Biodiv Sci ›› 2022, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (2): 21294.  DOI: 10.17520/biods.2021294

• Original Papers: Animal Diversity • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Conservation gap analysis of key protected and rare animals in Da Hinggan Range Region, China

Haiping Li(), Zhuqing Xu, Zhihang Long   

  1. School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872
  • Received:2021-07-25 Accepted:2021-11-10 Online:2022-02-20 Published:2022-02-28
  • Contact: Haiping Li

Abstract:

Aims The Da Hinggan Range Region is the only cold-temperate coniferous forest ecological zone in China, which has global importance and special nature conservation value. Based on the establishment of species information database, this study analyzed the spatial distribution of key protected and rare animals in the area so as to promote the conservation of biodiversity in Da Hinggan Range Region.

Methods The 10 km × 10 km grid spatial distribution data of key protected and rare animals in the area was established, and the habitat-related auxiliary data such as land use, vegetation cover, elevation and slope were also analyzed. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index was used as the degree of richness of key protected and rare animals. In order to obtain the conservation gaps in Da Hinggan Range Region, the existing spatial distribution of key protected and rare animals was overlaid on the existing protected areas.

Results (1) The existing conservation gaps mainly include endangered, vulnerable and near-threatened species. The animals under threaten include Tetrao parvirostris, Martes zibellina and Cygnus columbianus, etc. (2) The areas with higher conservation degree are mainly located in the north of Erguna City and the western part of Huma County. Although the spatial distribution of key protected and rare animals basically matches the scope of existing protected areas, there are still conservation gaps of different degrees in different geographic areas. (3) There are mainly two types of conservation gaps: conservation gaps that have not been protected and gaps that have not been fully incorporated into existing protected areas.

Conclusion & suggestions Different conservation measures should be taken for the two different types of conservation gaps. For the unprotected areas at the intersection of Genhe City and Yakeshi City, it is suggested that a new nature reserve or a protected area be built. For the protected area that key protected and rare animals that are not fully integrated into, such as the gap area in the northern extension of Aershan Nature Reserve in Inner Mongolia, it is suggested that improve the existing protected area system by expanding the existing nature reserve accordingly.

Key words: Da Hinggan Range Region, key protected animals, species diversity, nature reserve, gap analysis