Study On Rhinopithecus Roxellana's Habitat Evaluation And Conservation Strategy

The object of this reaserch is Rhinopithecus roxellan. Based on field survey and data collections, the characteristics of Rhinopithecus roxellana's living condition was revealed by analyzing the natural surroundings and protection of its habitat. Evaluation was made upon Rhinopithecus roxellana's habitats in Shennongjia Forest Region and Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve with the assistance of hierarchy analysis and Geographic Information System software like MapInfo. According to the current status of Rhinopithecus roxellana protection zone construction, the following protection suggestions and measures are put forward:1. According to the analysis made in the aspect of distributing elevation, Rhinopithecus roxellana normally lives in the area within the elevation of 900-3400m. The vertical range of its activity is about 1500-3400m.As to the vegetation type in its habitat, Rhinopithecus roxellana mostly lives in mixed forests of evergreen and defoliation broad-leaved trees, defoliation broad-leaved forests, mixed forests of conifers and broad-leaved trees, as well as conifer forests in sub-alpine area.2. Rhinopithecus roxellana mainly depends on vegetarian as food, including plant leaves, flowers, fruits, tender cortexes and seeds. It is obviously choosy in food selection, with some kinds of plants as its favorite and consistent food all year round. The types and parts of plants that Rhinopithecus roxellana takes as food vary in different seasons.3. From the evaluation made upon Rhinopithecus roxellana's habitat in Shennongjia Forest Region in Hubei Proince and Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve in Shaanxi Province, the results are obtained as follows:(1) In Shennongjia Forest Region, most suitable area for Rhinopithecus roxellana habitat takes 8.93% of the whole area, while suitable area 55.46%, less suitable area 33.54%, and unsuitable area 2.07%. From the distribution figure of different grades of Rhinopithecus roxellana habita in this region, we find that the most suitable and suitable areas mainly locate in southwestern part of the region, while the unsuitable area mainly in the northeast. (2) In Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve, the most suitable area for Rhinopithecus roxellana habitat takes 21.75% of the whole area, while suitable area 55.99%, less suitable area 17.71%, and unsuitable area 5.55%.The total percentage of most suitable and suitable area is 76.74%.4. At present, among 22 Rhinopithecus roxellana distributing locations, only Wenchuan in Sichuan Province has the population of around 4,000. Locations that have population of over 500 take 59% of the total distributing locations, while locations with population of 100-200 take 41%. these figures indicate that the populations of all Rhinopithecus roxellana groups in China are now in the lowest sustainable living condition. Among those groups with population of over 500, 83% are in protection areas, with most of their population in an increasing or stable status.5. By the end of 2005,47 nature reserves (or appearing areas) of Rhinopithecus roxellana have been established in China, covering a total area of 2,310,800 hectares. The result of investigations shows that around 21% of Rhinopithecus roxellana nature reserves possessed good infrastructure and administration systems which are playing a good role in protection, while 43% could only do some regular protection for lack of construction and managing fund. The rest 36% were newly established ones which are still at a starting stage and need support from the government.6. Protection strategy and suggestions(1) More investigations should be made on the geographical distribution of Rhinopithecus roxellana to get a clear understanding of their existing quantity and living circumstances. More attention to and strengthen the protection of Rhinopithecus roxellana habitat, especially their habitat vegetation and their favorite plants for food.(2) Public education of Rhinopithecus roxellana protection should be reinforced through TV, newspaper, radio broadcasting etc., so as to expand the range of education and enhance public awareness nationwide. The protection of three types of Rhinopithecus roxellana should be regarded as important as the protection of giant panda.(3) The construction of Rhinopithecus roxellana nature reserves should be improved by increasing investment and doing more scientific researches. More emphasis should be put on systematic construction so that the protection reserves can work more efficient.More protection areas should be set up and more necessary corridors should be built among protection areas.(4) The problems of population increase, society, economy and energy in the distribution area of Rhinopithecus roxellana should be solved. The "Wildlife Protection Law"and "Forest Protection Law" should be strengthened to prevent poaching, stealthy disafforestation, illegal wildlife trade.