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, Temminck’s tragopan (Tragopan temminckii) plays an important role in maintaining forest ecosystem balance. 

Methods: To explore the spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of Temminck’s tragopan, 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 Temminck’s tragopan was 6,858 hectares, accounting for 22.2% of the total area in WLNNR. (2) Vegetation was the main factor affecting the habitat distribution, while annual precipitation, average temperature in the driest season, and slope aspect were secondary factors. (3) Temminck’s tragopan 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 differences in the monthly daily-discrepancy index (α = 0.036 (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 Temminck’s tragopan, 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 spatio-temporal ecological niche gaps for Temminck’s tragopan in WLNNR, this study provides a scientific foundation for its future conservation and management within the reserve.

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