Abstract:
Napahai Wetland is one of the most important wintering sites of
Grus nigricollis. Studying the landscape dynamics is essential for the conservation and management of this endangered species. Based on China HJ-1A satellite images, using RS, GIS and landscape ecology analytic approach, we analyzed the seasonal landscape dynamics of Napahai Wetland in winter of 2009. The non-wetland landscape types including farmland, grassland, was stable in winter, however, the wetland landscape types including water body, marshes, wet meadows, and pig-digging patches, changed dramatically. Water bodies and marshes continued to decrease, wet meadows and pig-digging patches, by contrast, continued to increase through the winter. The Ponor drainage was the main factor driving the change of landscape. This progress can transform water body into marshes and increase suitable habitats of
G.
nigricollis. Pig digging could significantly accelerate the drying of marshes and decreased suitable habitats of
G.
nigricollis. Our research shows that pig farming can cause serious damage to the marshes and have negative effect to the survival of
G.
nigricollis. We suggest the local government take grazing control and reduce the damages of
Sus spp. to the wetland.