Preliminary Investigation into the Activity Patterns and Displacement Distances of the Chinese Giant Salamander(Andrias davidianus)
The Chinese giant salamander(Andrias davidianus),an endemic,rare,and endangered amphibian spe-cies in China,is experiencing a severe decline in its wild population due to critical habitat degradation and loss.To gain insight into the activity patterns of this species,stream-walking surveys and radio telemetry were em-ployed in a preliminary investigation of its activity characteristics.The findings suggest that:① the linear migra-tion distance of A.davidianus averaged 182.73+42.9(SE)m,with no evidence of substantial long-distance migra-tion;② a unimodal nocturnal activity rhythm was observed,with peak activity occurring between 21:00 and 23:00 hours;③ the Andrias davidianus were active in water depths ranging from 5 to 60 cm and at flow rates not excee-ding 0.14 m/s,with a significant positive correlation identified between body length and both water depth and flow rate at the locations of activity.This study offers an initial elucidation of the nocturnal activity patterns and habitat preferences of the Chinese giant salamander(Andrias davidianus),providing essential scientific data for the con-servation and restoration efforts within protected areas.
Andrias davidianusHunan Zhangjiajie Giant Salamander National Nature Reserveactivity rhythmshabitat utilization
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万方数据
