# Species Identification and Spatial Diversity Patterns of the Giant Panda National Park (GPNP) in Chengdu, Sichuan, China

## TL;DR

This study examines biodiversity patterns in the Giant Panda National Park in China, finding higher species diversity in central regions and suggesting the need for improved habitat connectivity.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into spatial diversity patterns and conservation strategies for the Giant Panda National Park in Chengdu.

## Key findings

- Central regions like Dujiangyan Shi and Chongzhou Shi show higher α-diversity.
- Species turnover is the main driver of faunal heterogeneity among regions.
- The study emphasizes the need for coordinated conservation and ecological corridors.

## Abstract

Elucidating the spatial patterns of biodiversity and their driving mechanisms is crucial for predicting the impacts of environmental changes and informing conservation and management efforts. This study investigated the spatial distribution patterns of species in the Chengdu section of the Giant Panda National Park (GPNP), located in the western part of Sichuan Province, China, which provides a wide range of suitable habitats for diverse species and biotic communities. Species trace points data derived from the 4th National Survey on Giant Pandas were used to analyze the diversity and composition of mammals and gallinaceous birds among the five regions. The results indicated that the central regions comprising Dujiangyan Shi (DJYS), Chongzhou Shi (CZS), and Dayi Xian (DYX) exhibited higher α‐diversity, whereas Qionglai Shi (QLS) and Pengzhou Shi (PZS) presented lower values across most indices, a pattern that was consistent with expectations of the mid‐domain effect. However, Pielou's evenness index showed no significant differences among regions. β‐diversity analysis revealed that species turnover was the dominant factor contributing to faunal heterogeneity among regions, with nestedness playing a relatively minor role. These findings highlight the necessity for coordinated conservation among the five regions within the Chengdu section of the GPNP, with a particular focus on improving habitat connectivity and establishing species dispersal corridors to maintain biodiversity. The study provides valuable insights for the development of targeted conservation strategies and the establishment of a long‐term biodiversity monitoring system, which will enhance the ecological sustainability of the GPNP and contribute to the protection of isolated giant panda populations and their sympatric species.

This study investigates the spatial distribution patterns of species in the Chengdu section of the Giant Panda National Park (GPNP) in China, focusing on mammals and gallinaceous birds. The results show that central regions like Dujiangyan Shi and Chongzhou Shi exhibit higher species diversity, while peripheral regions like Pengzhou Shi and Qionglai Shi have lower diversity. The findings highlight the importance of enhancing habitat connectivity and establishing ecological corridors to support biodiversity conservation in the GPNP.