# Extremely limited spatial and temporal utilization for wild Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis)

## TL;DR

Chinese alligators have very limited movement and habitat use in nature reserves, mostly due to unsuitable forestland and climate.

## Contribution

The study quantifies the restricted spatial and temporal utilization of Chinese alligators in a nature reserve and evaluates habitat suitability.

## Key findings

- Chinese alligators have an average annual home range of 74,150 ± 73,470 m².
- Only 4.62% of the study area is considered high-suitability habitat for Chinese alligators.
- Peak utilization of habitat occurs between June and August for some individuals.

## Abstract

Habitat adaptation critically influences relocation success in endangered reptiles. Forestland is the dominant landscape in most of the nature reserves that are used for the relocation of the Chinese alligator. To evaluate habitat suitability and utilization, we analysed movement rates and home range of Chinese alligators within a core habitat of the nature reserve, concurrently assessing habitat suitability and carrying capacity. Results indicate severely restricted annual home ranges (average 7.415 ± 7.347 × 104 m2 per alligator) and limited seasonal activity (March–October), with peak utilization confined to June–August in some individuals. Forestland cover significantly impeded the movement of Chinese alligators, and only 4.62% of the study area qualified as high-suitability habitat, supporting a carrying capacity of 147 individual Chinese alligators. Unsuitable habitat and climate drastically reduced the spatial and temporal utilization of the habitat. Conservation strategies should prioritize enhancing habitat quality and addressing the survival requirements and migration patterns of the Chinese alligator during the active period within nature reserves.