Abstract
The construction of burrow systems is one of the most important challenges for burrowing animals, especially during population reestablishment. Efficient use of the existing resources could help improve the survival chances. To explore the strategies burrowing animals take in using the burrow resources, we conducted monthly field monitoring of the four features (Active burrows (AcB), abandoned burrows (AbB), latrine pits (LP), and shallow duck holes (SDH)) of plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) burrow systems after population extermination. The results indicated that the existing burrows were largely utilized in rebuilding their new burrow systems. The use rates of the four features were in the order of AcBs > AbBs > LPs > SDHs. More energy-saving measures were taken in using the existing burrows during population reestablishment than in the undisturbed natural ecosystems, including higher maintenance rates, higher transformation rates to AcBs, lower disappearing rates and new adding rates, especially in short time intervals; and burrows at the early breeding season are used more stable than at other times. Our study has implications for the population reestablishment of endangered burrowing animals.
Published Version
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