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Dryad

Data from: Utilization patterns and optimization suggestions for wildlife passages in Xinjiang nature reserves

Data files

Sep 05, 2024 version files 105.98 KB

Abstract

The expansion of linear infrastructure significantly threatens biodiversity, necessitating comprehensive multi-species research and studies on regional differences. We surveyed and monitored wildlife passages in eight nature reserves in Xinjiang, assessing their construction status, utilization patterns, and key factors influencing utilization rates, and proposing optimization suggestions. Our results showed that dedicated wildlife passages were rare, except in large reserves, which mostly relied on small bridges and culverts for water passage. Strengthening passage construction in these areas is recommended. We recorded 32 wildlife species, including 13 bird species and 19 mammal species. The relative abundance index of Cetartiodactyla and Perissodactyla, such as bharal, goitered gazelle, and Asian wild ass, was notably high. Utilization rates of passages were lowest in winter, increased in spring, and peaked in summer and autumn. In July, all monitoring sites showed positive selection, indicating a universal trend. Passage utilization rates were significantly higher at night. At sunrise, 86.96% of monitoring sites showed positive selection, while at sunset, 91.30% did. Seasonal variations and time differences should be considered in passage design and management, particularly by reducing human activities during nighttime and dawn/dusk periods to improve utilization and protect wildlife migration and survival needs. The density of linear infrastructure and human activity intensity were the main factors influencing utilization rates. Lower infrastructure density leads to higher utilization rates, while high-intensity human activity areas, due to more food resources and reduced interspecific competition, increase utilization rates. Minimizing habitat fragmentation and strengthening passage construction and management in high human activity areas is suggested. Our study emphasizes tailored passage design and management based on species-specific and seasonal behaviors, contributing to better conservation practices and policies. These findings can be applied to other regions, offering principles in conservation biology to reduce habitat fragmentation and strategically place passages to facilitate wildlife movement and survival.