ESR 55:83-92 (2024)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01356

ABSTRACT: Understanding microhabitat use and selection by terrestrial animals and their driving factors is one of the major tasks in ecology and conservation biology. Many habitat selection studies do not differentiate habitat characteristics between core (the key protection area of a national nature reserve) and non-core (the buffer zone and experimental zone of the reserve) areas, relying instead on presence/absence data. In this study, we compared microhabitat characteristics between core and non-core areas of François’ langur Trachypithecus francoisi in the Mayanghe National Nature Reserve, southwestern China. Using a resource selection function (RSF), we systematically surveyed 20 transects, establishing 228 tree quadrats (162 in the core area and 66 in the non-core area). The collected data included topographic, anthropogenic, and vegetation-related variables. The results indicate that quadrats in core areas had higher elevations and greater distances from roads, rivers, settlements, and agricultural land compared to those in non-core areas. Moreover, we found that elevation, distance to rivers, distance to roads, tree quantity, and tree diameter at breast height are key factors driving microhabitat selection by François’ langur. The findings highlight the importance of prioritizing high-elevation areas that are far from roads to improve habitat management and restoration for this species. This study enhances our understanding of habitat selection and contributes to current population conservation efforts.

KEY WORDS: Microhabitat use and selection · François’ langur · RSF · Resource selection function · Mayanghe National Nature Reserve

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Cite this article as: Han J, Zou Q, Dong B (2024) Microhabitat selection by François’ langur Trachypithecus francoisi in Mayanghe National Nature Reserve, China. Endang Species Res 55:83-92. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01356 Export citation Share:    Facebook - - linkedIn