Potential ecological habitat of Muntiacus crinifrons within National Nature Reserve of Mount Tianmu，Zhejiang Province

Key words: 
• zoology /
• National Nature Reserve of Mount Tianmu /
• black muntjac（Muntiacus crinifrons） /
• habitat utilization /
• suitability evaluation

Abstract: To provide guidance for the ecological habitat protection of Muntiacus crinifrons（black muntjac）， habitat suitability was evaluated in the 9.23 km2 study area in National Nature Reserve of Mount Tianmu. Lifestyle habits of black muntjac and analysis of four important living conditions：vegetation，terrain，distance to water sources，and human disturbance，were conducted. Natural environmental conditions of Mount Tianmu during the four seasons were used to determine evaluation criteria and analytical methods for suitability in an ideal habitat. Results showed that，due an unreasonable distribution of mao bamboo and the coniferous forest，as well as intense human disturbances in the 800－1 000 m altitude range，the potential suitable habitat of black muntjac was 3.212 km2 （34.8%） of the study area，less suitable habitat was 3.022 2 km2（32.7%），and unsuitable habitat was 2.992 2 km2 （32.5%）. Thus，within National Nature Reserve of Mount Tianmm，control of human interference on upper slopes needed strengthening with a stronger link to potential suitable habitats for black muntjac through ecological greenway development as well as conversion of less suitable to suitable habitat.［Ch，2 fig. 5 tab. 26 ref.］