Winter movements and habitat use by Cabot's Tragopans <i>Tragopan caboti</i> in southeastern China

Abstract

The endangered Cabot's Tragopan Tragopan caboti is endemic to the lower montane forests of southeastern China. Three individuals in Wuyanling Natural Reserve were radiotracked over the winter of 1987/88 to study their movements and habitat use. Home ranges varied from 2.9 to 20.0 ha, declining in size in December. Marked individuals used areas with thick undergrowth, a greater percentage of bare ground, proximity to water sources and a gentle slope. Also selected were areas containing an abundance of fallen nuts of Lithocarpus sp., Cyclobalanopsis (= Quercus) sp. and the seed capsules of Schima superba. The tree Daphniphyllum macropodum was important for roosting and the leaves and fruits were eaten. Conservation of the Cabot's Tragopan will depend on protection of its remaining forest habitat, including habitat management to ensure the continued availability of the essential habitat features identified in this study.