<p>Habitat fragmentation is a major limiting factor for the population growth of the critically endangered wild Chinese alligator (<i>Alligator sinensis</i>). Based on occurrence records in the Xuancheng area, we employed the Maximum Entropy (Maxent) model to evaluate habitat suitability, incorporating both natural environmental variables and anthropogenic disturbance variables. Habitat suitability was classified into four levels to delineate potential habitat areas, within which source habitats were subsequently identified. Based on the contribution rates of environmental variables in the Maxent model, resistance factors were selected to construct a landscape resistance surface. Subsequently, circuit theory was employed to identify ecological corridors and establish a habitat network for the wild Chinese alligator in the Xuancheng area. Our findings indicate that suitable habitats for the wild Chinese alligator are predominantly distributed in the central and northern regions of the study area, primarily at elevations ranging from 0 to 200&#xa0;m. These habitats are characterized by proximity to water bodies, high vegetation cover, and limited disturbance from major roads. Notably, Langxi County and Guangde City demonstrated the highest levels of habitat suitability. We delineated 16 source habitats, encompassing a total area of 203.47&#xa0;km², with Langxi County containing the largest patch area. Additionally, 26 ecological corridors were identified, and Guangde City hosts the highest number of corridors. Based on the constructed habitat network in the Xuancheng area, the following recommendations were made: (1) The areas that are now suitable habitats for the survival of the wild Chinese alligator were categorized into three categories: plain polder areas, hilly and valley areas, and reservoir-adjacent areas. (2) Ecological corridors can be strategically planned within plain areas to connect nearby water bodies and wetland habitats. Enhancing vegetation coverage along corridor edges to improve environmental concealment. By establishing a theoretical framework for habitat selection and ecological corridor design, this study aims to optimize habitat suitability and connectivity for the wild Chinese alligator, thereby supporting species recovery efforts and contributing to the long-term conservation of this critically endangered reptile.</p>

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How to construct a habitat network of wild Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis)? a case study of the Xuancheng area, China

  • Yingying Jin,
  • Jialong Xu,
  • Yan Zhang,
  • Yiyan Sun,
  • Yuan Wang,
  • Fang Zhang

摘要

Habitat fragmentation is a major limiting factor for the population growth of the critically endangered wild Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis). Based on occurrence records in the Xuancheng area, we employed the Maximum Entropy (Maxent) model to evaluate habitat suitability, incorporating both natural environmental variables and anthropogenic disturbance variables. Habitat suitability was classified into four levels to delineate potential habitat areas, within which source habitats were subsequently identified. Based on the contribution rates of environmental variables in the Maxent model, resistance factors were selected to construct a landscape resistance surface. Subsequently, circuit theory was employed to identify ecological corridors and establish a habitat network for the wild Chinese alligator in the Xuancheng area. Our findings indicate that suitable habitats for the wild Chinese alligator are predominantly distributed in the central and northern regions of the study area, primarily at elevations ranging from 0 to 200 m. These habitats are characterized by proximity to water bodies, high vegetation cover, and limited disturbance from major roads. Notably, Langxi County and Guangde City demonstrated the highest levels of habitat suitability. We delineated 16 source habitats, encompassing a total area of 203.47 km², with Langxi County containing the largest patch area. Additionally, 26 ecological corridors were identified, and Guangde City hosts the highest number of corridors. Based on the constructed habitat network in the Xuancheng area, the following recommendations were made: (1) The areas that are now suitable habitats for the survival of the wild Chinese alligator were categorized into three categories: plain polder areas, hilly and valley areas, and reservoir-adjacent areas. (2) Ecological corridors can be strategically planned within plain areas to connect nearby water bodies and wetland habitats. Enhancing vegetation coverage along corridor edges to improve environmental concealment. By establishing a theoretical framework for habitat selection and ecological corridor design, this study aims to optimize habitat suitability and connectivity for the wild Chinese alligator, thereby supporting species recovery efforts and contributing to the long-term conservation of this critically endangered reptile.