Population dynamics and conservation strategies of Andrias davidianus in Hunan Zhangjiajie Giant Salamander National Nature Reserve, China

doi:10.17520/biods.2024581

Abstract

Abstract:

Aims: Population dynamics analysis is a crucial basis for formulating conservation strategies of endangered species. The Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) is an endemic amphibian in China, and the status of its wild populations remains unclear. Through population dynamics analysis, this study aims to provide a basis for the conservation strategies of the Chinese giant salamander.

Methods: This study took the Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) as the focal taxon in Zhangjiajie Chinese Giant Salamader National Nature Reserve, Hunan Province, China, based on the field survey data obtained from 2006 to 2021 and was complemented by comprehensive stock enhancement and release statistics spanning from 2000 to 2024. Utilizing population growth models, the study examined the population dynamics, carrying capacity, and the efficacy of stock enhancement measures for the Chinese giant salamander population.

Results: The results showed that: (1) The average annual population growth rate was 0.1722 ± 0.0324, with a carrying capacity (K) value of 51,190 individuals. The current population was in an exponential growth phase. (2) There was a highly significant difference in population growth curves between stock enhancement and non-stock enhancement scenarios. In the non-stock enhancement scenario, the instantaneous growth rates in the exponential and Logistic growth functions decreased by 16.27% and 32.11%, respectively. (3) Stock enhancement has demonstrably reinvigorated wild populations of Chinese giant salamander, under the current release regime, population size is projected to reach the environmental carrying capacity in 40 years.

Conclusion: Empirical validation confirms the feasibility of leveraging population growth models to project demographic trajectories, rendering them powerful tools for devising medium to long-term conservation strategies for endangered species; Stock enhancement has a significant effect on the recovery of the wild population of the Chinese giant salamander. Based on the current stock enhancement volume, the population size is projected to reach the peak of the carrying capacity in 40 years. Considering the current population growth rate, population growth trajectory, and environmental carrying capacity, continuous stock enhancement measures should be implemented, and individuals for stock enhancement should be selected based on river systems and genetic lineages, with offspring from local broodstock as the source of stock enhancement individuals. This approach can prevent genetic mixing in wild populations and ensure stable population growth. Additionally, protection and restoration efforts should be focused on breeding sites. This study offers valuable guidance for the analysis of population dynamics, the assessment of conservation effectiveness, and the development of conservation strategies for the Chinese giant salamander and other endangered species.

Key words: Chinese giant salamander, endangered species, population dynamics, population growth models, conservation strategies, Hunan Zhangjiajie Giant Salamander National Nature Reserve

Shurong Tian, Ying Wei, Fen Xiao, Yunyun Zhou, Yixing Xie, Cheng Wang, Fen Song, Zhiqiang Liang, Xiaojie Gui. Population dynamics and conservation strategies of Andrias davidianus in Hunan Zhangjiajie Giant Salamander National Nature Reserve, China[J]. Biodiv Sci, 2025, 33(7): 24581.

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URL: https://www.biodiversity-science.net/EN/10.17520/biods.2024581

https://www.biodiversity-science.net/EN/Y2025/V33/I7/24581

Figures/Tables 4

References 57

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年份 Year	种群数量 Population size	种群增长率 Population growth rate (%)	样线长度密度(尾/km) Density of transect length (ind./km)	样线面积密度(尾/100 m²) Density of transect area (ind./100 m²)
2006	2,000		1.53	0.14
2013	7,360	20.45	5.62	0.51
2021	20,963	13.97	16.00	1.47

年份 Year	种群数量 Population size	种群增长率 Population growth rate (%)	样线长度密度(尾/km) Density of transect length (ind./km)	样线面积密度(尾/100 m²) Density of transect area (ind./100 m²)
2006	2,000		1.53	0.14
2013	7,360	20.45	5.62	0.51
2021	20,963	13.97	16.00	1.47

年份 Year	种群数量 Population size	补充个体数量 Individuals of supplementation	无补充情形种群数量 Population size under non-supplementation scenario
2006	2,000	992	1,008
2013	7,360	5,952	1,408
2021	20,963	13,889	7,075

年份 Year	种群数量 Population size	补充个体数量 Individuals of supplementation	无补充情形种群数量 Population size under non-supplementation scenario
2006	2,000	992	1,008
2013	7,360	5,952	1,408
2021	20,963	13,889	7,075

参数 Parameters	补充 Supp.	无补充 NSupp.	增加 Increase (%)
指数增长模型r值 r value of EGM	0.1658	0.1426	16.27
Logistic增长模型r值 r value of LGM	0.2012	0.1523	32.11
种群增长到K峰值时间(年) The time of population reaches the peak of K (Year)	40	60	‒50