Utilization Patterns and Optimization Suggestions for Wildlife Passages in Xinjiang Nature Reserves

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Wildlife Management

Background:

• Linear infrastructure expansion poses a significant threat to biodiversity.
• Regional studies on spatial variations and multispecies research are needed for effective conservation.
• Wildlife passages are critical for mitigating habitat fragmentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey and monitor wildlife passages in eight nature reserves in Xinjiang.
• To evaluate passage construction, utilization patterns, and influencing factors.
• To provide optimization recommendations for wildlife passage management.

Main Methods:

• Field surveys and monitoring of wildlife passages across eight nature reserves.
• Recording wildlife species utilizing passages (32 species observed: 13 birds, 19 mammals).
• Analyzing factors influencing passage utilization, including seasonality, diurnal variations, human activity, and infrastructure density.

Main Results:

• Dedicated wildlife passages are scarce, with many reserves relying on repurposed water culverts and bridges.
• Ungulates (bharal, gazelle, wild ass, camel) showed high passage utilization.
• Passage use varied seasonally (lowest in winter, peak in summer/autumn) and diurnally (highest at night).
• Bird passage utilization peaked during migratory seasons (April).
• Human activity intensity and linear infrastructure density significantly constrained passage utilization.
• Passage type, size, and proximity to water were critical factors.

Conclusions:

• Enhancing the construction of dedicated wildlife passages is strongly recommended, especially in smaller reserves.
• Passage design and management must consider seasonal and diurnal variations, minimizing human disturbance during peak wildlife movement times (night, dawn, dusk).
• Optimizing passage layout, increasing passage density, and improving ecological functionality are key strategies for facilitating wildlife movement and conserving biodiversity in Xinjiang.