Wang, G., Wang, C., Guo, Z., Dai, L., Wu, Y., Liu, H., Li, Y., Chen,
H., Zhang, Y., Zhao, Y. and Cheng, H., 2020. A multiscale approach to
identifying spatiotemporal pattern of habitat selection for red-crowned
cranes. Science of The Total Environment, p.139980. (丹顶鹤)
Effective conservation measures largely depend on knowledge of
habitat selection of target species. Little is known about the scale
characteristics and temporal rhythm of habitat selection of the
endangered red-crowned crane, limiting the habitat conservation. Here,
two red-crowned cranes were tracked with Global position system (GPS)
for two years in Yancheng National Nature Reserve (YNNR). A multiscale
approach was developed to identify the spatiotemporal pattern of habitat
selection of red-crowned cranes. The results revealed that Red-crowned
cranes preferred to select Scirpus mariqueter, ponds, Suaeda salsa, and
Phragmites australis, and avoid Spartina alterniflora. In each season,
habitat selection ratio for Scirpus mariqueter and ponds was the highest
during the day and night, respectively. Further multiscale analysis
showed that the percent coverage of Scirpus mariqueter at the 200-m to
500-m scale was the most important predictor for all habitat selection
modeling, emphasizing the importance of restoring a large area of
Scirpus mariqueter habitat for red-crowned crane population restoration.
Additionally, other variables affect habitat selection at different
scales, and their contributions vary with seasonal and circadian rhythm.
Furthermore, habitat suitability was mapped to provide a direct basis
for habitat management. The suitable area of daytime and nighttime
habitat accounted for 5.4%–19.0% and 4.6%–10.2% of the study area,
respectively, implying the urgency of restoration. The study highlighted
the scale and temporal rhythms of habitat selection for various
endangered species that depend on small habitats. The proposed
multiscale approach applies to the restoration and management of
habitats of various endangered species.