The Spatial Relationship Between Two Sympatric Pheasant Species and Various Human Disturbance Activities

Area of Science:

• Wildlife Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Behavioral Ecology

Background:

• Nature reserves face challenges managing human activity and habitat loss.
• Understanding wildlife coexistence with anthropogenic disturbances is crucial for effective conservation.
• Previous research on large terrestrial birds primarily focused on livestock, neglecting other human impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the spatiotemporal responses of Reeves's pheasant and Koklass pheasant to human activities, livestock, and domestic dogs.
• To analyze how these species coexist in human-impacted environments within a Chinese nature reserve.
• To provide data for optimizing reserve management strategies, including core and buffer zones.

Main Methods:

• A 19-month survey using camera traps in Anhui Tianma National Nature Reserve, China.
• Occupancy modeling to assess species distribution in relation to disturbances.
• Daytime activity rhythm analysis to understand temporal adjustments.

Main Results:

• Human disturbance activities showed a non-significant impact on the distribution of Reeves's pheasant and Koklass pheasant.
• Both pheasant species altered their activity times to avoid human, livestock, and dog presence in high-disturbance areas.
• Species demonstrated behavioral plasticity in response to anthropogenic pressures.

Conclusions:

• Conservation planning should consider species' temporal adjustments to human activities.
• Re-evaluating core and buffer zones within reserves can enhance protection.
• Effective conservation strategies can balance wildlife protection with sustainable human presence.