Biodiv Sci ›› 2025, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (7): 24537.  DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024537  cstr: 32101.14.biods.2024537

• Original Papers: Animal Diversity • Previous Articles     Next Articles

The spatio-temporal distribution patterns of Tragopan temminckii in Wanglang National Nature Reserve

Lü Zhou(), Hua Guo(), Shimao Yao, Cheng Tian*()()   

  1. College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, Shanxi 030801, China
  • Received:2024-12-06 Accepted:2025-02-22 Online:2025-07-20 Published:2025-08-27
  • Contact: Cheng Tian
  • Supported by:
    Technological Innovation Foundation of Shanxi Agricultural University(2020BQ61);Excellent Doctoral Work Reward Fundation of Shanxi Province(SXBYKY2021029)

Abstract:

Aims: Understanding the spatio-temporal distribution of wildlife is crucial for the effective conservation of forest ecosystems. Studies on the spatio-temporal distribution patterns of wildlife provides key insights into ecosystem structure and function analysis, contributing to the precise formulation of conservation strategies and management plans. As a national second-class protected species, Tragopan temminckii plays an important role in maintaining forest ecosystem balance.

Methods: To explore the spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of Tragopan temminckii, a total of 83 infrared cameras were deployed at different periods from January 2011 to May 2019 in Wanglang National Nature Reserve (WLNNR). The optimized MaxEnt model, kernel density estimation, and one-sample t-test were applied to analyze the species’ suitability and activity rhythm from both spatial and temporal perspectives.

Results: (1) The potential suitable habitat area of Tragopan temminckii was 6,858 ha, accounting for 22.2% of the total area in WLNNR. (2) Vegetation was the main factor affecting the habitat distribution, while annual precipitation, mean temperature of driest quarter, and aspect were secondary factors. (3) Tragopan temminckii showed a typical diurnal activity pattern (diurnal-nocturnal index β > 13/24), and a unimodal pattern in daily activity rhythm (Φ = 17.777), peaking at around 11:00 AM. (4) There was no significant difference in the monthly daily-discrepancy index (α = 0.069 (t= -1.6847, df= 11, P > 0.05)) or in the diurnal-nocturnal index (β= 0.68 (t= -0.0764, df= 11, P > 0.05)). (5) Cold and warm season activity rhythms exhibited a moderate overlap (∆4 = 0.78) but differed significantly (P < 0.01). During the cold season, peak activity occurred around 8:00 AM and 18:00 PM, whereas in the warm season, peak activity was delayed by 3 to 4 hours, occurring at around 11:00 AM.

Conclusion: The study identified vegetation as the primary factor influencing the spatio-temporal distribution of Tragopan temminckii, with climatic and topographical variables also playing significant roles. The species exhibited a diurnal activity pattern, with peak activity at noon, and its daily activity rhythm varied significantly with season, reflecting ecological adaptation strategies. By filling the knowledge gap of spatio-temporal ecological niche for Tragopan temminckii in WLNNR, this study provides a scientific foundation for future conservation and management within the reserve.

Key words: MaxEnt model, suitable habitat, activity rhythm, kernel density estimation, infrared camera