| The Takin(Budorcas taxicolor)belongs to the Bovidae family of the Artiodactyla order and is a nationally protected wildlife species of Level I in China.The Qinling subspecies is endemic to China and is only found in the Qinling Mountain range.It has high ecological and conservation value.However,there is currently limited research on the spatial distribution of Takin,which hinders its conservation and management.In this study,we used infrared camera technology and line transect surveys to obtain data on Takin’s tracks,feces,and sightings in the Qinling region.We estimated the population density and abundance of Takin using line transect surveys,random encounter models,and home range models.We analyzed the spatial distribution pattern of Takin using species relative abundance index.We also assessed habitat suitability and predicted potential ecological corridors for Takin using Max Ent model,morphological spatial pattern analysis(MSPA),and minimum cumulative resistance(MCR)model.The aim was to provide reference and basis for the conservation and management of Takin in the Qinling region.The main findings are as follows:In the Qinling region of Shaanxi,the estimated density of Takin calculated using line transects,random encounter models,and home range models was 1.099 individuals/km~2,1.140individuals/km~2,and 1.257 individuals/km~2,respectively.Compared to the true population density of the Niubeiliang Takin population,the home range model had the smallest error and its results were closer to the true value.Within a 95%confidence interval,the estimated density of Takin in the Qinling region of Shaanxi was 1.257±0.540 individuals/km~2,with a population of 6495±2792 individuals.Takin is mainly concentrated in the central part of the Qinling region of Shaanxi,including counties such as Zhouzhi,Taibai,Ningshan,and Foping.It prefers broad-leaved forests,mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests,coniferous forests,and bamboo groves.Throughout the year,Takin prefers altitudes between 1100 and 2600 meters,and its vertical distribution pattern generally shows an increase followed by a decrease along the altitude gradient.The selection of different altitude gradients by Takin exhibits seasonal variations:it prefers altitudes between1100 and 2300 meters in spring,altitudes above 2300 meters in summer,and altitudes between1700 and 2000 meters in autumn and winter.Regarding the vertical distribution pattern,Takin shows a decrease along the altitude gradient in spring,an increase along the altitude gradient in summer,and an increase followed by a decrease along the altitude gradient in autumn and winter.The relative abundance index in spring and summer is significantly higher than in autumn and winter.The total suitable habitat area for Takin in the Qinling region is 6273.48 km~2,accounting for 10.81%of the entire study area.The suitable habitat is mainly distributed in counties such as Foping,Huyi District,Mei County,Ningshan County,Yang County,and Zhouzhi County.The spatial distribution of Takin is primarily influenced by factors such as temperature,vegetation type,altitude,and roads.Prediction of ecological corridors for Takin in the study area:The corridor lines are mainly distributed in the central and western regions of the Qinling region of Shaanxi.This area has complex terrain,abundant water resources,rich vegetation resources,and less human disturbance,making it a concentrated distribution area for Takin in the Qinling region.In addition,potential corridors are mainly influenced by factors such as human settlements,roads,and slope.It is recommended to consider constructing corridors in areas including Taibai County,Yang County,Foping County,Ningshan County,Zhouzhi County,Huyi District,and Zhashui County. |
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