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Simple Summary: Individual quantity is the guarantee of the long-term survival of a population. Currently, approximately 70% of the 33 local populations of wild giant pandas (Aliuropoda melanoleuca) face the risk of extinction. We studied four typical populations, from Tangjiahe, Wanglang, Liziping, and Daxiangling, and attempted to translocate individuals from large populations to enhance the viability of small populations. Our results validated a classic conclusion that the introduction of individuals from Tangjiahe and Wanglang significantly improved the genetic diversity in Liziping and Daxiangling. To ensure the long-term survival of two small populations over the next 100 years, we have devised multiple specific strategies for individual introduction. Our research has certain value for the rejuvenation of small populations of giant pandas, and we hope to provide a reference for the protection of endangered animals such as giant pandas. Currently, nearly 70% of giant panda populations are facing survival challenges. The introduction of wild individuals can bring vitality to them. To explore this possibility, we hypothetically introduced giant pandas from Tangjiahe and Wanglang into Liziping and Daxiangling Nature Reserves. We collected feces from these areas and analyzed the genetic diversity and population viability before and after introduction using nine microsatellite loci. The results showed the genetic level and viability of the large populations were better than the small populations. We investigated the effects of time intervals (2a, 5a, and 10a; year: a) and gender combinations (female: F; male: M) on the rejuvenation of small populations. Finally, five introduction plans (1F/2a, 2F/5a, 1F1M/5a, 3F/10a, and 2F1M/10a) were obtained to make Liziping meet the long-term survival standard after 100 years, and six plans (1F/2a, 2F/5a, 1F1M/5a, 4F/10a, 3F1M/10a, and 2F2M/10a) were obtained in Daxiangling. The more females were introduced, the greater the impact on the large populations. After introducing individuals, the number of alleles and expected heterozygosity of the Liziping population are at least 6.667 and 0.688, and for the Daxiangling population, they are 7.111 and 0.734, respectively. Our study provides theoretical support for the translocation of giant pandas, a reference for the restoration of other endangered species worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As human activities continue to expand, wildlife persistence faces escalating threats from roads. In Wolong area of Giant Panda National Park, the local giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) are divided into two population groups along the National Highway G350 (NHG). Therefore, selecting suitable areas to help those giant pandas communicate across the NHG is necessary. In this research, we evaluated the presence of human activities and simulated their absence to analyze how they affect the giant panda's habitat in Wolong. Subsequently, based on the kernel density estimation (KDE) for giant pandas and the main human distribution locations, we selected suitable areas for the population link between the two road sections on the NHG. We simulated the absence of human activities on the two road sections to compare changes in the habitat suitability index (HSI) and connectivity value (CV) relative to their presence. We aimed to carefully select the area for future giant panda corridor plans and simulate whether eliminating human activities will significantly improve the HSI and CV of the area. Our results show that: (1) Human activities presence has led to subtle changes in the landscape pattern of suitable habitats and a decrease in Wolong by 78.76 km2 compared to their absence. (2) Human activities presence significantly reduced HSI and CV in the 1000 m buffer along the NHG compared to their absence. (3) The HSI and CV of the 1000 m buffer in the simulated absence of human activities for the two road sections were significantly higher than their presence. This research identified the optimal road section for crossing the NHG to link giant panda population groups and habitats in Wolong. These insights are significant for formulating conservation decisions and corridor plans and for promoting wildlife conservation in reserves amid high levels of human activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important tool for conserving species and their habitats and achieving sustainable development is the establishment of national parks. The population ecology of the species to be conserved, including their population size and suitable habitat, needs to be assessed prior to integrating protected areas into national parks. The Liangshan Mountains are currently the southernmost habitat of giant pandas and lie outside the newly established Giant Panda National Park (GPNP). The population is threatened with extinction due to severe isolation and human disturbance. However, there has been a ten-year gap in the census of giant pandas in this critical area. This means that conservation managers are unable to keep up to date with population and habitat dynamics. The Meigu Dafengding National Nature Reserve is the core area of the giant panda population in Liangshan and the link for gene exchange. The focus of this study is to assess the spatial distribution pattern of suitable habitat, habitat fragmentation and the habitat selection characteristics of giant pandas in the Meigu Dafengding Nature Reserve in Liangshan in order to lay the foundation for the future inclusion of Liangshan into the national park. A total of 151 giant panda fecal samples were collected in 2023. Using the distance–bamboo stem fragments method, this indicated that nearly 28 to 29 giant pandas exist within the reserve. Based on MaxEnt and FRAGSTATS, the giant panda population is concentrated in Wahei–Yiziyakou. They tend to choose gentle slopes of 10–30°, at altitudes between 2500 m and 3500 m, with average annual temperatures between 8.5 °C and 10 °C. They also select the areas close to roads and settlements for their frequent activities. Unsuitable habitat is widespread and surrounds low-, medium- and high-suitability habitats with poor habitat connectivity. In situ conservation measures are urgently needed due to the restricted distribution of populations and poor habitat suitability. This lays the foundation for the future inclusion of Liangshan into the national park, providing greater protection for the giant panda and other species in the region, and for other national parks to integrate all habitats into a single management unit. This will address conservation gaps and overlapping management, and promote the conservation of rare or endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specific studies of large trees in giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) habitats are currently lacking. To fill this research gap, a field survey on large trees in Wanglang Nature Reserve of China was conducted. According to a previous definition of a large tree (DBH ≥ 60 cm), a total of 19 large trees, composed of Abies fargesii var. faxoniana (73.7%), Betula albosinensis (15.8%), and Juniperus saltuaria (10.5%), were found in 50% of 30 10 m × 10 m giant panda habitat plots (contained feces of giant panda). Compared to the habitat where large trees were absent, the giant panda habitat where large trees were present was characterized by larger-sized tree diameter and more bamboo clumps. The mean proportion of large trees in the basal area of the tree layer in habitats where large trees were present was 65.5%. Considering large trees are a scarce resource and play a crucial role in habitat composition and habitat use, large trees and their habitats need to be given priority protection. To achieve more accurate protection, continuous and dynamic monitoring of large trees is needed, and the investigation of large trees should form a part of future national surveys of giant pandas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tick-borne viruses (TBVs) pose a significant risk to the health of humans and other vertebrates. A class of multisegmented flavi-like viruses, Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) was first discovered in Rhipicephalus microplus ticks collected from Jingmen of Hubei Province, China in 2010. JMTV has been confirmed to have a relatively wide distribution in vectors and hosts and is associated with human diseases. Methods: Parasitic and host-seeking ticks were collected in Wolong Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province. Total RNA was extracted and then enriched the viral RNA. The DNA library was constructed and then were sequenced with MGI Highthroughput Sequencing Set (PE150). After the adaptor sequences,low-quality bases and host genome were removed, resulting reads classified as a virus were subsequently de novo assembled into contigs, which were then compared to the NT database. Those annotated under the kingdom virus were initially identified as potential virus-associated sequences. Phylogenetic and Reassortment analysis of sequences were performed using MEGA and SimPlot software, respectively. Results and discussion: Two host-seeking ticks and 17 ticks that fed on giant pandas and goats were collected. Through high-throughput sequencing, whole virus genomes were attained from four tick samples (PC-13, PC-16, PC-18, and PC-19) that shared 88.7--96.3% similarity with known JMTV. Phylogenetic tree showed that it was a novel JMTV-like virus, referred to as Sichuan tick virus, which also had the signals of reassortment with other JMTV strains, suggesting a cross-species transmission and co-infection of segmented flavi-like viruses among multiple tick hosts. Conclusion: We discovered and confirmed one new Jingmen tick virus, Sichuan tick virus. Further investigation is required to determine the pathogenicity of Sichuan tick virus to humans and animals, as well as its epidemiological characteristics in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous prohibition of commercial logging and intensifying conservation endeavors have encompassed the implementation of the Natural Forest Conservation Program (NFCP) and the Grain-to-Green Program (GTGP) by the Chinese government since 1999. Nevertheless, the efficacy of the commercial logging ban and its effectiveness in halting deforestation remain uncertain. Likewise, the destructive aftermath of the 7.9 magnitude Wenchuan earthquake in 2008 continues to be under scrutiny, necessitating ongoing study and analysis. Thus, there exists a pressing need to comprehensively monitor the spatio-temporal evolution of the forest habitat and assess the ecological status over the past two decades. The Jiudingshan Nature Reserve (JNR) is situated in the upper reaches of the Tuojiang River basin in Sichuan province, China, constituting an integral part of the Giant Panda National Park (GPNP). In this study, we classified land cover types and conducted a meticulous monitoring of forest habitat alterations within JNR, by a multilayer perceptron model (MLP) with a highly learning-sensitive algorithm. To quantify these changes, the Simple Ratio Index (SRI) and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were computed from Landsat TM/OLI images of four years (i.e., 1997, 2007, 2008, and 2018). Additionally, elevation, slope, aspect, and other topographic data were acquired from the Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The findings of our study unveil a notable expansion in both the scope and proportion of mixed conifer and broadleaf forest from 1997 to 2004. The growth of coniferous forest and the augmented areas of mixed conifer and broadleaf forest signify a substantial improvement in panda habitat. However, the seismic event of 2008 exhibited a pronounced adverse impact on vegetation, particularly within forested regions. Although there is evidence of forest recovery spanning 21 years, concerns regarding fragmentation linger. It is pivotal to acknowledge the potential long-term adverse implications arising from widespread socio-economic development and a multitude of geohazards. Hence, sustained long-term monitoring coupled with effective management strategies remain pivotal for the preservation and rehabilitation of the Giant Panda National Park (GPNP) and giant panda habitat in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite retaining a digestive system with carnivorous characteristics, the giant panda has now specialized to eat bamboo. Therefore, research on its feeding habits and foraging strategies has always been an important field in the study of giant panda population ecology. Located in the core distribution area of the giant panda population in the Liangshan mountains, the Meigu Dafengding Nature Reserve acts as the link between the major panda reserves in the Liangshan mountains and the key corridor zone connecting the giant panda populations in the east and west. This study was performed in 2017 and aimed to determine the feeding habits of giant pandas in this region, the heterogeneity of food resources in different seasons, and the selection strategy for foraging patches. To achieve this, we used the line transect method to investigate the giant panda population, collected fresh feces, analyzed the nutritional composition of bamboo samples, and set up a sampling grid of foraging patches in different seasonal distribution areas. It was found that wild giant pandas in the region spend most of the year at lower elevations(1939–3296 m) foraging for Yushania maculata and Yushania ailuropodina, and only move to higher elevations(2844–3770 m) in summer for Bashania fangiana. Their preferred foraging patches(n = 65) had certain topographical features, such as gentle slopes(< 25°) and closer proximity to water sources(< 500 m), and the nutritional quality of bamboo resources in foraging patches was significantly better than in those they avoided or rarely used. The food habits and foraging patch selection strategies of giant pandas in the Liangshan and Qinling mountains are relatively similar, and the results of this study can help provide a scientific basis for the conservation and management of wild giant panda habitats in different mountain regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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There are only six isolated living giant panda populations, and a comprehensive understanding of their genetic health status is crucial for the conservation of this vulnerable species. Liangshan Mountains is one of the main distribution areas of living giant pandas and is outside the newly established Giant panda national park. In this study, 971 giant panda fecal samples were collected in the heartland of Liangshan Mountains (Mabian Dafengding Nature Reserve: MB; Meigu Dafengding Nature Reserve: MG; and Heizhugou Nature Reserve: HZG). Microsatellite markers and mitochondrial D‐loop sequences were used to estimate population size and genetic diversity. We identified 92 individuals (MB: 27, MG: 22, HZG: 43) from the three reserves. Our results showed that: (1) genetic diversity of three giant panda populations was moderate; (2) several loci deviated significantly from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and almost all these deviated loci showed significant heterozygote deficiencies and inbreeding; (3) three giant panda populations have substantial genetic differentiation with the most differentiation between MB and the two other populations; and (4) a large amount of giant panda feces outside the three reserves were found, implying the existence of protection gap. These results indicated that under stochastic events, the giant panda populations in Liangshan Mountains are at risk of genetic decline or extinction and urgent need of human management. This study revealed that high attention should be paid to the protection of these giant panda populations outside the Giant panda national park, to ensure their survival in their distribution areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat fragmentation threatens the survival of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca); hence, it is vital to protect its habitat. However, a lack of detailed understanding of different functional habitats and their relationships restricts the protective effect. To reveal the relationship between different functional habitats, we distinguished and investigated giant pandas' resting and path sites and evaluated the suitability patterns and overlap of resting and path habitats in the Wanglang Nature Reserve using MAXENT and overlay methods. A total of 28 resting sites and 30 path sites were used in this study. The results showed that the areas of suitable resting and path habitats were 42.03 km2 and 28.52 km2, respectively, and were fragmented due to the existence of roads. A total of 27.81 km2 of suitable habitat overlapped, indicating many areas have the dual attributes of suitable resting and path habitats for giant pandas. There were almost no suitable resting and path habitats within 200 m and 300 m from roads, respectively. Therefore, measures should be taken to restore the unsuitable habitats distributed in the roadside area and connect the fragmented habitat patches. The indicators and methods used in this study can be considered in studying different functional giant panda habitats and their relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effectively managing and mitigating "human–wildlife conflict" (HWC) by adjusting the use of cultivated land to realise the coexistence of humans and wildlife plays an important role in protecting biodiversity, ensuring food security, improving cultivated land use efficiency, and improving the livelihoods of community residents in nature reserves. Based on the "harmful experience–expectation change–behavioural adjustment" theoretical analysis framework and survey data on 1008 farmers in China's Giant Panda National Park, this paper uses a binary logit model and a mediating utility model to analyse the effect of HWC experience on the cultivated land use of farmers and the action mechanisms. The results show the following: (1) HWC experience increases the probability that farmers' cultivated land use behaviour will be adjusted, which will not only increase the probability that farmers' planting structure of cultivated land will be adjusted but also increase the probability that farmers will abandon cultivated land. (2) Farmers in the national park have a higher probability of adjusting their cultivated land use behaviour after experiencing HWCs than those outside the national park. Farmers in the national park mainly prefer to adjust the planting structure, while farmers outside the park are more inclined to abandon cultivated land. (3) Low-income farmers are more likely to adjust their cultivated land use behaviour after experiencing HWCs than high-income farmers. The low-income group mainly tends to adjust the planting structure of cultivated land, while the high-income group is more inclined to directly abandon cultivated land. (4) The farmers in the group with a high degree of dependence on cultivated land for their livelihood have a higher probability of adjusting their cultivated land use behaviour after experiencing HWC than those in the low-dependency group, and they tend to adjust the planting structure. (5) HWC experience mainly improves farmers' adjustment of cultivated land use behaviour by improving their awareness of future risks of HWC. In other words, "HWC" will change the behavioural decision-making of farmers and the differences in constraints, such as different regions and different income levels, will lead to differences in "HWC" affecting farmers' behaviours. The conclusions of this paper not only help in understanding the adjustment mechanism of farmers' cultivated land use behaviour in the context of HWCs but also provide a decision-making reference for actively changing cultivated land use methods to address HWCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species distributions are one of the fundamental factors needed for understanding and conserving wildlife. While the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is the primary applied reference for biodiversity conservation, limitations in data availability and analyses of the distributions of some species may limit accurate threat classification assessments and conservation recommendations. Improving the accuracy of species distributions in light of growing data and analytical methods is a key step to increasing the efficacy of the Red List. In this study, we reassessed the distribution of takin (Budorcas taxicolor tibetana), a large ungulate in Sichuan Province, southwest China, classified by the IUCN as vulnerable. Using species distribution models and reported habitat requirements, we updated the takin distribution map. Our updated distribution range in the study area (79,449 km2) was 61.31% of the current distribution range (CDR) on the IUCN Red List. This reduction was in large part due to the inclusion in the CDR of substantial areas of lowland plains, high human disturbance, and non‐forest habitat, which provide no suitable habitat for takin. According to our results, suitable takin habitat covered 18.97% of the CDR, suggesting a substantially overestimated distribution. However, there are high proportions of habitat (40%) still covered by the nature reserve network, indicating the importance of protected areas (PAs) in the conservation threaten species. We recommend that experts apply the basic approach presented herein to update the Red List distributions for more species to increase the accuracy of assessments and resulting conservation applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of camera traps is prevalent in the ecological study of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). The reliability of camera-trap surveying results greatly depends on sampling designs that significantly influence the detection probability of the target species. Few studies have tested the efficacy of sampling designs on camera-trap surveys for monitoring giant pandas in a heterogeneous landscape. In this study, we conducted camera trapping of giant pandas based on two different sampling schemes in Changqing National Nature Reserve of China, and evaluated their outcomes based on three aspects: occupancy analysis, photographic rate, and activity pattern. The results demonstrated that both climate heterogeneity and distance to the nearest road had a strong positive influence on site occupancy, and slope and forest cover had a significant negative impact on site occupancy. Significant differences in the direction or magnitude of variables' influences indicated that there were apparently spatial-temporal dynamics of giant panda distribution between two sampling schemes. The low detection probabilities indicated that both sampling schemes were not robust to accurately monitor giant pandas in the whole study area. We recommended that more suitable sampling designs with local covariates be developed for camera-trap surveys monitoring giant pandas to account for temporal variability and small-scale variation in heterogeneous landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The giant panda has developed a series of evolutionary strategies to adapt to a bamboo diet. The abundance and diversity of the phyllosphere microbiome change dramatically depending on the season, host species, location, etc., which may, in turn, affect the growth and health of host plants. However, few studies have investigated the factors that influence phyllosphere bacteria in bamboo, a staple food source of the giant panda. Amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was used to explore the abundance and diversity of phyllosphere bacteria in three bamboo species (Arundinaria spanostachya , Yushania lineolate , and Fargesia ferax) over different seasons (spring vs. autumn), elevation, distance from water, etc., in Liziping National Nature Reserve (Liziping NR), China. And whole-genome shotgun sequencing uncovered the differences in biological functions (KEGG and Carbohydrate-Active enzymes functions) of A. spanostachya phyllosphere bacteria between spring and autumn. The results showed that the abundance and diversity of F. ferax phyllosphere bacteria were greater than that of the other two bamboo species in both seasons. And three kinds of bamboo phyllosphere bacteria in autumn were significantly higher than in spring. The season was a more important factor than host bamboo species in determining the community structure of phyllosphere bacteria based on the (un)weighted UniFrac distance matrix. The composition, diversity, and community structure of phyllosphere bacteria in bamboo were primarily affected by the season, species, altitude, tree layer, and shrub layer. Different bacterial communities perform different functions in different bamboo species, and long-term low temperatures may shape more varied and complex KEGG and Carbohydrate-Active enzymes functions in spring. Our study presented a deeper understanding of factors influencing the bacterial community in the bamboo phyllosphere. These integrated results offer an original insight into bamboo, which can provide a reference for the restoration and management of giant panda bamboo food resources in the Xiaoxiangling mountains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation decision-making often relies on species' distribution changes in response to anthropogenic disturbances but overlook their temporal responses. Filling the knowledge gap on the temporal shifts as elusive responses of wild animals to human activity is important because this may provide information for more proactive conservation planning. In this study, we used camera traps in a field survey technique to investigate the trade-offs between spatial and temporal responses of a mammal community to major human activities in Qinling Mountains, China. We focused on five most abundant mammalian species including giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), takin (Budorcas taxicolor), wild boar (Sus scrofa), tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus), and Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus), and examined the drivers of, and the trade-offs between the change of their spatial distributions and daily activity patterns in response to anthropogenic disturbances. We found that in response to human interferences, giant panda and takin mainly changed their distributions, while wild boar, tufted deer and Chinese goral altered their daily activity patterns, indicating the elusive responses of the latter species under anthropogenic stressors. In addition, anthropogenic stressors such as farming and tourism have more profound impacts on mammal communities than previously revealed by species distribution modeling only. For nature reserves that aim to conserve multiple species simultaneously, a more flexible, adaptive management framework is thus needed to capture the trade-offs between multiple species' spatial and temporal responses to anthropogenic disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thelazia callipaeda is a zoonotic parasitic nematode of the family Thelaziidae, with Phortica okadai as its intermediate host and only confirmed vector in China. China has the largest number of human cases of thelaziosis in the world. It is generally believed that infected domestic animals (dogs and cats) are the most important reservoir hosts of T. callipaeda, and thus pose a direct threat to humans. At present, there is little research or attention focused on the role of wildlife in the transmission cycle of thelaziosis in nature reserves. Methods: We selected locations in four national nature reserves across China to monitor P. okadai and wildlife. We used a fly-trap method to monitor P. okadai density. Morphological analysis of the parasites collected from the conjunctival sac of the infected wildlife was undertaken as the first step in species identification, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for species confirmation. Results: In 2019, the density of P. okadai in Foping National Nature Reserve in China increased sharply, and infected P. okadai were newly found in the reserve. Giant panda, wild boar, leopard cat, and black bear were found to be newly infected with T. callipaeda (one individual of each species). A total of four worms were collected, one from each species of wildlife. The four worms were identified as T. callipaeda by their morphological characteristics; species identification was confirmed by PCR amplification. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of T. callipaeda infection in P. okadai as well as in a variety of wildlife, including giant panda, in nature reserves in China. These results indicate that there is a transmission cycle of T. callipaeda among wildlife in these nature reserves. The increasing number of case reports of thelaziosis in wildlife suggest a likely risk of T. callipaeda infection for the inhabitants of villages situated around nature reserves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flagship species conservation strategy is widely practiced in nature reserves. However, few studies have quantitatively explored whether the current functional zoning adequately conserves the habitats of other species. To examine this problem, we selected the Tangjiahe, Xuebaoding, and Wanglang national nature reserves in southwest China and tested the protective efficiency of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) reserves on a local herbivore—Sichuan takin (Budorcas taxicolor tibetana) in functional zoning. We predicted that the habitat distribution of the Sichuan takin with Maxent and habitat suitability would be classified as very low, low, moderately, or highly suitable. We calculated the percentage of each type of habitat class across the core, buffer, and experimental zones in these reserves and introduced an economic index present value index to further assess the efficacy of the functional zoning in conserving the habitat of Sichuan takin. Our findings indicate that suitable habitat distributions of Sichuan takin are multicore and influenced by diverse variables in different nature reserves. The percentage of moderately suitable and highly suitable habitat in the core zone is 69% and 54% in Tangjiahe, 76% and 75% in Wanglang, and 47% and 28% in Xuebaoding, respectively. The present value index of moderately and highly suitable habitat is 1.01 and 0.79 (Tangjiahe), 0.87 and 0.86 (Wanglang), 0.76 and 0.44 (Xuebaoding), respectively. The efficiency of functional zoning on Sichuan takin seems lower than imagined in giant panda reserves, and species that have important impacts on local ecosystem need further estimation and greater focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Release of individuals is an effective conservation approach to protect endangered species. To save this small isolated giant panda population in Liziping Nature Reserve, a few giant pandas have been released to this population. Here we assess genetic diversity and future changes in the population using noninvasive genetic sampling after releasing giant pandas. In this study, a total of 28 giant pandas (including 4 released individuals) were identified in the Liziping, China. Compared with other giant panda populations, this population has medium-level genetic diversity; however, a Bayesian-coalescent method clearly detected, quantified, and dated a recent decrease in population size. The predictions for genetic diversity and survival of the population in the next 100 years indicate that this population has a high risk of extinction. We show that released giant pandas can preserve genetic diversity and improve the probability of survival in this small isolated giant panda population. To promote the recovery of this population, we suggest that panda release should be continued and this population will need to release 10 males and 20 females in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) were historically hunted using dogs and are currently threatened by free-roaming dogs and their associated diseases. To better understand the spatial magnitude of this threat, we used a GIS approach to investigate edge effects of dogs on giant panda habitat. We first examined two nature reserves with contrasting free-roaming dog populations: Liziping, with many dogs (~0.44/km2), and Daxiangling, with few dogs (~0.14/km2). Spatial analysis indicated that giant pandas at Liziping (but not Daxiangling) showed a shift in habitat use away from populated areas consistent with a risk response to the foray distance of free-roaming dogs (10.9 km path-distance). Most giant panda locations (86%) from the 2014 census in Liziping were clustered around remote "dog-free zones." Expanding this analysis across the entire giant panda range revealed that 40% of panda habitat is within the foray distance of dogs. Our assessment will inform dog control programs including monitoring, education, veterinary care, and other measures. We recommend that reserves designated for the release of translocated pandas receive priority consideration for dog control efforts. Only by understanding and managing complex interactions between humans, domestic animals, and wild animals can we sustain natural systems in a world increasingly dominated by humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flagship species have been used widely as umbrella species (i.e., species with large home range whose protection often provides protection for sympatric species) in the management of China's nature reserves. This conflation of flagship and umbrella species is best represented by the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and other large, endangered mammals designated as conservation targets in site selection and planning of reserves. Few empirical studies have tested the effectiveness of flagship species as surrogates for a broader range of sympatric species. Using extensive camera‐trap data, we examined the effectiveness of management zones designated to protect flagship (target) species in conserving sympatric species in 4 wildlife reserves (Gutianshan, Changqing, Laohegou, and Wolong). We tested whether the progression from peripheral to core zones was associated with an increasing habitat association for both target and sympatric species. The distribution patterns of the study species across the zones in each reserve indicated a disparity between management zones and the species' habitat requirements. Management zone was included in the final model for all target species, and most of them had higher occurrence in core zones relative to less‐protected zones, but zone was not a predictor for most of the sympatric species. When management zone was associated with the occurrence of sympatric species, threatened species generally had higher detections in core zones, whereas common species had higher detections outside of the core zone. Our results suggested that reserve planning based on flagship species does not adequately protect sympatric species due to their specialized habitat requirements. We recommend re‐examining the effectiveness of management zoning and urge a multispecies and reserve‐wide monitoring plan to improve protection of China's wildlife. Article impact statement: Zoning designations in China's wildlife reserves aimed at conserving flagship species may not meet the habitat needs of most sympatric species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential threat of domestic dogs to wildlife habitat in China is not widely recognized, despite their large population, lack of regulations regarding their control, and threat they pose to native species. In a case study in 2017, we surveyed villages surrounding Liziping Nature Reserve, the primary site for the release of captive‐born giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) into the wild. We conducted surveys of dog owners to assess the population size, demographics, free‐roaming status, and vaccination and sterilization history of their dogs. We collected blood and fecal samples to assess the prevalence of viral and parasite disease threats. At least 370 owned dogs lived near the core giant panda habitat; 64% were free‐roaming, 21% had positive antibody titers for ≥1 of the 4 viruses we tested (canine distemper, parvovirus, rotavirus, rabies), and 67% were positive for gastrointestinal parasites. The high proportion of free‐roaming dogs, uninhibited access to the reserve, and high prevalence of infectious diseases indicate that dogs pose a serious threat to wildlife within Liziping. The extent of this threat throughout the giant panda nature reserve network is unknown and should be assessed. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society. Numerous free‐ranging domestic dogs were located close to Liziping National Nature Reserve, a primary location of giant panda reintroductions and conservation. Viral and parasitic disease threats to giant pandas and other wildlife were present in the population, indicating a need for immediate management action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the defense mechanism of Arundinaria spanostachya clonal populations in response to grazing by giant pandas, dynamic variations in A. spanostachya clonal population structure and biomass allocation in a wild giant panda habitat at the Liziping Nature Reserve were evaluated, as well as whether the clonal populations would be continuously used by the wild giant pandas. The population density of each age-class in the grazed and control plots after grazing (2014a and 2015a) was similar to that before grazing (2013a). The effects of grazing on the size-class and height-class structures were relatively lower. Before and after grazing, the perennial individuals showed the highest total biomass, followed by the biennial and annual individuals, and the maximum dry matter content in each module was found in the culm, followed by the branch and leaf. The dry matter content of A. spanostachya individuals increased as the age class increased, whereas the total water content decreased. The maximum water content allocation in the modules was observed in the culm, and no significant differences were found between the shoot and leaf. Thus, foraging by the wild giant pandas had no impact on the size-class and height-class structures and biomass allocation of A. spanostachya clonal populations, and the clonal populations have established an adaptive mechanism against grazing by giant pandas. After grazing, the A. spanostachya clonal populations showed greater self-adjustment ability to restore the status to that before grazing and, thus, continuously supply food for the giant pandas. Further management intervention of A. spanostachya clonal populations after the foraging of wild giant pandas is not needed, which has implications for understanding the impact of co-evolutionary mechanisms between giant panda and its staple bamboo species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal herb collection has historical and cultural roots in many rural communities in developing countries. Areas where herb collection occurs may overlap with biodiversity hotspots and crucial habitat of endangered and threatened species. However, impacts of such practices on wildlife are unknown and possibly underestimated, perhaps due to the elusive nature of such activities. We examined this phenomenon in Wolong Nature Reserve, China, a protected area in the South‐Central China biodiversity hotspot that also supports a community of Tibetan, Qiang and Han people who use herb collection as a supplementary source of livelihood. We adopted a participatory approach in which we engaged local people in outlining spatial and temporal dynamics of medicinal herb collection practices. We found that the overall spatial extent of herb collection increased in the past two decades. We then overlaid herb collection maps with localities of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) feces collected over two time points in the reserve. Using a Bayesian parameter estimation, we found evidence for declined giant panda occurrence in the areas most recently impacted by emerging medicinal herb collection. Our methodology demonstrates the potential power of integrating participatory approaches with quantitative methods for processes like herb collection that may be difficult to examine empirically. We discuss future directions for improving explanatory power and addressing uncertainty in this type of mixed‐method, interdisciplinary research. This work has implications for future attempts to understand whether and how prevalent but subtle human activities may affect wildlife conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the accelerated urbanization, human activities pose serious threats to species because of fragmentation. Planning conservation corridors between habitats could improve species mobility in order to address the human disturbance. However, there are a limited number of studies that focus on assessing the effect of human activities on species movement in mountain areas as well as how to integrate different conservation models relating to conservation corridors identification. In our study, we modified the resistance model and took land use data as input parameters to quantify the impacts of human activities in mountain areas. Meanwhile, different conservation planning models, including Circuit model and Least Cost Path (LCP) algorithm, were integrated. Moreover, our approach was applied to identify giant panda corridors in Miarro nature reserve, Caopo nature reserve, and Wolong nature reserve. The results suggested that the impacts of human activities were limited in valley regions due to topography by resistance model. Secondly, Circuit model demonstrated that the conservation corridors for giant panda could not be identified between the Miarro and the Caopo nature reserves. Additionally, more detailed corridors between habitats were planned by the LCP algorithm. Furthermore, we also identified bottlenecks for migration in each corridor, indicating that human activities' interference was the primary cause. Our approach not only could connect habitats for conservation in mountain areas but also found out that the corridor could not be identified between habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock grazing occurs in many protected areas for wildlife and has become a threat to wildlife worldwide. Livestock grazing within protected areas causes negative effects to rare wildlife (e.g., giant panda [Ailuropoda melanoleuca]) and their habitat. We used the 2,000‐km2 Wolong National Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province, southwestern China, to document the effects of livestock on the giant panda and its habitat. We monitored arrow bamboo (Bashania fangiana), wildlife sign (i.e., feces and tracks), and characteristics of plant communities in intact habitat (IH; limited livestock grazing) and disturbed habitat (DH; with grazing disturbance) to assess the effects of livestock grazing and the responses of giant pandas and sympatric species across spatial and temporal scales. Bamboo coverage and the height and basal diameter of bamboo in IH were greater than those in DH, whereas the number of herbaceous species and herbaceous coverage in IH were lower than those in DH. Wildlife signs in IH were greater than those in DH; specifically, giant panda and red panda (Ailurus fulgens) signs were greater, whereas signs of sambar (Rusa unicolor) and tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus) in IH were similar to those in DH. Livestock grazing reduced bamboo, which may threaten the long‐term survival of the giant panda. Our results have implications for understanding and management of livestock grazing in the Wolong National Nature Reserve and elsewhere. © 2019 The Wildlife Society. Plant communities in areas disturbed by livestock in Wolong Nature Reserve differed from nearby areas with limited disturbance by livestock. Disturbed habitats had lower bamboo coverage, lower bamboo height and basal diameter, greater herbaceous diversity and cover, and lower frequencies of giant panda and red panda signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract As certain extreme weather events are becoming frequent and intense, conservationists must identify areas across species' ranges recurrently affected, especially with regard to threatened species. Focusing on the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and historical flood frequency distribution, we determined overlaps between panda distribution affected by floods and nature reserves. We also examined the correspondence between areas subject to high flood exposure densities, areas with high panda habitat use, and areas that exhibit high human density. Of the 67 reserves established for giant panda conservation 7 included areas with the highest flood exposure densities while having a mean exposure ranging between 20 and 75%. In Sichuan province up to 32% of areas of high habitat use were subject to low flood density, and 10% overlapped with areas subject to high flood density. We also found that 40% of the total area with high human density was subject to a high flood density. Our findings indicate that high frequency of flooding is affecting areas of nature reserves where people are rather than areas which pandas are using more intensively. In areas occupied by pandas, strategies should remain focus on mitigating habitat degradation and fragmentation caused by human activities that can also reduce habitat resilience to floods. Management aimed at reducing vulnerability and enhancing resilience in flood-prone areas is warranted if we are to prevent negative indirect impacts on panda habitat driven by human responses to increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events in the coming decades. Highlights • Areas inside giant panda nature reserves are highly exposed to floods. • Frequent flooding is affecting areas with people rather than areas used by pandas. • Building resilience is crutial for preventing additional pressures on panda habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of nature reserves is a key approach for biodiversity conservation worldwide. However, the effectiveness of nature reserves established by protecting the habitat needs of surrogate species is questioned. In this study, the Baishuijiang National Nature Reserve (Baishuijiang NNR), located in the Minshan Mountains, China, which is established mainly for the conservation of giant panda (a surrogate for the conservation of other endangered species) was selected. We quantitatively evaluated the conservation effectiveness of the reserve for giant panda and co-occurring species (here, seven protected species) using a maximum entropy model (Maxent), and analyzed spatial congruence between giant panda and other seven species. Results shown that the habitat of giant panda generally included the habitat of other seven protected species, suggesting that conservation of giant panda habitat also allows the conservation for the habitat of almost co-occurring species. Hence, the natural reserve established for giant panda as a surrogate species has a relatively high effectiveness. A high proportion of the suitable habitat for six species is inside the core zone, but a high proportion of the suitable habitat for two species is located in the experimental and buffer zones. Thus, the two species are affected by human activities. To improve the conservation effectiveness of the nature reserve, the management zones need to be amended. The result of the study will be beneficial for future conservation and management of the reserve. This study provides an effective method for evaluating the conservation effectiveness of nature reserves in other area of the worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Nature reserves (NRs) significantly reduce the net income of households within them. • NRs aggravate income inequality in local communities. • Ecotourism can reduce poverty but increases income inequality, especially for households within NRs. • We find that NRs with ecotourism can have a positive effect on local livelihood but aggravate income inequality. Abstract The impacts of nature reserves (NRs) and ecotourism on local economies are considered controversial. By surveying households residing inside and outside of six giant panda NRs in the Qinling Mountains from 2015 to 2017, this study evaluates the impacts of NRs and ecotourism on the poverty and income inequality of local communities in China. Our results suggest that the local communities of NRs show higher poverty and lower income levels compared to the national average. NRs significantly reduced the net income of households residing within the NRs, and most of these reductions are caused by converting cropland to conservation land. NRs also aggravated the income inequality of local communities, and the level of inequality inside NRs was significantly higher than that outside. In terms of the impacts from ecotourism, ecotourism can reduce poverty, but it increases income inequality, especially for those households residing within NRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The giant panda is an example of a species that has faced extensive historical habitat fragmentation, and anthropogenic disturbance and is assumed to be isolated in numerous subpopulations with limited gene flow between them. To investigate the population size, health, and connectivity of pandas in a key habitat area, we noninvasively collected a total of 539 fresh wild giant panda fecal samples for DNA extraction within Wolong Nature Reserve, Sichuan, China. Seven validated tetra‐microsatellite markers were used to analyze each sample, and a total of 142 unique genotypes were identified. Nonspatial and spatial capture–recapture models estimated the population size of the reserve at 164 and 137 individuals (95% confidence intervals 153–175 and 115–163), respectively. Relatively high levels of genetic variation and low levels of inbreeding were estimated, indicating adequate genetic diversity. Surprisingly, no significant genetic boundaries were found within the population despite the national road G350 that bisects the reserve, which is also bordered with patches of development and agricultural land. We attribute this to high rates of migration, with four giant panda road‐crossing events confirmed within a year based on repeated captures of individuals. This likely means that giant panda populations within mountain ranges are better connected than previously thought. Increased development and tourism traffic in the area and throughout the current panda distribution pose a threat of increasing population isolation, however. Maintaining and restoring adequate habitat corridors for dispersal is thus a vital step for preserving the levels of gene flow seen in our analysis and the continued conservation of the giant panda meta‐population in both Wolong and throughout their current range. We employed noninvasive molecular genetic methods in Wolong Nature Reserve to investigate the giant panda populations in the Northern Qionglai Mountains, with a particular focus on connectivity. Surprisingly, we found that a major road and historical human settlement and agriculture in the valley have not resulted in genetic differentiation between populations on either side of the disturbance. The high levels of migration and gene flow across areas of anthropogenic disturbance found in our study suggest that giant panda populations likely do not face the levels of population isolation within mountain ranges that have been widely assumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) use chemical cues to determine identity, gender, and sexual receptivity of conspecifics. We hypothesized that volatile chemical profiles of free-ranging giant pandas are detectable in air. Therefore, we aimed to identify volatile compounds produced by free-ranging giant pandas residing in the Wolong Nature Reserve (Sichuan, China) through field air analysis/solid phase microextraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (FAA/SPME/GCMS). From 28 June to 12 July 2017, 3 SPME fibers were secured to trees that appeared to have previous marking activity. Trail cameras confirmed that a single giant panda performed scent-marking behavior at one sampling location. The abundance of 7 compounds were elevated in samples collected from the tree visited by the giant panda compared with controls. Three ot these compounds (Ethane, 1,1 -dinitro-; Octane, 4-ethyl-; 2(lH)-Pyridinethione, 3-ethoxy-6-methyl-) were unique to the giant panda visit. Novel methods to detect giant pandas would benefit conservation efforts. We suggest our method also may be used to study chemical communication in other bear species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild populations of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) have steadily increased in the past 2 decades, but the species' distribution remains highly fragmented. Since 2009, an introduction program has worked to rescue the giant panda population of Liziping National Nature Reserve in southwestern Sichuan Province, China. Using Global Positioning System and activity collar data collected between May 2011 and March 2016, we investigated the post-release behavior of the first 5 pandas introduced to Liziping, 4 of which were bred in captivity. Using a change-point analysis, we tested several models of post-release adjustment to the habitat. We found that it took 3-4 months for captive-bred individuals to exhibit movement patterns characteristic of their long-term behavior. Furthermore, we found that, for these individuals, post-adjustment behavior varied by season, with activity levels peaking between May and July, a period of high resource availability. This also corresponded with a decrease in large movement events, where individuals were less likely to travel long distances quickly during these months. Unlike wild giant pandas in more northerly reserves, the 5 pandas released in Liziping (both captive-bred and translocated) did not exhibit any seasonal migration between elevations. Finally, we found that our study individuals had 2 daily periods of activity, which was comparable to those reported in the literature for wild individuals. Our results suggest that captive-bred giant pandas are able to successfully adjust to the wild and, after a period of adjustment, settle into long-term behavior patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the 1970s and 1990s, Guanyinshan Nature Reserve (GNR), a giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca) distribution area historically, had experienced periodic commercial logging. After officially logging stopping in 1998 and converting to a giant panda nature reserve in 2002, GNR got the chance on forest restoration. It is very necessary to monitor the spatiotemporal change of its forest habitat. It is also widely known that it is difficult to make accurate mapping the mountainous area based on images through traditional classification algorithm. So, this study aims to monitor the spatiotemporal change of mountainous habitat in GNR in order to provide proper suggestions for giant panda conservation. The research applied a multilayer perceptron model, a high learning-sensitive algorithm, to classify the land cover types and monitor habitat change in GNR by using Landsat images acquired in 1978, 1988, 1997 and 2007, respectively. Our results showed that: (1) three types of forests composed the main landscape of the GNR, and an increase of 7.7% forest coverage occurred within 30 years. (2) Due to logging, there were many forest clearing-cutting areas in 1997 and swaths of shrub-grass in 1978 and 1988. However, these two types of landscape were strongly reduced by 2007 due to more attention and protection. (3) A decrease in the number of patches, an increase in the mean patch size, and an over-time decreasing in the mean nearest neighbor distance all revealed a decreasing on habitat fragmentation. Therefore, reduction in detrimental human activities has helped enhance and expand giant panda habitat toward a healthier and more stable ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental heterogeneity contributes to various habitats and may influence the diversity and activity patterns of wildlife among habitats. We used camera traps to assess wildlife habitat use in Guanyinshan Nature Reserve from 2009 to 2012. We focused on four types of habitat including open areas with gentle slope (<15°) (Type1), low elevation areas (about 1500-1700 m) with high bamboo coverage (Type2), high elevation areas (about 2100-2300 m) with high canopy coverage (Type3), and wildlife migration passages (Type4). We analyzed the differences in species richness, relative abundance index (RAI), species diversity, and animals' activity pattern among habitats. Total six species were analyzed on activity pattern, which are Takin ( Budorcas taxicolor), tufted deer ( Elaphodus cephalophus), Himalayan goral ( Naemorhedus goral), wild boar ( Sus scrofa), golden pheasant ( Chrysolophus pictus), and porcupine ( Hystrix hodgsoni). The results are (1) that there were significant differences in richness and RAI among habitats; (2) Type4 habitat had the highest richness and RAI while Type2 had the highest species diversity; giant pandas were found in these two habitats; (3) there were significant differences in species' activity during daytime and nighttime; and (4) differences appeared in habitat preference of the most abundant species. Takin and tufted deer preferred Type1, Himalayan goral preferred Type2, and golden pheasant preferred Type3. Type4 habitat was used by most animals. All these revealed that habitat heterogeneity plays an important role in species diversity and the importance for conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An ABM for socio-ecological simulation in small-scale coupled human-nature systems. • A microeconomic basis for heterogeneous agents with partial rationality. • A rich set of mechanisms of two-way human-nature interactions. • Low data demand, and broad implementability in developing countries. • A case study in Wolong, China showing the validity of the model. The tension between economic development and ecological conservation has always been a hotly debated topic, especially in critical ecologically sensitive areas such as nature reserves in the developing world. Complexity modeling methods, such as Agent-based Models (ABM), are a feasible way to study such Coupled Human and Nature Systems (CHANS). This paper presents an ABM named Socio-Econ-Ecosystem Multipurpose Simulator (SEEMS) for small-scale CHANS, with particular focus on biological conservation hotspots areas under developmental pressures. The model highlights a microeconomic basis tailored for research objects of the kind featuring heterogeneous agents with partial rationality, and integration of various mechanisms of two-way human-nature interaction such as ecological succession, and farmland fallowing. These features, together with merits in low data and computational requirements and convenient extendibility, make SEEMS an easy-to-apply approach in CHANS modeling. A case study in China's Wolong National Reserve for Giant Pandas not only validates the model's capacity of accurately simulate the real-world demographic, social, economic, and ecological situations, but also demonstrates nonlinear outcomes that might not otherwise emerge in statistical models. Subsequent studies may benefit from these features of SEEMS to investigate theoretical problems in the human-nature relationship in biological conservation hotspots, or practical ones regarding conservative policy-making in such areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creation of nature reserves is the most direct way to save endangered species populations and their habitat. Development of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) nature reserve network in China was initiated in the 1960s, though the effort to create new reserves boomed considerably after the year 2000. Given this rapid development of protected areas in panda habitats, and the potential conflicting interests between conservation administrations and local economic development, it is essential to assess the role of new nature reserves in the overall giant panda conservation effort and reserve network. We utilized data from national giant panda surveys conducted in 2000 and 2012 to compare the size, spatial use, and distribution of panda populations, as well as the habitat suitability and connectivity in the Northern Qionglai Mountains between the two survey years. Our results show that although the total giant panda population in the study area did not change remarkably, local changes did occur. Most notably, the population in Wolong Nature Reserve declined by 27.3% (N = 39) and the population in Caopo Nature Reserve increased by 71.4% (N = 29) over the 12-year study period. We also found habitat suitability and availability decreased in both Wolong (12.4%) and Caopo (7.4%), but that the relative density of giant pandas declined (19.2%) and increased (84.6%) at each site, respectively. The distance between centers of high IUA were more distant in 2012 (14.1±1.9km) than that in 2000 (6.1±0.9km; t = -7.4, df = 5, p = 0.001), showing a scattered spatial pattern. Habitat availability decreased by 42% within the corridor between the two reserves, however panda occurrences in the corridor increased 24.6%. Compared to the total number of encounters, the proportion of the corridor increased 45.76%. Our results show the importance and success of the newly established Caopo to the conservation of giant pandas, and how crucial it is to identify and repair reserve corridors. Furthermore, we propose criteria for future nature reserve network management and investment, which is applicable for other endangered species conservation practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timber harvesting can alter understory plant diversity, abundance and composition, and in turn shape behaviors of a variety of animals. By far, little is known about the effects of timber harvesting on bamboo understory and feeding-site selection by giant pandas. Here, we investigated differences in crude protein, crude fat and tannin in Arundinaria spanostachya and feeding-site selection by giant pandas in primary and secondary forests in Liziping Nature Reserve, China. One hundred and twenty plots were established in the wild, including 30 feeding-site plots and 30 control plots in primary and secondary forests respectively. The results indicated that after timber harvesting, bamboo grows denser in secondary forests, with decreased crude protein content and increased tannin content, especially in leaves. Giant pandas exhibited distinct feeding-site selection patterns in primary and secondary forests. In primary forests, giant pandas appear to randomly forage bamboo across age groups but feed more on perennial bamboo culms (⩾3 yr) and less on annual bamboo culms (⩽1 yr) in secondary forests. Above findings highlight the importance of conserving the primary forests in the Xiaoxiangling Mountains, and suggest that training and acclimatization of captive individuals for release should be as possible as can conducted in primary forests without human disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fragmentation and loss of habitats due to natural disasters, like earthquakes and earthquaketriggered debris flows are existing threats to the longterm survival of the giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca). To better understand natural recovery processes of the damaged habitat, field investigation and laboratory analysis were used to analyze relationships between plant colonization and soil characteristics in an over 30-year natural recovery of a damaged giant panda habitat in a debris flow gully after the 1976 Songpan-Pingwu earthquake in Sichuan Province, China. Four different damaged sites were selected that located at the center of the gully (center), on a flat alluvial fan (fan), in a side slope of the gully (slope), and at the ecotone between the gully and native forest (ecotone). Vegetation characteristics, soil physicochemical properties, and microbial biomass in the different sites and soil depths were measured. After the natural recovery, the soil fertility, water retention, and microbial biomass were highest at ecotone, followed by fan, slope, and center. Only a few perennial herbs colonized at center; shrubs started to invade at fan and slope, and the native trees dominated the community of ecotone. Furthermore, Fargesia spathacea (food for the giant panda) started to be re-established at ecotone, and the community characteristic of ecotone recovered similarly to the native habitat. These results suggested that improving the soil fertility, water retaining capacity and microbial biomass is fundamental to the plant colonization, particular for F. spathacea's reestablishment in a damaged giant panda habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasingly, the world is becoming socioeconomically and environmentally connected, but many studies have focused on human-environment interactions within a particular area. Although some studies have considered the impacts of external factors, there is little research on multiple reciprocal socioeconomic and environmental interactions between a focal area and other areas. Here we address this important knowledge gap by applying the new integrated framework of telecouplings (socioeconomic and environmental interactions between two or more areas over distances). Results show that even a protected area - i.e., the Wolong Nature Reserve for giant pandas in southwest China - has multiple telecoupling processes with the rest of the world; these include panda loans, tourism, information dissemination, conservation subsidies, and trade of agricultural and industrial products. The telecoupling processes exhibit nonlinear patterns, they change over time, and they have varying socioeconomic and environmental effects across the world. We also find complex relationships among different telecouplings - e.g., amplification, offsetting, spatial overlaps - which cannot be detected by traditional separate studies. Such an integrated study leads to a more comprehensive understanding of distant human-environment interactions and has significant implications for global sustainability and human well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The giant panda is an iconic forest-dwelling conservation species worldwide. Preservation of forests is considered essential to keep their populations sustainable in the wild. However, little effort has been made to uncover effects of selective logging on their abundance and habitat selection. In this research, we conducted a field survey during May–November 2012 in Liziping National Nature Reserve, China, to compare trace abundance and microhabitat selection by giant pandas in primary and secondary forests. Our results indicated that forest structure varied significantly in selectively logged forests, especially for tree and bamboo layers. Slope and bamboos are significant variables affecting microhabitat utilization by giant pandas in the two forest types. Significant difference was found in rations of elevations, total trees, total shrubs, total dead bamboos and basal diameter of biennial bamboos between primary and secondary forests, indicating selective logging had an effect on microhabitat selection by giant pandas in the study area. In addition, trace abundance, as indexed by droppings and dropping groups per km, decreased significantly in secondary forests. Selective logging can not only affect the inner structure of forests in giant panda habitats, but also their spatial distribution and microhabitat selection behaviors. The flexibility in microhabitat selection of giant pandas can help them to adapt to surrounding conditions. In the future, conservation attention should be paid to the effects of forest types on habitat selection of captive released giant pandas, and gentle areas in habitats when patrolling and monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) are now confined to fragmented habitats in western China, with more than 60 % of individuals inhabiting 63 protected areas. Knowledge of the environmental features required by giant pandas is critically important for protected area spatial arrangement and subsequent assessments. Here we developed a distribution model for giant pandas in the Tangjiahe Nature Reserve using Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA) model. We found that less than 40 % of this key reserve is of high suitability for giant pandas, highly suitable habitat being primarily characterized as coniferous forests away from roads within the reserve. Although there was a clear core zone occupied by giant pandas, which included the vast majority of known giant panda locations, only about 45 % of this zone was classified as highly suitable habitat (suitable and optimal). Therefore, the spatial arrangement within the reserve may need to be modified to effectively manage the remaining population of giant pandas. Of particular concern are several tourism proposals being considered by local government, which, if implemented, will increase the isolation of the local population from those in the surrounding area. Our analysis identifies Caijiaba and Baixiongping as areas that should become conservation priorities. Our approach provides valuable data to advise conservation policy and could be easily replicated across other protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discovering how to best protect one of the most endangered animals in the world, giant pandas, has always been an important project in ecological studies. Moreover, researching the living environments of giant pandas and how to recover them is one of the most important elements to these studies. In order to more effectively protect the giant pandas and their habitats, we studied the changing of Xiaohegou nature reserve landscape for 20 years, from 1994 to 2014, based on the landscape ecology theory and "3S" techniques (geographic information systems, GIS; remote sensing, RS; global navigation satellite system, GNSS). Specifically, this paper analyzes factors such as landscape fragmentation, connectivity, disturbance degree, landscape diversity, etc. Accordingly, the research presented divides giant panda habitat into nine landscape types that include: evergreen deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest, secondary broadleaved forest, mixed coniferous and deciduous broad-leaved forests, and coniferous forest, et al. The results show that: 1) before establishing the Xiaohegou Nature Reserve in 1993, deforestation was a serious problem, as the results from the 1994 landscape fragmentation suggest. 2) Logging was rampant before the implementation of the national natural forest protection project that began in 1998. Severe damage was observed on the coniferous forest in giant panda habitat. Yet, from the high level of fragmentation that was observed in the connectivity of giant panda habitat, the results suggest 1994 was the worst. After more than ten years of recovery, from 2001 to 2014, the situation of regarding the habitat's connectivity appears better than previous years. 3) The habitat has been impacted heavily by human disturbance from 1994 to 2001, although it has shown a slight decrease in this tendency from 2001 to 2014. 4) In the past 20 years, both the diversity and evenness indexes are showing a slow drop tendency. 5) This paper analyzes the changing situation regarding the land category evolution of giant panda habitats. Coniferous forests, the main habitat of giant pandas, decreased 6.37 hm2 during these 5 years, with a rate of decrease at 1.27 hm2 per annum from 1994 to 1998. In the years that followed, however, the coniferous forest recovered 4.21 hm2 over the course of 15 years at the rate of 0.28 hm2 per annum from 1999 to 2014, providing a reference for further nature reserve policy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effectiveness of human restoration in species conservation, in this study, we undertook a field survey of giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca) habitat and man-made forest habitat in Wanglang Nature Reserve of China. Our results revealed that giant panda did not use the man-made forest in this area so far, and that there were significant differences between the giant panda habitat and the man-made forest habitat. Compared with giant panda habitat, the man-made forest habitat was characterized by lower shrub coverage, thinner trees and lower bamboo density. To improve the effectiveness of human restoration, the habitat requirement of giant panda should be fully consider in the whole process of habitat restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Livestock production is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity worldwide. However, impacts of livestock on endangered species have been understudied, particularly across the livestock–wildlife interface in forested protected areas. We investigated the impact of an emerging livestock sector in China's renowned Wolong Nature Reserve for giant pandas. We integrated empirical data from field surveys, remotely sensed imagery, and GPS collar tracking to analyze (1) the spatial distribution of horses in giant panda habitat, (2) space use and habitat selection patterns of horses and pandas, and (3) the impact of horses on pandas and bamboo (panda's main food source). We discovered that the horse distribution overlapped with suitable giant panda habitat. Horses had smaller home ranges than pandas but both species showed similarities in habitat selection. Horses consumed considerable amounts of bamboo, and may have resulted in a decline in panda habitat use. Our study highlights the need to formulate policies to address this emerging threat to the endangered giant panda. It also has implications for understanding livestock impacts in other protected areas across the globe. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] We develop a model using climatic variables to assess panda habitat. [•] Climate change could reduce the extent of suitable panda habitat. [•] Climate change would result in new habitat further north becoming suitable. [•] Current network of nature reserves does not adequately protect the habitat. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Many nature reserves are established to protect the habitat needs of particular endangered species of interest but their effectiveness for protecting other species is questionable. In this study, this effectiveness was evaluated in a nature reserve network located in the Qinling Mountains, Shaanxi Province, China. The network of reserves was established mainly for the conservation of the giant panda, a species considered as a surrogate for the conservation of many other endangered species in the region. The habitat suitability of nine protected species, including the giant panda, was modeled by using Maximum Entropy (MAXENT) and their spatial congruence was analyzed. Habitat suitability of these species was also overlapped with nature reserve boundaries and their management zones (i.e., core, buffer and experimental zones). Results show that in general the habitat of the giant panda constitutes a reasonable surrogate of the habitat of other protected species, and giant panda reserves protect a relatively high proportion of the habitat of other protected species. Therefore, giant panda habitat conservation also allows the conservation of the habitat of other protected species in the region. However, a large area of suitable habitat was excluded from the nature reserve network. In addition, four species exhibited a low proportion of highly suitable habitat inside the core zones of nature reserves. It suggests that a high proportion of suitable habitat of protected species not targeted for conservation is located in the experimental and buffer zones, thus, is being affected by human activities. To increase their conservation effectiveness, nature reserves and their management zones need to be re-examined in order to include suitable habitat of more endangered species. The procedures described in this study can be easily implemented for the conservation of many endangered species not only in China but in many other parts of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild animals are affected by growing human interference in their habitats and inevitably react inter-nally to such stimuli. This study explores inherent physiological parameters to assess the effect of human interference on giant pandas in their wild habitat. Ninety-one fecal samples were collected within four nature reserves on Qinling Mountain. Fecal Cortisol determinations were performed by ra-dioimmunoassay. We categorized the intensity of local human disturbance and tested for correlations between the intensity of human disturbance and fecal Cortisol metabolite levels. The results show a significant positive correlation between giant panda fecal Cortisol metabolite levels and the degree of disturbance in their habitat. This study is the first to use a non-invasive monitoring method to analyze wild giant panda habitat disturbance, and demonstrates that Cortisol metabolite levels in panda dung can objectively reflect the degree of panda habitat disturbance. The results provide a relatively ob-jective means and method with which to evaluate the quality of wild giant panda habitat. This study highlights the need to monitor the effects of human disturbance on wildlife and to implement new policies in the management of nature reserves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding rural households' conservation attitudes is crucial to achieving biodiversity conservation effectiveness, and one underlying predictor of household conservation attitudes is social trust. This study examined the impact of rural households' social trust on their ecological protection attitudes based on 922 rural household data around 13 giant panda nature reserves in Shaanxi Province and Sichuan Province, China. The results show that: (1) Social trust has a significant positive impact on rural households' conservation attitudes. (2) Males' ecological conservation attitudes are influenced by all the social trust variables, whereas females' attitudes are influenced mainly by interpersonal trust (trust in neighbors and villagers). The conservation attitudes of households with higher education levels and higher family incomes are mainly affected by trust in government, while those with lower education levels and lower family incomes are more significantly affected by the trust in villagers and village cadres. The above conclusions are helpful to understand the influencing mechanism of rural households' conservation attitudes and improve the protection effects of nature reserves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the effects of eco-factors on the regeneration of arrow bamboo in giant panda habitat, a field study was conducted in the Baozuo and Gonggangling Nature Reserves, Sichuan Province, China. A total of 183 quadrats (10 m×10 m) and 717 small quadrats (1 m×1 m) were investigated within the study site. Bamboo seedling density was used as an indicator of natural regeneration. Twelve factors were measured, which included topography and forest factors (elevation, slope aspect, slope degree, slope position, canopy cover, and shrub cover) and microhabitat factors (upper vegetation cover, herb cover, litter layer cover, moss cover, moss thickness, and dead bamboo density). A One-Way ANOVA was used to analyze the effects of topography and forest factors on seedling density, and a GLM (Generalized Linear Model) procedure was performed to examine the relationship between seedling density and microhabitat factors. The results indicated that elevation and canopy cover had highly significant effects on seedling density: bamboo seedling density was highest and showed the best regeneration at middle elevations (2800-3000 m) and under medium to medium-high canopy cover. Moss thickness, moss cover, and dead bamboo density were the most important microhabitat factors influencing the natural regeneration of bamboo: seedling density increased with increasing moss cover and moss thickness and decreased with increasing dead bamboo density. We propose that removal of dead bamboo and controlling grazing activities may accelerate the process of bamboo regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]