Protecting Migration Corridors Challenges and Optimism for Mongolian Saiga 英文参考文献.docVIP

Perspective Protecting Migration Corridors: Challenges and Optimism for Mongolian Saiga Joel Berger, Julie K. Young , Kim Murray Berger * M igrations are an important ecological phenomena rapidly declining throughout the world [1]. Within many ungulate populations, migration is a polymorphic trait; animals can cover either long or short distances, pass across broad swaths of land such as those of caribou (Rangifer tarandus) and wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), or squeeze through bottlenecks as narrow as 120 meters as described for pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) [2,3]. Given that the persistence of terrestrial migration is challenged primarily by anthropogenic forces, protection is often possible, assuming the availability of appropriate knowledge concerning movements, threats, and meta-population structure, and the willingness to implement coincident conservation actions that involve local decision makers. Here, we illustrate these issues by profiling an endangered species—the Mongolian saiga (Saiga tatarica mongolica; Figure 1), highlighting the importance of protecting movement routes in light of habitat, human culture, and other sources of population risk. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0060165.g001 Figure 1. Mongolian Saiga (Saiga tatarica mongolica) Juvenile Mongolian saiga female within the Sharga Nature Reserve. Over-harvesting, poaching for horns, and habitat degradation are among the threats facing this endangered migratory species. remain within Mongolia, totaling approximately 5,000 individuals [7]. Recent anti-poaching efforts may halt these downward trends, but protection from threats other than poaching has been hampered by a lack of knowledge about movements and locations at which to focus conservation efforts. Thus, information on migration routes and potential impediments to movement may reduce the loss of corridors and facilitate saiga persistence before saiga populations reach perilously low numbers. and Huysiyn Govi subpopulations. The corridor