Abstract:

Total 275 quadrats with 400m² each in size were set up in the central area of Foping National Nature Reserve with elevation ranged between 1250-2400m to collect data on habitat use of the Golden takins in1991. Two checks were made on these quadrats in October 1991 and February 1992. Two hundred and seventy four quadrats were sampled in October 1991. 133 of the quadrats with tracks of the Golden takin. In February 1992. 245 quadrats were checked, and only 102 were marked by takin tracks. The takins preferred both mixed coniferous and broadleaf deciduous forest and subalpine coniferous forest during later autumn and winter. The favored slope degree of habitat for the takin was about 30-60° in the study sites. The elevations preferred by takin in miixed evergreen and deciduous broadleaf forest and coniferous forest varied from 1500 to 1900m and in coniferous forest from 1900 to 2400m in later autumn and winter, respectively. In the mixed coniferous and broadleaf deciduous forest, the preferred elevations changed from 1900-2400m to 1500 -1900m between October to February of next year. The slope aspect also influenced the habitat use by the golden takins.

Key words: Mosla hangchowensis, population density effect, mortality rate, reproductive effort