The Winter Habitat Selection Of Red Panda (Ailurus Fulgens) In The Meigu Dafengding National Nature Reserve, China

The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is a scarcely known threatened mammal in Asia. Habitat fragmentation, poaching and human disturbance are the main threats currently faced by red pandas throughout their distribution range. We studied the habitat selection of the red panda in the Meigu Dafengding National Nature Reserve (MDNNR) in the Hengduan Mountains of China between December 2006 and February 2007. Our survey confirmed red panda presence in most of the MDNNR and also that they select a specific habitat type based on micro-habitats. The red pandas preferred mixed broadleaved and coniferous forest habitat with bamboo understorey, as bamboo was their main source of food. They preferred habitats with more than 45 degrees slope and avoided habitats with 15-30 degrees slope. They also preferred the southern aspect and avoided the northeast-facing aspect. We found that most red panda sign was close to a water resource. There are more than 10 villages in the Reserve and the villagers depend directly or indirectly on the Reserve for their livelihood. Livestock grazing, human disturbances, poaching, illegal wood and other forest product collection for local use or commercial purposes are all exerting pressure on the area. Our study on the habitat selection of the red panda for the winter season in the MDNNR will be helpful for further understanding of the ecology and also help to the government to devise a conservation strategy and habitat conservation planning for the Reserve.