Abstract
Sichuan sika deer and livestock are sympatric species, the uncontrolled number of livestock increases the life pressure of Sichuan sika deer. This work investigated microhabitat characteristics at 173 sites from May to September 2011 to improve the understanding of microhabitat utilize relationship between the two species at the Tiebu Nature Reserve. The current study indicated that Sichuan sika deer preferred to hide in the forest habitat and forage in pasture and shrub patch, while livestock use pasture more frequently. Compared to Sichuan sika deer, the pasture faraway from forest edge being used more frequently by livestock. However. The overlap of forage habitats is still evident, especially in pastures that close to the forests. Based on these findings, the current investigation provided a method to manage livestock, which could relieve competition and could protect Sichuan sika deer efficiently.
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FUNDING
This study was supported by Key Fund Project of Sichuan Provincial Education Department (18ZA0543), Special Fund of Yibin University (2017RC04).
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Zhao, C., Shi, Q., Li, Y.H. et al. Habitat Use of Sichuan Sika Deer and Livestock in Tiebu Nature Reserve, Implications for Conservation and Management. Russ J Ecol 51, 181–187 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1067413620020149
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1067413620020149