Quantifying landscape linkages among giant panda subpopulations in regional scale conservation |
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Authors: | Qi Dunwu Hu Yibo Gu Xiaodong Yang Xuyi Yang Guang Wei Fuwen |
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Institution: | Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China Key Laboratory for Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China Wildlife Conservation Division, Sichuan Forestry Department, Chengdu, China. |
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Abstract: | 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. |
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Keywords: | Ailuropoda melanoleuca ecological niche factor analysis giant panda landscape connectivity least‐cost path analysis species conservation |
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