An assessment and protective strategy of black muntjac(Muntiacus crinifrons)habitat in Zhejiang Province
浙江黑麂栖息地评价及保护对策

Habitat degradation and loss has been widely recognised as the main cause of wildlife population decline. Habitat assessment can provide essential information for wildlife refuge design and management. In this paper, we made a systematical study on the black muntjac distribution, habitat quality and spatial pattern. Fistly, we identified the main factors that influence the black muntjac habitat quality, and set up the habitat assessment criteria. Then we digitized the vegetation map, topographic map, river map, road map and village map by geographical information system(GIS). Thirdly, the habitat distribution and habitat quality were assessed based on the combination of vegetation, elevation, river system and impact of human activities. The result showed that the potential habitat for black muntjac covered an area of 3172.6hm~2, and 501.5 hm~2 habitat were lost due to the disturbance of human activity in Jiulong Mountain Nature Reserve. The present suitable habitat was 2671.1 hm~2, mostly distributed in Shangliaokeng, Jiulongshan, Neibeiping, Waijiulong and Dayanqian. In Gutian Mountain Nature Reserve, the potential habitat for black muntjac covered an area of 4635.75 hm~2, and 1118.11 hm~2 habitat were lost due to the disturbance of human activities. The prensent suitable habitat was 3517.64 hm~2, mostly distributed in Qingjian, Gutianshan, Qiaoguanjian and Cuidingjian. At present, the habitat of the black muntjac in two Reserves has been separated and became into habitat patches. It faces big threat from human activities, especially tourism development. Suggestion on habitat conservation has been put forward in this paper.