Identification of the potential habitat for giant panda in the wolong nature reserve by using landscape ecology methodology

Abstract

Establishing nature reserves is one of the most effective means for protecting endangered species and biodiversity. However, establishing nature reserves may stop gene-exchange of the target population from natural populations given that the previous human activities within the reserves were moved to the surrounding areas of the nature reserves. This may break the connection between nature reserve and natural habitats. In this study, a habitat suitability evaluation of Wolong Nature Reserve for giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) conservation indicates that among the total area of 202300 ha, only about 2144 ha, or 1.06%, is highly suitable, and as much as 123280 ha (more than 60% of the total area) was unsuitable for giant panda. Moreover, the highly suitable, suitable areas, and moderately suitable areas were spatially fragmented. Based on the evaluation, landscape design for giant panda conservation was performed. It was suggested that both habitat quality and patch size be considered to meet the requirements for sustaining populations when core patches in a nature reserve were designed. Buffer with right width should include all core patches to allow giant panda to move freely. On the subject of corridor design, two cases were to be identified, first, the existing corridor, which was a narrow passage between some patches, had to be protected carefully. Second, those areas, which may become the potential habitats for giant pandas after rational vegetation rehabilitation, should be identified by using GAP approaches. This study indicates that some key areas which may enable the core patches larger to accommodate more giant pandas by vegetation rehabilitation, were much more important than the other places. These areas should receive higher attentions when establishing nature reserve. © 2007 Springer Netherlands.