Studies On Current Status Of Amur Tiger's Prey Population Resources And Habitat Use Of Amur Tiger In Wandan Mountains Of Heilongjiang Province

Three main Amur tiger's prey species: wild boar (5ms scrofa), red deer (Cervus elaphus) and roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) were investigated from January, 2002 to March,2004 in the Wandashan Mountains, which is the main Amur tiger population distribution region in northeastern China. On the basis of the stratification sampling principle, we surveyed 53 pots using big-plot sample method. The total sampling areas was 557.7 km~2, accounting for 10.34% of the total study area. With appliance of geographic information system, the global position system and multivariable statistical analysis, the population density of the main prey of Amur tiger were analyzed. Based on the population density of Amur tiger's main prey population, the preliminary study of Amur tiger habitat use was carried our. The results of our research were as followed:1) Our research results suggested that the current distribution situation of three Amur tiger's prey and high population densities were coincided with the high occurrence frequency situation of the Amur tiger. In addition, the highest mean population density of the three prey of Amur tiger is roe deer (0.4980 ± 0.0436 individuals /km~2). Second is wild boar (0.3423±0.0275individuals/km~2). The least is red deer (0.2010±0.0270 individuals /km~2). Compared the population density of Amur tiger's main prey in the same vegetation type: only the density between wild and red deer is significant different in the mixed coniferous and broadleaf stands;while, in the mixed broadleaf stand and shrubs and shaw stands, the different of density between any two of the three main prey population is significant. The comparative results of the population density of the same Amur tiger's main prey in different vegetation type show that there are significant different only in density of wild pig population between mixed coniferous and broadleaf stands and mixed broadleaf stands. Spearman Rank correlation showed positive correlations between the population density of red deer and wild boar.2) The mean annual decreasing ratio of red deer, rod deer and wild boar is 13.48%, 12.69% and 1.89% respectively in this region from 1989 to 2002.3) Compared the plots which were separated into two groups by absence and presence of Amur tiger trances observed. The density of Amur tiger's main prey population, the distance from road, the road density and the vegetation type have a distinct effect on the habitat use of Amur tiger. Based on prey population of Amur tiger, the distance from road and the vegetation type, this research established a Logistic model, which could better discriminate Amur tiger's . frequency of habitat use. According to this model, a raster layer was produced through the spatial analysis of GIS, which can reveal habitat suitability of Amur tiger in study area. From the result, we can know that: only 11.63% area was suitable Amur tiger habitat in study area, 39.61% area was- unsuitable Amur tiger habitat;48.76% area was slight habitat Amur tigerhabitat.Consequently, we should take some measures to protect and recover ungulate population timely in order to conserve the endangered Amur tigers' population.