Abstract:
Objectives This study conducts a habitat suitability assessment for the black muntjac (Muntiacus crinifrons) within the Longquan Area of Baishanzu National Park, aiming to provide a scientific basis for formulating targeted conservation strategies for both the species and its habitat.
Methods Using the site data obtained through infrared camera monitoring technology and combining seven environmental variables such as elevation, distance to roads, and distance to settlements, the MaxEnt model was employed to evaluate and analyze the habitat suitability of the black muntjac in the Longquan Area of Baisanzu National Park.
Results The results indicated that the MaxEnt model could accurately predict the spatial distribution of the black muntjac's habitat suitability. High-suitability habitats for the black muntjac were mainly distributed among the foothills of Huangmao Peak, Fengyang Peak, Shaoxiang Rock, and Tiangong Mountain, as well as within the high-elevation arbor forests within the area. The total area of high-suitability zones was 54.54 km2, accounting for 21.90% of the total park area. The factor variable contribution analysis showed that the distance to settlements, elevation, aspect, and distance to roads were 50.9%, 24.1%, 10.7%, and 7.2%, respectively.
Conclusions For broad-leaved forests and mixed coniferous-broad-leaved forests situated above 800 m in elevation and on slopes ranging from 15° to 30°, it is recommended to implement measures such as overall forest tending, strip thinning of the shrub layer, and targeted supplemental planting of forage species for black muntjac. Concurrently, evergreen broad-leaved forest restoration should be implemented for existing coniferous stands. Future conservation interventions should prioritize the gradual development of structurally stable, high-quality black muntjac habitats characterized by sustained food provisioning across various elevational gradients.
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