Spatiotemporal Evolution of Ecological Quality in Alpine Freshwater Lake Nature Reserves in the Past 20 Years

The Caohai Nature Reserve is one of the three major plateau freshwater lakes in China.Since the 1950s,human activities such as land reclamation and population relocation have greatly damaged Caohai.A rapid evaluation of the spatiotemporal evolution trend of the ecological quality of the Caohai Nature Reserve is significant for the maintenance and construction of the ecosystem in this area.The research is based on the Google Earth Engine(GEE)remote sensing cloud computing platform.Landsat TM/OLI images from May to October in five time periods:2000-2002,2004-2006,2009-2011,2014-2016,and 2019-2021 were obtained to reconstruct the optimal cloud image set by averaging the images in each time period.By constructing four ecological indicators:Greenness(NDVI),Wetness(Wet),Hotness(LST),and Dryness(NDBSI),and using Principal Component Analysis(PCA)method to obtain the Remote Sensing Ecological Index(RSEI)for the corresponding years,the spatiotemporal variation of ecological quality in the Caohai Nature Reserve over 20 years was analyzed.The results indicate:①the mean value of RSEI increased from 0.460 in 2000-2002 to 0.772 in 2019-2021,a 67.83%increase,indicating a significant improvement in the ecological quality of the reserve over the 20 years;②from the perspective of functional zoning of the Caohai Nature Reserve,the ecological quality of the core area showed a degrading trend,while the ecological quality of the buffer zone and experimental zone significantly improved;③with the implementation of ecological restoration projects,the ecological quality of the reserve gradually recovered and improved from 2014 to 2021.The trend of RSEI value changes is well correlated with human interventions,indicating that the PCA-based RSEI model can be effectively used for ecological quality assessment in lake areas.

Spatiotemporal variations of ecosystem services and driving factors in the Tianchi Bogda Peak Natural Reserve of Xinjiang,China

Nature reserves play a significant role in providing ecosystem services and are key sites for biodiversity conservation.The Tianchi Bogda Peak Natural Reserve(TBPNR),located in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region,China,is an important ecological barrier area in the temperate arid zone.The evaluation of its important ecosystem services is of great significance to improve the management level and ecological protection efficiency of the reserve.In the present study,we assessed the spatiotemporal variations of four ecosystem services(including net primary productivity(NPP),water yield,soil conservation,and habitat quality)in the TBPNR from 2000 to 2020 based on the environmental and social data using the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs(InVEST)model.In addition,the coldspot and hotspot areas of ecosystem services were identified by hotspot analysis,and the trade-off and synergistic relationships between ecosystem services were analyzed using factor analysis in a geographic detector.During the study period,NPP and soil conservation values in the reserve increased by 48.20%and 25.56%,respectively;conversely,water yield decreased by 16.56%,and there was no significant change in habitat quality.Spatially,both NPP and habitat quality values were higher in the northern part and lower in the southern part,whereas water yield showed an opposite trend.Correlation analysis revealed that NPP showed a synergistic relationship with habitat quality and soil conservation,and exhibited a trade-off relationship with water yield.Water yield and habitat quality also had a trade-off relationship.NPP and habitat quality were affected by annual average temperature and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI),respectively,while water yield and soil conservation were more affected by digital elevation model(DEM).Therefore,attention should be paid to the spatial distribution and dynamics of trade-off and synergistic relationships between ecosystem services in future ecological management.The findings of the present study provide a reference that could facilitate the sustainable utilization of ecosystem services in the typical fragile areas of Northwest China.

From landslide characterization to nature reserve management:The“Scialimata Grande di Torre Alfina”landslide Geosite(Central Apennines,Italy)

Italy is characterized by widespread geomorphological instability,among which landslides leave impressive marks on the landscape.Nevertheless,landslide bodies may represent key sites for thematic and educational itineraries,especially in protected areas,where their management becomes an important issue.Our study focuses on the"Monte Rufeno Nature Reserve"(Central Apennines,Italy),where iconic landslides are present.Here,the"Scialimata Grande di Torre Alfina"landslide(SGTA)is listed in the regional Geosite database.This work aims to propose a multiscale procedure for landslide analysis,in terms of both hazard sources but also educational and geoheritage enhancement opportunities in natural reserves.After performing a Landslide Susceptibility conditional Analysis(LSA)for the reserve territory,attention was focused on the SGTA,to define properly its features and morphodynamics.A multi-disciplinary approach was adopted,by applying both remote sensing(UAV structure from motion,Photointerpretation)and field survey(geomorphological and GPS monitoring).From the LSA,based on drainage density,curvature,and slope triggering factors,the road and trail susceptibility maps were derived,as base tools for future risk assessments and trail paths management within the reserve.At the SGTA scale,the monitoring showed a displacement of up to 23 m during the time interval between 2015 and 2018.The landslide dynamics seem to be driven by alternating dry and extremely wet periods;moreover,leaks from the aqueduct in the detachment area and piping effects through clays may have also decreased the substrate cohesion.The SGTA complex influence on the Paglia River valley geometry was also hypothesized,underlining the action of landslide through different spatial scales(on-site and off-site)and on different environment features(sediment connectivity,hydrology).Finally,the SGTA appears highly representative of the geomorphic dynamics within the Nature Reserve(i.e.,scientific value)and it could be classified as an active geosite.Since the site was featured by a tourist trail,adequate management strategies must be adopted,considering the educational value and safety issues.

Determination of Main Design Indicators of Patrol Road in Nature Reserves

In principle,nature reserves are managed and controlled according to the core area and the general control area.At present,there is no relevant design specification for the design system of patrol road in various protected areas.This paper analyzed the factors to be considered in determining the grade,horizontal and vertical design indicators,and cross section indicators of the patrol road in the protected area,and came up with the corresponding design indicators and parameters,so as to provide a certain reference for the subsequent patrol road design.

Population Density and Habitat Utilization of Ibex(Capra ibex)in Tomur National Nature Reserve,Xinjiang,China

Surveys was conducted to study the population density and habitat utilization of the ibex （Capra ibex） in Tomur National Nature Reserve during October- December 2005. The results are as follows： ① The mean group size of the ibex in Tomur Nature Reserve is 8.43 and the population density is 269.76/100 km^2; ② The ibex prefer areas with steep slope （between 30° -45°）, broken substrates and cliffs nearby （ 〈 100 m）. They avoid grasslands and fiat hillsides; ③The probable reason for this habitat selection is serf-protection.

POPULATION AND CONSERVATION OF BLACK CRESTED GIBBONS ( Hylobates concolor jingdongensis ) IN WULIANG NATURE RESERVE,JINGDONG,YUNNAN

Population estimates of black crested gibbons in Wuliang Nature Reserve,Jingdong,Yunnan,China,with two techniques,average group density total area and average home rang forest coverage,produced quite similar results.The population was estimated around 115 groups in the Reserve.The paper also discussed the conservation problems of the Reserve.At present,the main threat to the gibbons is habitat fragmentation and population isolation.Thus,it is urgent to prohibit hunting and protect the habitat and forest corridors or habitat bridges.

Conflicts and Countermeasures between Haba Snow Mountain Nature Reserve and Development of Peripheral Communities

Using research approaches such as questionnaire investigation, interview, and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PAR), the relationship between Haba Snow Mountain Nature Reserve and peripheral communities was studied. The results showed that there are lots of conflicts between Haba Snow Mountain Nature Reserve and peripheral communities. On the one hand, conservation of natural environment brings inconvenience to the development of peripheral communities, such as limiting the use of resources, constraining space of development, resulting in economic losses, reducing tourist income, and low compensation. On the other hand, peripheral communities' development threats conservation of the natural environment, for instance, illegal deforestation, illegal mining, over-harvesting, over-grazing and non-ecotourism. Therefore, effective suggestions were given as "scientific planning of functional areas, enhancing economic compensation, devoting more in ecotourism development, and realizing the cooperation of communities".

Evaluation of Ecotourism Resources in Dawangling Nature Reserve,China

Dawangling Nature Reserve in Guangxi is famous for its rich ecotourism resources such as diversified animal and plant resources,picturesque natural scenery and pleasant climate.A.Through the field investigation and the application of landscape resources management system,the authors adopted 7 landscape quality factors to evaluate aesthetic quality of Dawangling Nature Reserve that could be experienced,specifically,terrain,plant,water,color,influence of neighboring landscapes,scarcity and human modification.The evaluation score was obtained as 20.0(A-grade),which implied that natural scenery in the study area was of high aesthetic value,and suitable for various experiential tourist activities.B.Ecological assessment standards for nature reserves were applied to evaluate eco-quality of the tourist environment in the study area,6 specific assessment indexes were adopted,specifically,diversity,scarcity,representativeness,naturalness,appropriateness of area and threats of survival.The evaluation score was obtained as 86.1(Grade Ⅰ),which implied that tourist environment of the study area was excellent and suitable for ecotourism development.C.According to the detailed landscape grading standards,the total score of its landscapes was obtained as 86(up to the standards of international 4A-class tourist site or spot),which implied that landscape quality of the scenic area was fine,and had great development potentials.D.By consulting the evaluation model tree of mountainous scenic areas in China,a comprehensive quantitative evaluation of the study area was carried out from the perspectives of tourist resource conditions,location and tourist source conditions,regional economic background.The score of its tourist resources was obtained as 60.67,accounting for 85.6% of the total;that of location and tourist source conditions was 11.83,accounting for 79.8% of the total;that of regional economic background was 10.55,accounting for 72.5% of the total,which implied that tourist resources in the study area were of high development value,enjoyed obvious location advantages,great value of regional economic background,thus had excellent development advantages.This study aimed at providing useful references for the further development of ecotourism resources in Dawangling Nature Reserve,which would facilitate the overall improvement of tourism industry in Baise,enhance its economic development and exploration of more ecotourism projects.

Ecotourism Development Modes of Nature Reserves

Ecotourism is a significant approach for the protective development of nature reserves. Through analyzing the necessity of developing ecotourism, learning from the successful ecotourism development cases of nature reserves in China and abroad, the authors proposed a new Nature Reserve Protective Tourism Exploring Mode (NRPTEM) with the integration of "protection, development and management", such a mode contains 3 systems (protection, development and management), 12 projects (biodiversity protection, geological remains protection, protection of human ecology, environment monitoring, scientific planning, product development, market expansion, facility construction, capacity building, community co-management, environment education and management innovation) as well as human (a critical structural factor). The relationship between these items in the complicated process of ecotourism development of nature reserves was elaborated, and the dominant role of human factors in the 3 systems was also put forward.

Characteristics of natural Japanese yew population in Muling Nature Reserve of Heilongjiang Province,China

The scalar of Japanese yew （Taxus cuspidata） population and the relationship between individual distribution and site factors were analyzed according to investigating data in 74 sample belts with a total sampled area of 436.872 hm2 in Muling Nature Reserve. The result showed that the distribution rules of Japanese yew population were correlated to elevation, slope position, slope aspect and slope gradient. The optimal distribution range in elevation for the natural Japanese yew population is at the attitudes of 700-800 m. The amounts of Japanese yew individuals on shady slope were more than those on sunny slope. On top slope and mid-slope, the individual amounts of Japanese yew are more than those on toe slope. Most of Japanese yew individuals occurred on slope gradient of less than 15. The scalar of the population was decreased with the slope gradient increasing.

Discussion on Planning and Construction of Villages and Towns in Nature Reserve——A Case Study of Weitun Town of Hengshui City in China

The development of nature reserve was closely related with that of villages and towns at its surrounding area.It was the core issue to be discussed in the paper as to how to form mutually beneficial relation between them and achieve both protection of nature reserve and economic development of villages and towns.Through analysis on internal relation between nature reserve and villages and towns,it put forward three methods for planning and construction of villages and towns around the nature reserve.By taking Hengshui Lake National Nature Reserve in Weitun Town for example,it hoped to serve as a modest spur to induce exchange and discussion in the field.

Analysis of Forest Landscape Pattern in Nanling National Nature Reserve,Guangdong

[Objective] The study was to analyze the forest landscape in Nanling Na- tional Nature Reserve to provide information for the protection of local forest ecosys- tems. [Method] With the documents of 1：10 000 topographic maps, updated Forest Resource Inventory Data, based on the GIS platform and Fragstats software, the paper analyzed the patterns and heterogeneity of forest landscapes by adopting the landscape ecological theory and the method of landscape index. [Result] The forest landscape types, in terms of area occupation from large to small, are in the order of evergreen broad-leaved forest, coniferous mixed forest, evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest, shrubs, mixed needle leaf forest, suitable land for forest deciduous broad-leaved forest and non-forest. [Conclusion] Overall, the Reserve had maintained sufficient forest landscape diversity with a low level fragmentation. The distribution of various types of forest landscape was extremely uneven, dominated by several types such as evergreen broad-leaved forest, coniferous forest, etc.

On the Biomass of Four Major Tree Species in Vegetation Restoration Pattern Area of Beichuan Nature Reserve

In the experiment, by taking Quercus engleriana Seem., Betula albo- sinensis Burk., Abies faxoniana Rehd. and Fargesia rufa Yi, in the vegetation restoration pattern area of Beichuan Nature Reserve as the research objects, the study on the biomass models, the biomass distribution law of single plant and the growth rule of every organ of the four tree species was made. The results indicated that in the compositions of all of the species, the proportion of trunk biomass was the highest, while that of trunk biomass was the lowest, the proportions of branch and root biomasses varied depending on species; in the comparison of correlativity between the proportions of biomasses of all nutrition organs and biomass of single plant, the relations were generally significant, the tree trunks were positively related while the roots were negatively related; the proportion of trunk biomass of all species was significantly and negatively related to the proportions of leaf and branch biomasses, while the biomass of leaves was significantly and positively related to the biomass of branches.

Remote Sensing Monitoring and Analysis of Responses of Ma Yang Francois Nature Reserve to Impoundment of Pengshui Reservoir

The ecological environmental changes of Francois langur natural reserve was monitored during Pengshui Reservoir construction and influence of reservoir fil-ing on the habitat of the natural reserve was analyzed to provide the scientific basis and basic data for scientific evaluation and protection of original ecological environ-ment of the natural reserve and Francois langur’s habitat, and vegetation recover. The results showed that 4.8 hm2 of the nature reserve was submerged after reser-voir fil ing, which occupied for 0.1% of total area of the natural reserve only. The main influence area was in the submerged area of Hongdu River basin. The water level rise resulted in partial changes in land utilization and soil erosion, which indi-cates that reservoir fil ing has insignificant effect on ecological environment of the whole natural reserve.

Estimation of Recreational Value of Lotus Mountain National Nature Reserve,China

Recreational sightseeing has already become an important content of modern people' life.With intensive and diversified natural and cultural landscapes,such as forest,rare animal species,folk customs of many minorities,Lotus Mountain National Nature Reserve is of high tourist value.Proper evaluation of its recreational value is essential for the reasonable development and protection of its resources,the sustainable utilization and development of its environment and resources.Questionnaires and Expenditure Method were applied in this study for the monetization assessment of the recreational value of Lotus Mountain National Nature Reserve,which was obtained as 703 050 Yuan(RMB)in 2009.By not considering the factors not mentioned in the calculation and possible errors,such a result implied a relatively high recreational value.Given the fact that its recreational value has been influenced by diversified factors such as time,domestic and global tourism development,tourism policies,tourism planning,construction and management of the nature reserve,the authors suggested that the recreational value of Lotus Mountain National Nature Reserve could be promoted by improving its tourist facilities and enhancing the propagation.

Characteristics and the Issue of Eco-safety for the Plant Biodiversity in Longtan Nature Reserve

The characteristic and status quo of plant biodiversity in Longtan Nature Reserve was evaluated from the three aspects of species diversity, genetic diversity and ecosystem dioversity. And the primary eco-safety influencing factors for plant biodiversity in Longtan nature reserve were put forward. The results show that the plant species in Longtan Nature Reserve was abundant, including 2 821 species of vascular bundle plants belonging to 1029 genera, 205 families. The main problems influencing eco-safety included the destruction of endangered wild plants and exotic species invasion.

Research on Products Design of Low-carbon Tourism Development in Nature Reserve——A Case Study of Guangxi Longhu Mountain Scenic Area in China

After analyzing three misunderstandings about eco-tourism development,the paper pointed out that low-carbon tourism based on control of carbon emission had larger implementation space,which could be applied in all types of tourist destinations,with strong operability and the effectiveness evaluation of which was easier to be quantized.On this basis,low-carbon development thought of nature reserve was proposed by taking Guangxi Longhu Mountain Nature Reserve as the example.Through introduction of general situation of low-carbon tourist resources in Longhu Mountain,it analyzed necessity to design low-carbon tourist products in Longhu Mountain Nature Reserve,designed low-carbon tourist activities according to resources characteristics,and proposed five distinctive low-carbon tour routes in light with different tourists markets.Finally,some relevant suggestions on development had been put forward.

An Observation of Franois' Langurs Using Caves at Mayanghe National Nature Reserve, Guizhou, China

The utilization of caves is a rather rare phenomenon in nonhuman primates, found almost exclusively in those members of the genus Trachypithecus that share a preference for forest on limestone （karst） hills in Vietnam and southern China. Here we report a new case of usage of caves as overnight sleeping shelters by Franqois＇ or black langurs （Trachypithecusfraru;oisi） at Mayanghe National Nature Reserve in Yanhe County, Guizhou Province, China. We tentatively address three possible hypotheses that may account for the use of caves in Francois＇ langurs at Mayanghe： shelter against climatic conditions, acquisition of minerals and protection from predators. utilization

Assessment of habitat suitability of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) in Qomolangma National Nature Reserve based on MaxEnt modeling

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.

Nest-site selection pattern of Grus japonensis in Zhalong Nature Reserve of northeast China

Nest-site selection patterns of Red-crowned cranes（Grus japonensis） and the effects of environmental variables were studied during the years of 2002-2008 in Zhalong Nature Reserve,Qiqihar city,northeast China.The nest-site selection pattern of Red-crowned cranes included two orders and three choices：the choice of nest-site habitat type within the macro-habitat order,nest zone selection and nest-site micro-habitat selection within the micro-habitat order.Various habitats（such as Carex swamps and reed fire districts） can be selected as the nest sites for Red-crowned cranes,of which reed swamps（93.15%） are given a preference.Factor Analysis reveals that the micro-habitat selection are affected by four main factors：fire,security（concealment /disturbance）,incubation（conditions,nest-material）,and food.Further analysis reveals that Red-crowned cranes have certain adaptability to the changes of nesting habitat quality in the Zhalong wetlands.In conclusion,fire,reeds,and water were the most important variables for nest-site habitat selection of Red-crowned Cranes in Zhalong Nature Reserve.