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Scientia Silvae Sinicae ›› 2022, Vol. 58 ›› Issue (3): 117-128.doi: 10.11707/j.1001-7488.20220313

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Temporal and Spatial Distribution Patterns of Rhinopithecus brelichi and Macaca thibetana in the Same Region of the Northeast Fanjingshan

Cheng Wang1,5,Haibo Li2,Zhaohui Yang1,3,Xing Bi1,4,Han Fan1,Haijun Su1,Canshi Hu1,Mingming Zhang1,*   

  1. 1. College of Forestry, Guizhou University Research Center for Biodiversity and Nature Conservation of Guizhou University Guiyang 550025
    2. Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve Administration Jiangkou 554400
    3. Mayanghe National Nature Reserve Administration Yanhe 565300
    4. Xingyi Forestry Bureau, Guizhou Province Xingyi 562400
    5. Zhangjiajie Giant Salamander National Natural Reserve Affires Center, Hunan Zhangjiajie 427400
  • Received:2021-06-26 Online:2022-03-25 Published:2022-06-02
  • Contact: Mingming Zhang

Abstract:

Objective: In this study, we investigated the temporal and spatial distribution pattern of sympatric Rhinopithecus brelichi and Macaca thibetana in the northeast of Fanjingshan Reserve, in order to further understand the their interspecific relationship and adaptation characteristics to the environment. Method: From 2017 to 2020, 66 infrared cameras were deployed in different vegetation types and altitudes in the northeast of Fanjingshan Reserve to monitor the temporal and spatial distribution of R. brelichi and M. thibetana. Result: The results showed that M. thibetana were widely distributed in the whole study area, while R. brelichi were mainly located in high-altitude areas far away from tourist trails and the distribution range completely overlapped that of M. thibetana generally was found in variety of habitats, while R. brelichi showed specific selection for habitats. In terms of altitude selection, there was no significant difference (P = 0.27) in the distribution of M. thibetana over various altitudes, while an extremely significant difference (P < 0.01) was found in the distribution of R. brelichi at different altitudes, mostly occupying the habitats from 1 600-1 900 m altitude. In terms of the selection of vegetation types, there was no significant difference in the selection of vegetation types for M. thibetana (P = 0.27), while there was a very significant difference in the distribution of R. brelichi (P < 0.01), with their relative abundance being the highest in evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved forests. Nevertheless, R. brelichi and M. thibetana had the co-occurrence habitats. It was found that there were 45 co-occurring sites in which R. brelichi and M. thibetana met within 15 days, accounting for 68.18% of the total monitored sites and 91.84% of the sites where R. brelichi was ever detected. The spatial overlap of habitats was very high. There was no significant difference in meeting times of the two species at the same site (P = 0.48), and they appeared at the same site once every 5-6 days on average, without any seasonal difference (P = 0.35). R. brelichi and M. thibetana were completely diurnal animals, with R. brelichi more activity at dawn and dusk, and M. thibetana activity around midday. The daily activity patterns of the two species were significantly different (P < 0.01), with the overlap of 0.76. However, the daily activity patterns and the resulting overlap of the two species varied significantly among seasons (P < 0.01). Conclusion: This study has revealed the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of R. brelichi and M. thibetana by using camera-trapping in the northeast of Fanjingshan Reserve, indicating that the niche of R. brelichi and M. thibetana varies temporally and spatially. This study provides scientific data for effective protection of R. brelichi and M. thibetana.

Key words: Rhinopithecus brelichi, Macaca thibetana, spatial distribution, daily activity patterns, camera trapping, Fanjingshan Reserve

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