The Study Of Differences In Habitat Selection Among Rhinopithecus Roxellana In The North Slope Of Qinling Mountains

Habitat is the main place for animals to survive and breed. Meanwhile, it plays an important role on animal groups. GPS collar technology, direct behavioral observations and quadrat sampling methods were used to investigate different habitat choices of Rhinopithecus roxellana on the northern slope of Qinling Mountains (Shaanxi Province, China) in summer and winter months. We investigated different habitats including the key factors of habitats, cluster degree of value of main food, the tree canopy size and the species and quantity of vine which attached to the tree. By the means of the comparison between different habitats of Rhinopithecus roxellana, we learn the characteristics and differences among different utilization habitats. The results show that:In summer, plant diversity (PD), main food diversity (MFD), the cluster degree of main food and the tree canopy size in high utilization area are all significantly greater than that in moderate utilization area and non-utilized area; in winter, plant diversity (PD), food diversity (FD), main food diversity (MFD) in high utilization area, moderate utilization area and non-utilized area show a increasing tendency. Meanwhile, the cluster degree of main food and the tree canopy size in high utilization area are both significantly greater than that in moderate utilization area and non-utilized area. By the investigation and study on habitat of Rhinopithecus roxellana on the northern slope of Qinling Mountain, we can provide basic data for the further study on ecology of Rhinopithecus roxellana, as well as, scientific data for protecting golden snub-nosed golden and their habitats.By using quadrat sampling methods to investigate different utilization areas of Rhinopithecus roxellana, we can draw the conclusions:first, Rhinopithecus roxellana on the northern slope of Qinling Mountain prefer to use the areas with high concentration of plants species and cluster degree of main food in the summer; in the winter, they prefer to use the areas in which the concentrations of plants and cluster degree of main food were the highest; Second, irrespective of summer or winter,cluster degree of main food in high utilization area was higher than in the moderate use area and the non-utilized area; Third, irrespective of summer or winter, the tree canopy size in high utilization area was higher than in the moderate use area and the non-utilized area.