Research On Mechanism For Long-Term Effective Conservation And Management Of Wild Vertebrates In Qinlings

Qinling, located in connection areas between Oriental Realm and Palaearctic realm in zoogeographic division, comprises diverse categories of animal species and is rich in biodiversity. Currently 126 animal species, 388 birds species were found in this area, 9 of which are listed as first class national protected animals of China 38 of and 38 of which are listed as second class. Among the species in first class,"Four Treasures in Qinling"containing giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), golden monkey (Rhinopithecus spp), takin (Budorcas taxicolor) and crested ibis (Nipponia nippon) are well known at home and abroad. Nature reserves are the bases for scientific researches, and the bases for education and propagandize in improving environment protection awareness. Wild vertebrates are regarded as the most valuable ones for protection in the all vertebrates. For conservation of wild vertebrates, conservation of their habitat is the most practical way. For this, establishment of nature reserves is the most effective way.Nowadays 16 nature reserves have been established in Qinling with the total area of about 2900 km2. But the whole habitats are divided into different zones and managed by different nature reserves administrations just because they belong to different administration regions. This causes some problems including increase of management expense and second fragmentation of habitats for wildlife.In this research, richness and distribution characteristics of wild vertebrates in Qinling are firstly described. Divisions of different functions zones of nature reserves are then introduced to explore the need and reasonability of mechanism for long-term conservation. Threatening factors and limitation factors are finally summarized. Threatening factors include natural disasters (e.g. bamboo flowering, flooding, debris flow, Forest diseases and pests, and forest fires) and human disturbances (e.g. agricultural activities, logging, transportation, herbing, grazing, hunting, tourism, industrial pollution, enclosure of nature forests conservation, invasion of Alien Species, and cultivation of edible mushroom). Limitation factors are derived from three aspects including organizations or institutions (e.g. management systems, organization, staff quality and expenditure), techniques (e.g. data management, setting of functional zones and patrolling plans) and local communities (e.g. economic situation, education level and public awareness). Based on the current situation, threatening and limitation factors for conservation of wild vertebrate in Qinling, countermeasures are proposed for strengthening related conservation work.In this paper, great functions and significance are dissertated for establishing and completing the mechanism for long-term effective conservation and management of wild vertebrate in Qinling. Using the Foping Nature Reserve as an example, mechanism for long-term conservation and management of wild vertebrate in Qinling is proposed as follows: (1) integrating the current nature reserves and adjusting zonation of the nature reserves; (2) establishing scientific research and monitoring systems; (3) strengthening co-management between local communities and nature reserves administrations; (4) strengthening international cooperations and exchanges; (5) integrating conservation of wildlife habitat into the natural-forests-protection program. By doing these, a united nature reserve administration will be finally achieved according to the idea of sustainable development.