and their abundance were both the highest in that part.There were significant differences in the bird community structures among the four habitats.The species number and richness index of birds in the reed habitat were the highest,and the bird abundance was also high,but the diversity index and evenness index were low.Although the bird abundance in the lake habitat was much higher than in the other habitats,the diversity index,evenness index and richness index were the lowest.The numbers of bird species and individuals in tourist attraction land and farmland were low,but the diversity index,evenness index and richness index were high.Our results reveal the spatial and temporal patterns of bird species diversity and abundance in Sihong Hongze Lake Wetland National Nature Reserve,and reflect the effects of different habitat types on bird diversity.
基金Under the auspices of China National Forestry and Grassland Administration,Habitat Assessment and Piloted Maintenance for Asian Elephant (No.NGH-BFU-20180201)。
文摘Human-wildlife conflict(HWC)negatively impacts both humans and wildlife.Attitudes of local residents have been critical in promoting wildlife conservation.It is therefore necessary to understand the characteristics of HWC and identify influential factors on attitudes towards conservation to implement conservation strategies efficiently.This research focused on features of human-elephant interactions,while attitudes and values regarding the small population of Asian elephants(Elephas maximus)in Nangunhe National Nature Reserve(NNR),Yunnan,China.The total of 327 valid questionnaires were gathered around the area where Asian elephants were distributed.Logistic regression models were employed to analyze the correlations among five predictor variables(‘Area’,‘Family size’,‘Annual income’,‘Quantity of family members in non-primary industries’and‘Experiencing loss or not’)and three response variables(‘Attitude towards elephants’,‘Perception of the values of elephants’and‘Attitude towards tourism development’).The study area was densely forested with tea plants,rubber trees,corns and sugarcane.There,25.99%of respondents reported the experience of human-elephant conflict(HEC),with crop raiding and cash crop damages being the major conflict types.To demonstrate respect for elephants and to mitigate HEC,a unique custom called‘Giving tribute to elephants’was developed long ago.Respondents’township with an official annual festival of‘Giving Tribute to Elephants’(odds ratio(OR)=2.75,P=1.73×10^(-6))and higher annual income(OR=2.09,P=5.45×10^(-5))significantly contributed to forming a more positive attitude towards elephants,whereas HEC itself have contributed to a more negative attitude(OR=0.50,P=3.29×10^(-3)).Therefore,we propose that:1)reducing human-elephant conflict by testing multiple mitigation measures and adopting the most effective one of them;2)enhancing local livelihoods through the development of ecological products and ecotourism;and 3)preserving and developing the Wa culture in this region.The study area deserves more attention and further research to explore and obtain endorsement from the public to achieve coexistence between human and wildlife.
基金funded by the 135 Strategic Program of the Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment,CAS(Grant No.SDS-135-1703)the Science and Technology Service Network Initiative of Chinese Academy of Sciences:Ecological Risk Assessment and Protection of the Yangtze River Economic Belt(KFJ-STS-ZDTP)
文摘It is necessary to understand vegetation dynamics and their climatic controls for sustainable ecosystem management.This study examines the vegetation dynamics and the effect of climate change on vegetation growth in the pristine conditions of 58 woodland National Nature Reserves(NNRs)located in the upper Yangtze River basin(UYRB)in China which are little influenced by human activities.Changes in the normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI),precipitation,and temperature in the selected NNRs were observed and analyzed for the period between 1999 and 2015.The relationship between time-lag effect of climate and changes in the NDVI were assessed using Pearson correlations.The results showed three major trends.1)The NDVI increased during the study period;this indicates an increase in the amount of green vegetation,especially due to the warmer climate during the growing season.The NDVIs in March and September were significantly affected by the temperature of the previous months.Spring temperatures increased significantly(P<0.05)and there was a delay between climatic factors and their effect on vegetation,which depended on the previous season.In particular,the spring temperature had a delayed effect on the NDVI in summer.2)The way in which vegetation responds to climatic factors varied significantly across the seasons.Temperature had a greater effect on the NDVI in spring and summer and the effect was greater at higher altitudes.A similar trend was observed for precipitation,except for altitudes of 1000–2000 m.3)Temperature had a greater effect on the NDVI in spring and autumn at higher altitudes.The same trend was observed for precipitation in summer.These findings suggest that the vegetation found in NNRs in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River was in good condition between 1999 and 2015 and that the growth and development of vegetation in the region has not been adversely affected by climate change.This demonstrates the effectiveness of nature reserves in protecting regional ecology and minimizing anthropogenic effects.