Evaluation of potential habitat with an integrated analysis of a spatial conservation strategy for David’s deer, Elaphurus davidians

• DOI: 10.1007/s10661-008-0244-3
• Publication Date: 2008-04-11T06:49:08Z
• Authors: S. B. Fang; X. S. Zhang; X. B. Jia; S. Q. An; C. F. Zhou; C. Xu
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; China; Conservation of Natural Resources; Deer; Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law; 15. Life on land; Extinction, Biological; Satellite Communications; Pollution; Risk Assessment; 01 natural sciences; Article; Environmental Science(all); Wetlands; Geographic Information Systems; Animals; Humans; Ecosystem

How to assess the potential habitat integrating landscape dynamics and population research, how reintroduce animals habitats in environments highly human disturbed are still questions be answered conservation biology. According behavioral research on Elaphurus davidians, we have developed a suitability index risk evaluate for deer. With these indices, conducted two transect assessments gradient change of target region. Then, taking rivers as border lines, tabulated forest areas, high grassland area total then compared each subregion. Furthermore, computed land use transfer matrix whole Yancheng coast during 1987-2000. We also modified (HMI) six subregions. Lastly with geographical information system support obtained spatial distribution indices evaluation from neighborhood analysis. The assessment showed that coastal was higher than inland deer, while southern northern. Landscape metrics HMI analysis different patterns anthropogenic disturbance existed within region, increasing key factor causing pattern dynamics. there an estimated carrying capacity no more 10,000 David's deer reintroduction into natural area. Also strategy discussed. This integrated approach linked metrics, dataset scale; thus, it is likely useful protection other large animal by humans.