Understanding habitat requirements and identifying landscape linkages are essential for the survival of isolated populations of endangered species.Currently,some of the giant panda populations are isolated,which...Understanding habitat requirements and identifying landscape linkages are essential for the survival of isolated populations of endangered species.Currently,some of the giant panda populations are isolated,which threatens their long-term survival,particularly in the Xiaoxiangling mountains.In the present study,we quantified niche requirements and then identified potential linkages of giant panda subpopulations in the most isolated region,using ecological niche factor analysis and a least-cost path model.Giant pandas preferred habitat with conifer forest and gentle slopes(>20 to≤30°).Based on spatial distribution of suitable habitat,linkages were identified for the Yele subpopulation to 4 other subpopulations(Liziping,Matou,Xinmin and Wanba).Their lengths ranged from 15 to 54 km.The accumulated cost ranged from 693 to 3166 and conifer forest covered over 31%.However,a variety of features(e.g.major roads,human settlements and large unforested areas)might act as barriers along the linkages for giant panda dispersal.Our analysis quantified giant panda subpopulation connectivity to ensure long-term survival.展开更多
Earthquakes not only result in a great loss of human life and property,but also have profound effects on the Earth’s biodiversity.The Lushan earthquake occurred on 20 Apr 2013,with a magnitude of 7.0 and an intensi&#...Earthquakes not only result in a great loss of human life and property,but also have profound effects on the Earth’s biodiversity.The Lushan earthquake occurred on 20 Apr 2013,with a magnitude of 7.0 and an intensity of 9.0 degrees.A distance of 17.0 km from its epicenter to the nearest distribution site of giant pandas recorded in the Third National Survey was determined.Making use of research on the Wenchuan earthquake(with a magnitude of 8.0),which occurred approximately 5 years ago,we briefly analyze the impacts of the Lushan earthquake on giant pandas and their habitat.An earthquake may interrupt ongoing behaviors of giant pandas and may also cause injury or death.In addition,an earthquake can damage conservation facilities for pandas,and result in further habitat fragmentation and degradation.However,from a historical point of view,the impacts of human activities on giant pandas and their habitat may,in fact,far outweigh those of natural disasters such as earthquakes.Measures taken to promote habitat restoration and conservation network reconstruction in earthquake-affected areas should be based on requirements of giant pandas,not those of humans.展开更多
基金supported by the National Nature Science Foundation(30830020)Key Program of Knowledge Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(KSCX2-EW-Z-4)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(200904501111).
文摘Understanding habitat requirements and identifying landscape linkages are essential for the survival of isolated populations of endangered species.Currently,some of the giant panda populations are isolated,which threatens their long-term survival,particularly in the Xiaoxiangling mountains.In the present study,we quantified niche requirements and then identified potential linkages of giant panda subpopulations in the most isolated region,using ecological niche factor analysis and a least-cost path model.Giant pandas preferred habitat with conifer forest and gentle slopes(>20 to≤30°).Based on spatial distribution of suitable habitat,linkages were identified for the Yele subpopulation to 4 other subpopulations(Liziping,Matou,Xinmin and Wanba).Their lengths ranged from 15 to 54 km.The accumulated cost ranged from 693 to 3166 and conifer forest covered over 31%.However,a variety of features(e.g.major roads,human settlements and large unforested areas)might act as barriers along the linkages for giant panda dispersal.Our analysis quantified giant panda subpopulation connectivity to ensure long-term survival.
基金This project was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31270570)the Planned Project for New-Century Excellent Talents of the Chinese Chinese Education Ministry(NCET-11-1060)the International Cooperation Foundation for Giant Pandas of the State Forestry Administration(Sichuan 2010-01).
文摘Earthquakes not only result in a great loss of human life and property,but also have profound effects on the Earth’s biodiversity.The Lushan earthquake occurred on 20 Apr 2013,with a magnitude of 7.0 and an intensity of 9.0 degrees.A distance of 17.0 km from its epicenter to the nearest distribution site of giant pandas recorded in the Third National Survey was determined.Making use of research on the Wenchuan earthquake(with a magnitude of 8.0),which occurred approximately 5 years ago,we briefly analyze the impacts of the Lushan earthquake on giant pandas and their habitat.An earthquake may interrupt ongoing behaviors of giant pandas and may also cause injury or death.In addition,an earthquake can damage conservation facilities for pandas,and result in further habitat fragmentation and degradation.However,from a historical point of view,the impacts of human activities on giant pandas and their habitat may,in fact,far outweigh those of natural disasters such as earthquakes.Measures taken to promote habitat restoration and conservation network reconstruction in earthquake-affected areas should be based on requirements of giant pandas,not those of humans.
