A study of habitat selection by plateau zokor in paddocks with different grazing intensities in the eastern Qilian Mountain region

doi:10.11686/cyxb2015234

Abstract

Abstract: The objective of this study was to analyze the habitat selection and habitat characteristics of plateau zokor (Eospalax baileyi) in paddocks with different grazing intensities in the eastern Qilian Mountain region, in order to provide scientific information for controlling plateau zokor and conserving biodiversity in alpine meadows. Four paddocks with different grazing intensities were selected to investigate the zokor population density and habitat characteristics, including soil compaction and bulk density (g/cm³), vegetation botanical composition, plant species richness, aboveground plant biomass, and palatable forage biomass. A multiple regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between the plateau zokor population density and habitat characters. The zokor population density was highest in paddocks with the highest grazing intensity, and lowest in ungrazed paddocks (P>0.05). The zokor population density had a significant negative correlation with soil compaction (P<0.05) and a non-significant negative correlation with soil bulk density and aboveground plant biomass (P>0.05). The multiple regression for the relation between plateau zokor density and soil compaction, forb biomass, grass biomass, plants richness indicated that soil compaction was the dominant factor that influenced the plateau zokor habitat selection.

CHU Bin, HUA Li-Min, ZHOU Yan-Shan, LIU Li, LI Shuai. A study of habitat selection by plateau zokor in paddocks with different grazing intensities in the eastern Qilian Mountain region[J]. Acta Prataculturae Sinica, 2016, 25(1): 179-186.

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