Biodiv Sci ›› 2019, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (2): 177-185.  DOI: 10.17520/biods.2018266

• Original Papers • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Spatial distribution patterns of mammal diversity in Yangxian County of Shaanxi Province on the southern slope of the Qinling Mountains

Yan Wenbo1,2,Ji Shengnan3,Shuai Lingying4,Zhao Leigang5,Zhu Dapeng5,Zeng Zhigao2,*()   

  1. 1 Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723001
    2 Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101
    3 State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Regional Ecological Processes and Functions Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012
    4 School of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, Anhui 235000
    5 Foping National Nature Reserve, Foping, Shaanxi 723400
  • Received:2018-10-06 Accepted:2019-02-13 Online:2019-02-20 Published:2019-04-16
  • Contact: Zeng Zhigao

Abstract:

Studies on spatial patterns of biodiversity are of great interest in ecology and biogeography. Mountain ecosystems with high habitat heterogeneity and rich biodiversity are ideal for the study of biodiversity distribution. From November 2016 to November 2017, line transect survey, camera-trapping and cage-trapping/snap-trapping were used to investigate the mammal diversity in Yangxian County of Shaanxi Province, which is located on the southern slope of the Qinling Mountains. A total of 48 mammal species belonging to 21 families and 8 orders were identified in the study area. The spatial distribution of mammal species richness was generally low in the midland and south and high in the north and east of the study area. The spatial distribution of mammal species diversity was generally low in the midland and south and north and high in the east of the study area. The spatial distribution of rodents and non-rodent mammals were different. The elevational distribution of mammal species richness and diversity were unimodal. The elevational distribution of rodents and non-rodent mammals were also different. The best model suggests that patterns of mammal species diversity are governed by the integrated effects of different environmental predictors, with annual mean temperature being the most important. Mammal species diversity peaked at mid and high elevation area. To maintain high biodiversity in the region, we should sustainably strengthen protection of mid and high elevation areas.

Key words: Qinling Mountains, mammal, species diversity, spatial distribution, elevational distribution