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Studies On The Number And Distribution And Food Preference Of Asiatic Wild Ass In Kalamaili Nature Reserve

Posted on:2007-09-28Degree:MasterType:Thesis
Country:ChinaCandidate:J B YueFull Text:PDF
GTID:2120360185481269Subject:Conservation and Utilization of Wild Fauna and Flora
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This work aims to study Asiatic wild ass living in Kalamaili Nature Reserve(44°36′~46°00′E , 88°30′~90°03′N)northen Xinjiang. Based on field work within July to October,2005, the three aspects concerning Wild ass were conducted in number and spatial distribution survey by Line transects method, and seasonal food composition and food preference by micro-histological analysis of plant epidermal tissues from fecal samples, meanwhile compared with sympatric species Goitred gazelle. Also the scan sampling method was used to observe main behavior types and time pattern. The main conclusions are as follows.(1) According to line transect survey, the mean density of Wild ass in the reserve is estimated as 1.23081±0.196037 indi./km2, as result of actual area where Wild ass occurs, the total number of Wild ass in the reserve is estimated to be 5234±834 individuals. Wild ass groups are mainly composed of 2-10 individuals, and occurred unevenly in space in line with food and water source pattern.(2) Results from food analysis show that main plant species of food composition both in Wild ass and Goitred gazelle is Stipa gobica, Ceratoides lateens, Ceratocarpus arenaria, Artemisia spp,Anabasis brevifolia in summer and autumn. Food preference index indicate that Wild ass prefer Stipa gobica, Ceratoides lateens and Goitred gazelle prefer Anabasis brevifolia in summer and autumn, and both species have relatively high food overlap, and demonstrate their convergence in food utilization.(3) Field observation reveals that Wild ass has two peaks in feeding at 08:00~10:00 and 16:00~17:00, feeding time account for 25.10% of diurnal time, and standing and resting time increased with approach of noon, and the time at 13:00~14:00 is an critical period in which all behavior type reach the lowest points but drinking at its peak, and moving, feeding, standing and gazing behavior have similar rhythm pattern.
Keywords/Search Tags:Asiatic Wild Ass, Kalamaili Nature Reserve, Number, Distribution, Food preference, Behavior
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