Page 1 of 14
European Journal of Applied Sciences – Vol. 10, No. 5
Publication Date: October 25, 2022
DOI:10.14738/aivp.105.13231. Altigani, L. A. A., Bu, S., Adam, A. M. A., Si, K., Wu, X., Li, G., & Song, H. (2022). Competence Between Endangered Wild Animals: an
Example of Takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) and Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). European Journal of Applied Sciences, 10(5).
390-403.
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
Competence Between Endangered Wild Animals: an Example of
Takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) and Panda (Ailuropoda
melanoleuca)
Latifa A. A. Altigani
Department of Wildlife, Faculty of Forestry Sciences
University of Zalingei, Zalingei, Sudan
Shuhai Bu
College of Life Science, Northwest Agricultural &
Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
A. M. A. Adam
Department of Wildlife, Faculty of Forestry Sciences
University of Zalingei, Zalingei, Sudan
Kaichang Si
Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve Adminitration
Zhouzhi, Shaanxi, 712100, China
Xun-tao Wu
Taibai Mountain National Nature Reserve Adminitration
Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
Guochun Li
College of Life Science, Northwest Agricultural &
Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
Huadong Song
College of Life Science, Northwest Agricultural &
Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted in tow locations are: (1) Taibai Mountain natural reserve
(107°22’-107°51’E and 33°49’-34°05’N) and (2) Zhouzhi natural reserve (108° 14′-
108° 18′ E, 33° 45′-33° 50′ N). To examine and analyze the impact of Golden takin
behavior on the Giant panda activity in winter habitat and analyze their
interactions at Taibai Mountain and Zhouzhi natural reserve. For habitat survey,
randomly walked within the study areas with different vegetation types to search
for signs of each species. The presence of Golden takin and Giant panda was
identified based on their fresh droppings. Once fresh droppings were found and a
sampling plot of 20 m x 20 m was established and centered on the droppings
location. Two (2 m × 10 m) were set at different locations within the 20 m × 20 m
Page 2 of 14
391
Altigani, L. A. A., Bu, S., Adam, A. M. A., Si, K., Wu, X., Li, G., & Song, H. (2022). Competence Between Endangered Wild Animals: an Example of
Takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) and Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). European Journal of Applied Sciences, 10(5). 390-403.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.105.13231
plot, and observations were made according to the type of habitats including type
of trees, bamboo type, bamboo cover, bamboo density, canopy, shrub cover and
herb cover. At Taibai Mountain, a total of 12 infrared cameras were placed on tree
stems at 1 m height, the laying density of cameras is 4 sets / km2 and other 20
infrared cameras were mounted at Guangtoushan in Zhouzhi natural reserve,to
monitor Golden takin and Giant panda movement. Camera traps data were collected
every three months depending on the status of battery and the weather conditions.
Takin displayed the highest peak activity at periods of 16:00-18:00 pm (48.03%)
and 16:00-18:00 pm (39.29%) in 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, respectively, while for
Panda the highest peaks of activity were recorded at periods of 14:00-16:00 pm
(24.58%) and 12:00-14:00 pm (26.13%) in 2013-2014 and 2014-2015,
respectively. At Zhouzhi natural reserve, Takin showed also highest peak of activity
at periods of 16:00-18:00 pm (23.48%) and 16:00-18:00 pm (38.48%) in 2014-2015
and 2015-2016, respectively, whereas the highest peak activity for Panda were
recorded at periods of 12:00-14:00 pm (19.15%) and 12:00-14:00 pm (18.22%) in
2014-2015 and 2015-2016, respectively.
Key Words: Taibai Mountain, Zhouzhi Nature Reserve, Gaint Panda, Golden Takin,
Camera trap
INTRODUCTION
Technologies such as camera-trapping are particularly important in the case of studying the
highly threatened species [1]. Camera traps are increasingly being used to study wildlife
behavior such as foraging [2], daily activity patterns [3], movement [4], and conducting
population estimations, as well as interspecific niche partitioning and overlap [5]. Important
indicators can derive from camera trapping data including species diversity, relative abundance
of species, wildlife activity patterns and population density estimates [6]. The technique has
also been the subject of many other scientific papers since the beginning of the 21st century,
revealing more about the ecology of rare, nocturnal animals, as well as those highly sensitive to
the presence of humans or those living in large home ranges [7].
Several previous studies reported the use of camera traps in many species, including jaguar
(Panthera onca) populations in Bolivia [8] ; [9], Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) in Brazil [11],
Bobcat (Lynx rufus) in Texas, USA [13], Snow leopard (Uncia uncia) in India [10] and in the
Muzat Valley of Xinjiang, China [12]. The species of similar body size and foraging strategies,
interactions may lower the fitness of at least one species in the dyad [14]
Takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) and Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) are two endangered
mammals, and occur sympatrically throughout the southern part of the Qinling Mountains in
China The sympatric species usually have similar life history traits [15]. Panda sharing habitat
distribution with large mammal species such as Takin (Budorcas taxicolor) whose the
populations number is higher [14]. Panda belong to order Carnivora, with bamboos
constituting more than 99 % of their annual diet in the wild [17]. Although, the same habitat
share by Takin, Takin is an endemic subspecies inhabiting forests and alpine meadows [16],
and feeding on various species of plant including moss, fern, herb, shrub, and tree [19]. The diet
of Takin can vary over the seasons, and contains primarily of twigs, young stems, leaves of
plants and also includes bamboo leaves and shoots [18]. Panda and Takin may compete for
Page 3 of 14
392
European Journal of Applied Sciences (EJAS) Vol. 10, Issue 5, October-2022
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
similar food resources during some stages of their life histories (such as bamboo in winter)
[15].
Previous studies showed that Pandas in Qinling Mountains moved to low elevation in winter
and high elevation in summer [20], especially at Guangtoushan in Foping nature reserve,
however, our previous investigations explored that Panda still stay at high elevation areas in
some parts of Taibai Mountain and Guangtoushan in winter for short distance migration. Hence,
the aim is to examine the interactions between two sympatric species Takin (with large-body
size) and Panda; monitoring focusing on study the impact of Takin behavior on the Panda
activity in the high elevation in winter habitat with bamboo (Fargesia qinlingensis) stand areas.
Those reserves are important for Giant Panda conservation, as well as for other wild animals.
Through monitoring of these wild animals, also expecting these to provide useful information
and help to understand the ecological relationship between Panda and other species sharing
the same habitats for more conservation.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Study area
The study was conducted in tow locations are: (1) Taibai Mountain natural reserve (107°22’-
107°51’E and 33°49’-34°05’N) , covering an area of 56325 hectares. Taibai Mountain is the
highest mountain in the Qinling range of eastern mainland of China, with an elevation ranging
from 1060 to 3767.2 m above the sea level. The annual average of temperature varies from 11.0
°C (1250 m) to 1.1 °C (3250 m) [21], the mean annual precipitation is 751.8 mm (Fig.1). The
vegetation types are mixed coniferous and coniferous forest. (2) Zhouzhi natural reserve (108°
14′-108° 18′ E, 33° 45′-33° 50′ N). It covers an area of 56,393 hectares, with an elevation of
1400-2996 m. The area’s climate is moist and rainy with a short summer, a long winter, and
average temperature is about 7oC, annual precipitation range between 600 - 1100 mm. The
vegetation area consist of mixed coniferous broad-leaf forest and conifer (Fig.1).
Fig.1: The geographic location of Taibai and Zhouzhi natural reserve of Shaanxi Province, China
Page 4 of 14
393
Altigani, L. A. A., Bu, S., Adam, A. M. A., Si, K., Wu, X., Li, G., & Song, H. (2022). Competence Between Endangered Wild Animals: an Example of
Takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) and Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). European Journal of Applied Sciences, 10(5). 390-403.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.105.13231
Winter habitat survey
Reference [22] pointed that Golden takin and Giant panda feces deposition is an effective
indicator of their activity abundances and their habitat utilization. For habitat survey, randomly
walked within the study areas with different vegetation types to search for signs of each species.
The presence of Golden takin and Giant panda was identified based on their fresh droppings.
Once fresh droppings were found and a sampling plot of 20 m x 20 m was established and
centered on the droppings location. Two (2 m × 10 m) were set at different locations within the
20 m × 20 m plot, and observations were made according to the type of habitat including type
of trees, bamboo type, bamboo cover, bamboo density, canopy, shrub cover and herb cover.
Camera trapping
Golden takin and Giant panda are difficult to observe directly in the field, so in the two study
areas selected locations including animal traces (feces, footprints, feeding traces etc.) and
animal trails. At Taibai Mountain, around the Bingling Gou valley, a total of 12 infrared camera
traps were placed on tree stems at 1 m height at an elevation varying from 2100 to 2600 m, on
terrain types such as mountain ridges, the stream and slopes, the laying density of cameras are
4 sets / km2 to monitor Golden takin and Giant panda movement. At Zhouzhi natural reserve,
20 infrared cameras were placed at Guangtoushan at an altitude varying from 2400 to 2800 m
and at a height of approximately 1 m above ground, and fixed the cameras randomly by select
the specific positions of camera sites to optimize viewing angle from the tree on which they
were mounted.
Camera traps data were collected every three months depending on the status of battery and
the weather conditions, and analyzed two years data collected between October of 2013-2014
to March of 2014-2015 at Taibai Mountain, and October of 2014-2015 to March of 2015-2016
at Zhouzhi natural reserve. In this study, camera, Ltl Acorn-6210MC was used and set to operate
for 24hrs with a 20s delay between sequential photographs, date and temperature for each
exposure. All photo captures were identified by scientific names and entered into an Excel
spreadsheet with the camera location, altitude, temperature and date of capture. Repeated
captures which clearly show the same individual appearing during a continuous time period
were removed [23]; [24].
Data analysis
Relative abundance (RA)
Abundance relative calculated of all relative abundance (RA) for Takin and Panda, using
formula (1):
RA = Ai/N x 100 (i= 1–2) (1)
Where Ai is the total number of captures of a species by all cameras, N represents the total
number of captures for all species detected during the study period. First and second year RAI
was calculated separately.
Monthly relative abundance (MRA)
The number of captures were summarized and calculated monthly relative abundance (MRA)
for Takin and Panda, respectively. Using the following formula (2):
MRA= Mi/N x 100 (i= 1–5) (2)
Page 5 of 14
394
European Journal of Applied Sciences (EJAS) Vol. 10, Issue 5, October-2022
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
Where Mi represents to the total number of captures of all species detected in each month, N is
the total number of captures for all species in two years.
Time-period relative abundance (TRA)
The daily activity patterns of Takin and Panda were determined using the time-period relative
abundance (TRA). We divided 24 hrs of the day divided into 12 periods of 2 hrs, each and
calculated [20]. Using formula below (3):
TRA = Tij/Ni x 100 (i=1–2; j=1–12) (3)
Where Tij represent the number of captures of a species in one of 12 time periods, Ni is the total
number of captures of the species over all time periods.
Measurement of the interactions
Relationship between Takin and Panda was evaluated during winter season. Therefore, to
measure and understand the interaction among these species may using the same food
resources and same altitude movement in winter. The altitude was categorized in each year
per100 m interval. At Taibai Mountain 5 differents altitude were categorized (2100-2200 =
altitude 1, 2200-2300 = altitude 2, 2300-2400 = altitude 3, 2400-2500 = altitude 4, 2500-2600
= altitude 5), at Zhouzhi Nature Reserve 4 differents altitude were categorized (2400-2500 =
altitude 1, 2500-2600 = altitude 2, 2600-2700 = altitude 3, 2700-2800 = altitude 4), the 24 hrs
divided into 4 period of times per day (i.e., 00:00-6:00 = time 1, 6:00-12:00 = time 2, 12:00-
18:00 = time 3, 18:00-00:00 = time 4). Then standardized comparison for two years together in
each area on the interaction between Takin and Panda using the mean of
year*time*animal*altitude.
We compared whether there is interactions or not, existed among altitude movement and
activity time of Takin and Panda, and among the same species in different years in each areas.
RESULTS
Relative abundance
During the two years of 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, a total of 18 species were detected at 12
infrared camera trap sites at Taibai Mountain, while in 2014-2015 and 2015-2016, at Zhouzhi
natural reserve a total of 22 species were detected at the 20 infrared camera trap. The detected
species included Blood Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus), Tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus),
Weasel (Mustela nivalis) and Wild boar (Sus scrofa), at Taibai Mountain. Black bear (Ursus),
Blood Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus), Leopard cat (Felis bengalensis) and Wild boar (Sus scrofa)
at Zhouzhi Nature Reserve.
At Taibai Mountains, Takin displayed relative abundance of 81.59% and 75.90%, whereas
Panda showed relative abundance of 15.04% and 10.17% in 2013-2014 and 2014-2015,
respectively (Fig.2a). However, at Zhouzhi natural reserve, Takin showed a relative abundance
of 62.49% and 29.39%, while 17.58 % and 18.75% were recorded for Panda in 2014-2015 and
2015-2016, respectively (Fig. 2b). The results demonstrated that Takin was the most abundant
in the two areas and other species were less abundant. The differences in relative abundance
between the first and second year showed temporal changes in the relative abundance of the
two species.
Page 6 of 14
395
Altigani, L. A. A., Bu, S., Adam, A. M. A., Si, K., Wu, X., Li, G., & Song, H. (2022). Competence Between Endangered Wild Animals: an Example of
Takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) and Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). European Journal of Applied Sciences, 10(5). 390-403.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.105.13231
Fig.2: Relative abundance of Takin and Panda detected by infrared camera-traps during winter
in Shaanxi Province, China. A: Taibai Mountain, B: Zhouzhi Natural Reserve.
Takin and Panda monthly relative abundance pattern
At Taibai Mountains, the highest monthly relative abundance in the first and second year were
recorded in December, and the lowest in October for Takin (Fig.3a), while Panda showed
highest monthly relative abundance in the first and second year in January and November and
the lowest in October (Fig.3b). At Zhouzhi natural reserve, Takin showed highest monthly
relative abundance in November and January, and the lowest in February and March (Fig.3c),
whereas Panda exhibited highest monthly relative abundance in October and November with
the lowest in January and March (Fig.3d). ). These results indicated that the two species were
more active in December and January perhaps of the sheer scarcity of food because of its snow
cover and inactive in March.
Fig.3: Monthly relative abundance of Takin and Panda detected by infrared cameras during
winter in Shaanxi Province, China. A: Takin, B: Panda at Taibai Mountain, C: Takin, D: Panda at
Zhouzhi Natural Reserve
Page 7 of 14
396
European Journal of Applied Sciences (EJAS) Vol. 10, Issue 5, October-2022
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
Daily activity patterns for Takin and Panda
The time-period relative abundance (TRA) gives insight into daily activity patterns of the Panda
and Takin (Fig. 4). At Taibai Mountain, Takin displayed the highest peak activity at periods of
16:00-18:00 pm (48.03%) and 16:00-18:00 pm (39.29%) in 2013-2014 and 2014-2015,
respectively, while for Panda the highest peaks of activity were recorded at periods of 14:00-
16:00 pm (24.58%) and 12:00-14:00 pm (26.13%) in 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, respectively.
At Zhouzhi natural reserve, Takin showed also highest peak of activity at periods of 16:00-18:00
pm (23.48%) and 16:00-18:00 pm (38.48%) in 2014-2015 and 2015-2016, respectively,
whereas the highest peak activity for Panda were recorded at periods of 12:00-14:00 pm
(19.15%) and 12:00-14:00 pm (18.22%) in 2014-2015 and 2015-2016, respectively. Each of
Takin and Panda displayed similar daily activity patterns during the two years. Although, Takin
and Panda did not share the same activity peaks, all of them showed movement at daytime,
which may indicate the longtime spending search for food.
Fig. 4: Daily activity of Takin and Panda detected by infrared cameras during winter in Shaanxi
Province, China. A: Takin, B: Panda at Taibai Mountain, C: Takin, D: Panda at Zhouzhi Nature
Reserve
The food composition of Takin and Panda
All observations and characteristics of habitat are relevant to Takin and Panda habitat,
including altitude, vegetation type, bamboo type, bamboo cover, bamboo density, canopy, shrub
cover and herb cover. Takin and Panda environmental habitat was characterized by various
types of trees, shrubs, herbs and bamboos (Table 1). The main types of trees are Abies fargesii,
Betula albosinensis and Betula platyphylla, with a mean height of 8.833 m. Rubus idaeus, Berberis
thunbergii and Rosa multiflora were the main shrubs displaying lower coverage ranging from
(2-35%), with herb layer of less than 30%. Bamboos in high density of 53.40 /m2 and a cover
ranging from (12- 64%), were categorized into annual, biennial, perennial and flowering
bamboos, representing (9.34, 1.10, 25.77 and 63.79%), respectively. The average mean of
bamboo height was 2.46 m (Table 2).
Page 8 of 14
397
Altigani, L. A. A., Bu, S., Adam, A. M. A., Si, K., Wu, X., Li, G., & Song, H. (2022). Competence Between Endangered Wild Animals: an Example of
Takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) and Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). European Journal of Applied Sciences, 10(5). 390-403.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.105.13231
In general, Panda droppings were found in habitat with taller and shorter bamboo, and less
herb cover, indicating that Panda feeds mainly on bamboo. The shoot leftover in Panda habitat
showed that Panda gives some preference to bamboo shoot. Takin droppings were found in
habitat characterized with shorter bamboo and herb cover, indicating that Takin feeds basically
depend on bamboo leaf and herb. The observation of droppings of Takin in the plots indicates
that Takin moves in group.
The photo captured at Tabai Mountain and Zhouzhi natural reserve showed that at the
beginning of winter Takin was found feed on herbs, shrubs and bamboo leaf during October to
November, and from November to March Takin was feeding mainly on bamboo leaf, bamboo
shoots and bamboo branches may due to the density of snow cover, while Panda was feed on
bamboo (Table 3).
Table.1: the characteristics of bamboo forest and vegetation preferences according to photos
observed in winter
Plant Type
Trees Abies fargesii, Betula albosinensis, Betula plaphylla
Shrubs Rubus idaeus, Berberis thunbergii, Rosa multiflora
Herbs Carex lanceolata, Cardamine macrophylla
Bamboos Annual bamboo, Biennial bamboo, Perennial bamboo, Flowering bamboo
Table.2: Tree proportion
Variables Mean ± S E & proportions
Bamboo height(m) 2.462 ± 0.659
Bamboo density(m2) 53.404±20.113
Bamboo cover (%) 12 – 62
Tree height (m) 8.833 ± 3.176
Tree size (cm) 16.412 ± 9.349
Slope (%) 15.33±4.10
Canopy (%) 26 - 58
Shrub cover (%) 2 – 35
Herbs cover (%) < 30
Annual bamboo proportion (%) 9.34
Biennial bamboo proportion (%) 1.1
Perennial bamboo proportion (%) 25.77
Flowering bamboo proportion (%) 63.79
Page 9 of 14
398
European Journal of Applied Sciences (EJAS) Vol. 10, Issue 5, October-2022
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
Table 3: Takin and Panda monthly relative abundance pattern
Plant type Month
Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar
Herbs T T – – – T
Shrubs T T – – – T
Grass T T – – – T
Willow (Salicaceae) T T T – – T
Cedar (Pinaceae) T T – – – T
Legumes (Fabaceae) T T T – – T
Bamboo shoots T,P T,P T,P T,P T,P T,P
Bamboo leafs T,P T,P T,P T,P T,P T,P
Bamboo branches T,P T,P T,P T,P T,P T,P
Bamboo stems P P P P P P
The interaction between Takin and Panda
The results exposed that, Takin and Panda played similar roles in their elevation movement,
the interaction results are presented in (Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) separately. At Taibai mountains, the
two species showed significant preference to altitude 3 (2300-2400) in the two years, while
they were disjointed during the time movement, Takin showed activity on time movement 3
(12:00-18:00 pm) in the two years, while Panda showed different time movement in two years,
in first year (2013-2014), Panda showed activity on time movement 4 (18:00-00:00 pm) and
time 3 (12:00-18:00 pm) in the second year (2014-2015), (Fig. 5). At Zhouzhi natural reserve
the result showed very high preference to altitude 3 (2600-2700) for Takin and Panda in two
years, while played different on time movement. First and second years Takin showed the same
activity on time movement 3 (12:00-18:00 pm), while Panda exhibited different preference on
day activity movement, first year (2014-2015), showed high preference to time movement 4
(18:00-00:00 pm) and time movement 3 (12:00-18:00 pm) in the second year (2015-2016)
(Fig. 6). Takin and Panda showed different between the species abundance in the two years in
each area, at the same altitude in different time movement, this showed that no interaction was
recorded between Takin and Panda.
Fig. 5: The measure of interactions between Takin and Panda by comparisons four factors
(year*time*animal*altitude), 1,2,3,4,5 present the altitudes and T1, T2,T3,T4 present the four
times, at Taibai Mountain: Year 1= 2013-2014, Year 2= 2014-2015. T= time
Page 10 of 14
399
Altigani, L. A. A., Bu, S., Adam, A. M. A., Si, K., Wu, X., Li, G., & Song, H. (2022). Competence Between Endangered Wild Animals: an Example of
Takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) and Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). European Journal of Applied Sciences, 10(5). 390-403.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.105.13231
Fig. 6: The measure of interactions between Takin and Panda by comparisons four factors
(year*time*animal*altitude), 1,2,3,4 present the Altitudes and T1, T2, T3, T4 present the four
times, Zhouzhi natural reserve: Year 1= 2014-2015, Year 2= 2015-2016. T= time
DISCUSSION
A lot of researches and studies were conducted on these two species Takin and Panda activity
patterns, but this study presented a new information and data about their activity patterns and
their interaction through camera trapping data analysis at Taibai Mountain and Zhouzhi natural
reserve. The study explored that, Takin and Panda habitat has the same environmental
conditions which consist of many species covering the feeding needs of Takin and Panda
including the mutual benefits in winter, both feed mainly on bamboo with Takin move through
bamboo eating the bamboo leafs, branchs, leaves at the same time opening corridors for Panda
to move through it to feed; this perhaps shows cooperation between the two species sharing
the same food resource. References [25] and [26], approved that, habitat separation is the most
common form of niche partitioning and contributes to multiple-species coexistence.
In the first months of winter at Taibai Mountain and Zhouzhi natural reserve, Takin was found
feed on different types of plants, from November to March of winter mainly was depended on
bamboo. Rference [15] that, reported Golden takin has different diet includes bamboo, herbs,
shrubs and young trees, and preferring higher herb cover and shorter bamboo, whereas Panda
preference gentler slopes and dense bamboo forests.
In the two years, in two different environmental areas of study discovered that Panda and Takin
mainly depend on bamboo in winter, In the absence of bamboo shoots and tender bamboo
leaves in winter, the starch content and soluble sugar content in bamboo pole reach the highest
concentration in the year, at this time Panda start eating bamboo poles, and Takin also eat
bamboo poles and bamboo leaves, the intestinal microbes in the two species are different,
therefore, occurs different in food niche. References [14] and [27] identical to the same results,
[29], reported that Golden Takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi), Serow (Capricornis
sumatraensis) and Goral (Naemorhedus goral) consumed quite volumes of bamboo leaves
Page 11 of 14
400
European Journal of Applied Sciences (EJAS) Vol. 10, Issue 5, October-2022
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
yearly, especial in spring, early summer and winter, comparing to our results we found that
Takin feeding mainly on bamboo during winter.
In the two areas Panda was found staying at high elevation in winter for short distance
migration, and the two species displayed the same altitudinal movement, with Panda moving
at higher altitude, while Takin had large space movement.
However the study reveal significant different between the species abundance in the two years
in each area, may due to cold weather or movement of animal to different habitats. Also there
was significant preference to altitude (2300-2400) at Taibai and (2600-2700) at Zhouzhi for
two species in different time movement, both species were fed on the same food resource in
same area at same altitude but in different time movement, this can make co-existence among
them more than avoiding each other. The explanation of the avoidance of Golden takin was
examine the most possible factor to reduce of Giant pandas abundance in Tangjiahe Nature
Reserve [21]. Reference [14] stated that contrast postulated Giant pandas were negatively
affected by Takin. also [14], found no evidence for avoidance of Golden takin by giant pandas.
This run with the same result clarify that no interactions between Takin and Panda in the two
areas.
Takin and Panda at Tabai Mountain and Zhouzhi natural reserve. RA, MRA and TRA were
applied to give a relative to whole activity patterns. Takin was the most abundant species
estimated over the two years, and others species including Panda showed differences in their
relative abundances. In the two years in each study area, Takin and Panda displayed a
decreasing trend. [28] reported activity patterns and seasonal differences of six ungulate
species with Takin displaying the highest RA of 28.02%.
The study approved that Takins are the most dominant ungulate species in the southern slope
of the Qinling Mountains. Monthly relative abundance index of Takin and Panda were found in
the early months of winter in the two areas. October and March indicated the lowest activity
patterns for both species, which may be related to the movement of Takin and Panda to
different habitats, while exhibited highest activity patterns in November at Zhouzhi natural
reserve. [28] reported the seasonal activity patterns of six ungulates in Qinling Mountains, the
month activity of golden takin was reported to be lowest in February and March and highest in
June and July. As well as at Taibai October indicated the lowest activity for both species, and the
highest activity patterns in November, December and January.
Two years of study clarified that Takin and Panda were active at the day time, At Taibai
Mountain, Takin displayed highest activity movement at periods of 16:00-18:00 pm (43.66%),
while the highest activity movement of Panda were recorded at periods of 14:00-16:00 pm
(24.58%) and 12:00-14:00 pm (26.13%). Takin and Panda had highest activity movement
during the day time could be due to searching food.
At Zhouzhi natural reserve, Takin showed also highest activity movement at periods of 16:00-
18:00 pm 30.98%, whereas the highest peak activity for Panda were recorded at period of
12:00-14:00 pm (18.70%). Each of Takin and Panda displayed similar daily activity patterns
during the two years. Although, Takin and Panda did not share the same activity peaks all were
Page 12 of 14
401
Altigani, L. A. A., Bu, S., Adam, A. M. A., Si, K., Wu, X., Li, G., & Song, H. (2022). Competence Between Endangered Wild Animals: an Example of
Takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) and Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). European Journal of Applied Sciences, 10(5). 390-403.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.105.13231
showed movement at daytime. [18] reported the activity of four Takins traced using radio
telemetry in Foping natural reserve in spring, and was found to be concentrated at 6:00-8:00,
10:00-12:00 and 18:00-20:00. Daily activity pattern with an active peak at 16:00-20:00 was
reported for Takin in Guanyingshan natural reserve [28].
We found that Takin and Panda starting their movement in the mid of the daytime (12:00 pm),
this behavior could be due to cold weather on the top of mountain in winter. The movement
patterns of wildlife animals may lead to greater understanding of how animals interact with
their surrounding habitat. Although, the study provides snapshot of an important set of
ecological indicators appearing in relative abundance, daily activity patterns, abundance
estimates and interaction.
For Takin and Panda at Taibai Mountain and Zhouzhi natural reserve, the information derived
from the developed indices will be useful for conservation of Takin and Panda at Taibai
Mountain and Zhouzhi natural reserve and also in the Qinling Mountains. As camera trapping
efforts continue, we can monitor those indices and observe the changes year by year, the habitat
distribution, overlapping in bamboo use. Also differences in body size and weight between
Takin and Panda it will be necessary to conduct a further investigation on Takin behavior
impact to Panda activity.
Furthermore, the study can be a complementary to previous findings for understanding the
activity patterns and interactions between species living in Qinling Mountain.
CONCLUSION
The developed of three abundance, activity patterns and interaction showed Takin was the
most abundance species in the two areas. The two species (Takin and Panda) had different in
relative abundance in the two years in each area, both species were moved at the same altitude
in different time movement. Takin and Panda shared similar food resources in winter in two
years, mainly depend on bamboo, but in the absence of bamboo shoots and tender bamboo
leaves in winter, Takin and Panda both eat bamboo poles. This study offer complete research
and detailed information about Takin and Panda habitats at Taibai Mountain and Zhouzhi
natural reserve.
However, those reserves are important for the conservation management and monitoring of
the two endangered species (Takin, Panda) in the Qinling Mountains.
References
[1] Juan PCB, Oscar GG, Eduardo M (2014). Density, abundance and activity patterns of the endangered Tapirus
bairdii in one of its last strongholds in southern Mexico, Tropical Conservation Science 7:100-114.
[2] Otani T (2001). Measuring fig foraging frequency of the Yakushima macaque by using automatic cameras,
Ecological Research 16:49-54.
[3] Tan CL, Yang Y, Niu K (2013). Into the night: camera traps reveal nocturnal activity in a presumptive diurnal
primate, Rhinopithecus brelichi, Primates 54:1-6.
[4] Ford AT, Clevenger AP, Bennett A (2009). Comparison of methods of monitoring wildlife crossing structures
on highways, Journal of Wildlife Management 73:1213-1222.
Page 13 of 14
402
European Journal of Applied Sciences (EJAS) Vol. 10, Issue 5, October-2022
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
[5] Noss AJ, Gardner B, Maffei L, Cuéllar E, Montaño R, Romero-Muñoz A, Sollman R, O’Connell AF (2012).
Comparison of density estimation methods for mammal populations with camera traps in the Kaa-lya del Gran
Chaco landscape, Animal Conservation 15:157-535.
[6] Rovero F, Zimmermann F, Berzi D, Meek P (2013). “Which camera trap type and how many do I need?” A
review of camera features and study designs for a range of wildlife research applications, Hystrix (the Italian
Journal of Mammalogy) 24:148-156.
[7] Franck T, Marie-Claude H, Cédric V, Alain H (2014). Use of camera traps for wildlife studies. A review, Journal
of Biotechnol Agronomy Society and Environment 18:446-454.
[8] Wallace RB, Gomez H, Ayala G, Espinoza F (2003). Camera trapping for jaguar (Panthera onca) in the Tuichi
valley, Bolivia. Mastozoología Neotropical, Journal Neotropical mammal 10:133-139.
[9] Silver SC, Ostro LET, Marsh L, Maffei L, Noss AJ, Kelly MJ, Wallace RB, Gomez H, Ayala G (2004). The use of
camera traps for estimating jaguar Panthera onca abundance and density using capture/recapture analysis, Oryx
38:148-154.
[10] Jackson RM, Roe JD, Wangchuk R, Hunter DO (2006). Estimating snow leopard population abundance using
photography and capture–recapture techniques, Wildlife Society Bulletin 34:772-781.
[11] Trolle M and Kery M (2003). Estimation of ocelot density in the Pantanal using capture-recapture analysis of
camera-trapping data, Journal of Mammal 84:607-614.
[12] Ma M, Xu F, Chundawat RS, Jumabay K, Wu YQ, Ai ZZ, Zhu MH (2006). Camera trapping of snow leopards for
the photo capture rate and population size in the Muzat Valley of Tianshan Mountains, Acta Zoologica Sinica
52:788-793.
[13] Heilbrun RD, Silvy NJ, Peterson MJ, Tewes ME (2006). Estimating bobcat abundance using automatically
triggered cameras, Wildlife Society Bulletin 34:69-73.
[14] Fang W, William JM, Dajun W, Sheng L (2015). Shared resources between giant panda and sympatric wild
and domestic mammals, Biological Conservation 186:319-325.
[15] Wei W, Huang YY, Zhou H, Yuan SB, Zhou ZX, Nie YG, Zhang ZJ (2017). Microhabitat separation between
giant pandas and golden takin in the Qinling Mountains and implications for conservation. North-West, Journal of
Zoology e161701.
[16] Song Y, Yu Y, Gong H, Zhang S (1995). Habitat utilization of the golden takin during later autumn and early
winter in Foping Nature Reserve, Chinese Biodiversity 3:73-78.
[17] Wei FW, Feng ZJ, Wang ZW, Li M (1999). Feeding strategy and resource partitioning between giant and red
pandas, Mammalia 63:417-430.
[18] Zeng ZG, Song YL (2001). Daily activity rhythm and time budget of golden takin in spring and summer, Acta
Theriologica Sinica 21:7-13.
[19] Zeng, Z, Song Y, Zhong W, Gong H, Zhang J, Dang G (2001a). Food habits of golden takin. Chin, Journal of
Zoology 36:36-44 (In Chinese).
[20] Zhang ZJ, Sheppard JK, Swaisgood RR, Wang G, Nie YG, Wei W, Zhao NX, Wei FW (2014). Ecological scale and
seasonal heterogeneity in the spatial behaviors of giant pandas, Integrative Zoology 9:46-60.
[21] Tang, ZY and Fang JY (2006). Temperature variation along the northern and southern slopes of Mt. Taibai,
China, Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 139:200-207.
[22] Zhang ZJ, Zhan XJ, Li Y, Li M, Hu JC, Wei FW (2009). What determines selection and abandonment of a
foraging patch by wild giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in winter?, Environmental
Science and Pollution Research 6:79-84.
[23]Kawanishi K, Sahak AM, Sunquist M (1999). Preliminary analysis on abundance of large mammals at Sungai
Relau, Taman Negara, Journal of Wildlife Parks 17:62-82.
Page 14 of 14
403
Altigani, L. A. A., Bu, S., Adam, A. M. A., Si, K., Wu, X., Li, G., & Song, H. (2022). Competence Between Endangered Wild Animals: an Example of
Takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) and Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). European Journal of Applied Sciences, 10(5). 390-403.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.105.13231
[24] O’Brien TG, Kinnaird MF, Wibisono HT (2003). Crouching tigers, hidden prey: Sumatran tiger and prey
populations in a tropical forest landscape, Animal Conservation 6:131-139.
[25] Marsh ACW and Harris S (2000). Partitioning of woodland habitat resources by two sympatric species of
Apodemus: lessons for the conservation of the yellow-necked mouse (A. flavicollis) in Britain, Biological
Conservation 92:275-283.
[26] Sébastien S, Nicolas P, Cornelis N (2003). Winter habitat selection by two sympatric forest grouse in
western Switzerland: implications for conservation, Biological Conservation 112:373-382.
[27] Guan TP, Wang F, Li S, McShea WJ (2015). Nature reserve requirements for landscape-dependent ungulates:
The case of endangered takin (Budorcas taxicolor) in Southwestern China, Biological Conservation 182:63-71.
[28] Jia XD, Liu XH, Yang XZ, Wu PF, Songer M, Cai Q, He XB, Zhu Y (2014). Seasonal activity patterns of ungulates
in Qinling Mountains based on camera-trap data, Biodiversity Science 22:737-745.
[29] Gong M, Yang Z, Yang W, Song Y (2010). Giant panda habitat networks and conservation: is this species
adequately protected?, Wildlife Research 37:531-538.
[20] Liu XH, Wu PF, Songer M, Cai Q, He XB., Zhu, Y. Shao XM (2013). Monitoring wildlife abundance and diversity
with infra-red camera traps in Guanyinshan Nature Reserve of Shaanxi Province, China, Ecological indicators
33:12-128.
[21] Wan, Y.W., et al. (2005) The Factors Affect Stock Market Risk Premium. Journal of Financial Research, 12,
62-72.