神农架林区不同海拔梯度下鸟类生态廊道的识别与构建OA

[Objective]This study aims to identify spatial distribution characteristics of avian ecological corridors across altitude gradients in the Shennongjia Forest Area,elucidate vertical connectivity in mountain ecosystems,and provide a scientific basis for bird diversity conservation and ecological networking.[Method]Yellow-breasted Bunting(Emberiza aureola)at low altitudes,Reeves's Pheasant(Syrmaticus reevesii)at mid altitudes,and Red-billed Leiothrix(Leiothrix lutea)at high altitudes are selected as focus species.The MaxEnt model is employed to identify ecological sources,and a three-dimensional resistance surface is constructed to extract potential ecological corridors using the Linkage Mapper tool.[Result]1)Ecological corridor distribution differs among species.Ecological corridors for E.aureola are mainly along water systems and open areas;corridors for S.reevesii are most distributed in valleys and forest edges;and corridors for L.lutea go largely alongside ridgelines and continuous forest belts;2)Within the ecotone at the altitude of 1 000-1 500 m,corridors for E.aureola and S.reevesii spatially overlap,whereas high-altitude corridors for L.lutea seat above this zone;and 3)Existing natural protected areas are largely located in forests at mid-and high-altitude,but most low-altitude ecological sources and corridors are situated outside nature reserves.[Conclusion]Avian ecological corridors exhibit distinct altitude gradients,while the ecotone at 1 000-1 500 m serves as a critical hub for mountain vertical connectivity.It is proposed to integrate the identification and protection of cross-altitudinal ecotones into regional ecological planning,implement habitat zoning conservation for birds,and establish priority conservation areas centered on ecotones,establish priority conservation areas within the avian ecological network with ecotones as the core,and foster synergistic development between corridor networks and natural protected area systems through addressing low-altitude conservation gaps.