Zhang Minghai

Spatial Distribution of Ungulate Responses to Habitat Factors in Wandashan Forest Region, Northeastern China

Abstract

Co-management: Transformation of community affair model in Chinese nature reserves

This article analyzes the application of co-management in establishing and zoning nature reserves, explains two types of participatory models, explains the main content and steps required to implement a co-management program, and suggests future direction of co-management. In China, great progress has been achieved since 1956 when the first nature reserve was established. However, conflicts between nature reserve officials and community members, and differences between conservation and utilization of natural resources suggest that the traditional community affair model is unfit to some degree. A more workable and economically sustainable model is recommended. Co-management appears to be the preferred management model. International conservation organizations have carried out projects in Chinese nature reserves in recent years, and co-management is thought to be an effective approach to resolve conflicts coming from community and to improve nature reserves management.

Habitat selection by wapiti (Cervus elaphus xanthopygus) in Wandashan Mountains, China, based on habitat availability

Abstract In 2004 and 2005, we studied winter habitat use and selection by wapiti in Wandashan Mountains, Heilongjiang Province, China. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS), we measured habitat availability in terms of the area of each habitat category in the study area. We compared winter habitats used by wapiti and their availability. The results showed that the habitats used by wapiti were disproportional to their availability. Wapiti preferred clear-cuttings, low vegetation coverage (No. 2, 3 NDVI classes), 200–300 m elevation range, south aspect, and 600–700 m distance range away from roads. They also showed different preferences for feeding and resting. The feeding sites tended to be located at broad-leaved stands and clear-cuttings, No. 2, 3 NDVI classes, and south slope, whereas the bedding sites tended to be clear-cuttings, and No. 2, 3, 4 NDVI classes. Using the logistic regression model to predict the probability of habitat use by wapiti in winter, we found that the overall prediction accuracy was 74.4% for the total habitat samples, with 84.2% for the habitat samples used by wapiti and 62.4% for the control samples correctly predicted by using this model.