Extremely limited spatial and temporal utilization for wild Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis)

Habitat adaptation critically influences relocation success in endangered reptiles. Forestland is the dominant landscape in most of the nature reserves that are used for the relocation of the Chinese alligator. To evaluate habitat suitability and utilization, we analysed movement rates and home range of Chinese alligators within a core habitat of the nature reserve, concurrently assessing habitat suitability and carrying capacity. Results indicate severely restricted annual home ranges (average 7.415 ± 7.347 × 10⁴ m² per alligator) and limited seasonal activity (March-October), with peak utilization confined to June-August in some individuals. Forestland cover significantly impeded the movement of Chinese alligators, and only 4.62% of the study area qualified as high-suitability habitat, supporting a carrying capacity of 147 individual Chinese alligators. Unsuitable habitat and climate drastically reduced the spatial and temporal utilization of the habitat. Conservation strategies should prioritize enhancing habitat quality and addressing the survival requirements and migration patterns of the Chinese alligator during the active period within nature reserves.