Resource Density Research Articles

Comparison of home range size, habitat use and the influence of resource variations between two species of greater gliders (Petauroides minor and Petauroides volans).

Knowledge of the spatial requirements of a species is fundamental to understanding its environmental requirements. However, this can be challenging as the size of a species' home range can be influenced by ecological factors such as diet and size-dependent metabolic demands, as well as factors related to the quality of their habitat such as the density and distribution of resources needed for food and shelter. Until recently, the genus Petauroides was thought to include only a single species with a widespread distribution across eastern Australia. However, a recent study has provided genetic and morphological evidence supporting Petauroides minor as a distinct northern species. Previous studies have focused on the ecology of P. volans, but there has been inadequate research on P. minor. Data on home range and habitat use were obtained for both species using a combination of techniques including GPS collar locations, radiotelemetry, and spotlighting and comparisons were made using consistent methodology. Home range sizes of P. minor (4.79 ha ± 0.97 s.d., KUD .95) were significantly larger than those of P. volans (2.0 ha ± 0.42 s.d., KUD .95). There were no significant differences between male and female home range sizes in either species. Both species showed site-specific preferences for tree species and for larger diameter trees for both forage and shelter. Tree size and biomass/ha were significantly greater in the P. volans study sites than the P. minor study sites and there was a negative correlation between home range size and eucalypt biomass. Larger home range size is likely driven by the substantial differences in biomass between northern (tropical) and southern (temperate) eucalypt-dominated habitats affecting the quality and quantity of resources for food and shelter. Understanding landscape use and habitat requirements within each species of Petauroides can provide important information regarding limiting factors and in directing conservation and management planning.

Changes in solar resource intermittency and reliability under Australia’s future warmer climate

The dependency of photovoltaic (PV) power generation on meteorological parameters can impact power production due to weather-induced variability. During the day, fluctuations in radiation introduce intermittency in power generated, raising reliability and grid stability issues at higher penetration levels. Long-term future resource assessment provides an effective tool for estimating resource reliability and future intermittency essential for pre-feasibility site assessments around the world. Australia has high solar power capacity, with several solar farms in operational and developmental stage. Using Australia as a case study, this research aims to understand Australia's solar resource distribution and variability using regional climate model projections under a high emission scenario. Results indicate an abundance of solar resource power density in Australia, especially in the North (450-500Wm−2). The solar resource will be more reliable in Eastern Australia in the future with ∼ 5% increase in resource density. Results suggest reduction in intermittency (∼20-minute lull periods) in the East with increase in clear-sky days/year in the future (∼20 days/year). Resource assessment of Sun Cable and New England solar farm located in Australia, revealed the future scope of increase in clear-sky days at the sites. This long-term future solar variability analysis can help identify regions in Australia where PV systems will be least susceptible to losses due to intermittency. Furthermore, this study will help in critical decision-making processes like planning storage systems, site selection, opportunities to create hybrid solar farms with the co-existence of solar and wind technology, etc., to mitigate the risks associated with future intermittent PV power generation.

Local interactions affect spread of resource in a consumer-resource system with group defense

Integrodifference equations are a discrete-time spatially explicit model that describes the dispersal of ecological populations through space. This framework is useful to study spread dynamics of organisms and how ecological interactions can affect their spread. When studying interactions such as consumption, dispersal rates might vary with life cycle stage, such as in cases with dispersive juveniles and sessile adults. In the non-dispersive stage, resources may engage in group defense to protect themselves from consumption. These local nondispersive interactions may limit the number of dispersing recruits that are produced and therefore affect how fast populations can spread. We present a spatial consumer-resource system using an integrodifference framework with limited movement of their adult stages and group defense mechanisms in the resource population. We model group defense using a Type IV Holling functional response, which limits the survival of adult resource population and enhances juvenile consumer production. We find that high mortality levels for sessile adults can destabilize resource at carrying capacity. Furthermore, we find that at high resource densities, group defense leads to a slower local growth of resource in newly invaded regions due to intraspecific competition outweighing the effect of consumption on resource growth.

Integrating Social-Economic Approaches for Integrated Watershed Management and Coastal Area

Integrated watershed management is a holistic and sustainable approach in managing water resources and the environment associated with river flow. One of the important aspects in integrated watershed management is to pay attention to the socio-economic aspects of the people living around the river. In many places in Indonesia, watershed bears a heavy burden due to its high population density and intensive utilization of natural resources, leading to environmental degradation and a decline in watershed conditions. On the other hand, the demands on watershed to support livelihood systems, including community activities and fisheries from upstream to downstream, coastal areas, and the sea, are substantial. The purpose of the study was to identify the socio-economic situation of the community and how to manage the watershed with the approach of the socio-economic aspects of the community. The method used was Qualitative analysis with observation, deep interview, and questionary. The purpose of the study was to identify the socio-economic situation of the community and how to manage the watershed with the approach of the socio-economic aspects of the community. The method used was Qualitative analysis with observation, deep interview, and questionary. The results showed that education level in the upstream area is higher than the downstream area. The level of education, employment, and community income can affect their attitudes and participation in watershed management activities. Communities who have higher education, jobs related to watersheds and coastal areas, and adequate income tend to be more active and aware of maintaining the sustainability of watersheds and coastal areas.

Relationships between Fish Community Structure and Environmental Factors in the Nearshore Waters of Hainan Island, South China

The nearshore ecosystem of Hainan Island plays a crucial role as a breeding habitat for a wide variety of economically valuable fish species. Gaining insight into the structure of the fish community and the environmental factors that may impact them is highly significant in this marine region. This study collected fish data from 50 sampling sites using bottom trawling surveys. Methods including the swept area method, ecological indices, and abundance/biomass curve (ABC) analysis were employed to assess fish resource density and diversity. A comprehensive identification revealed a total of 363 fish species, encompassing 24 orders, 114 families, and 226 genera, with Perciformes being the dominant group. Spring exhibited higher fish abundance and biomass compared with autumn, with the southwestern waters as the primary concentration area. Acropoma japonicum, Decapterus maruadsi, and Navodon xanthopterus were dominant in spring, while Leiognathus bindus, Saurida tumbil, and Champsodon atridorsalis were dominant in autumn, indicating a seasonal shift towards smaller and lower-value fish species. A variability exceeding 80% was observed through SIMPER analysis, and a disrupted community structure was evident in the eastern and southern waters. Temperature and salinity were identified as primary environmental factors influencing the fish community. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the nearshore fish community of Hainan Island, aiding in the understanding of its structure and dynamics.

A telemetry study shows that an endangered nocturnal avian species roosts in extremely dry habitats to avoid predation

Describing animal space use is essential for understanding their ecological needs and for planning effective conservation schemes. Notably, certain biomes and life histories are understudied due to methodological challenges in tracking animals in their natural habitats. Specifically, both arid environments and nocturnal species are not sufficiently researched compared to diurnal species and to other biomes. This knowledge gap hinders our ability to properly prioritize habitats for species protection in areas undergoing human-related development. Here, we investigate the movement ecology of the Egyptian Nightjar (Caprimulgus aegyptius) in the arid Dead-sea region of Israel, the Palestinian Authority (the West Bank) and Jordan. This nocturnal insectivore is a cryptic desert-dweller and was considered locally extinct until it was rediscovered in 2016. For this work we tracked twelve individuals using GPS tags to determine how this resource-poor environment affects their home range, (predicting large areas), habitat use, and day-roost ecology. We found that the tracked Egyptian Nightjars had a much larger home range area than other Nightjar species, commuting nightly between foraging grounds and day-roosts. We found, as expected, intensive foraging activity at agricultural fields, where artificial irrigation likely supports higher resource (insect) density. Additionally, we found that individuals showed very high roosting site fidelity, often returning to the same specific site, located in extremely dry and exposed habitats, presumably for predator avoidance. This finding highlights the ecological value of these barren habitats that are often considered “lifeless” and therefore of lower priority for conservation. Consequently, our research demonstrates the importance of describing the space-use of nocturnal animals in arid habitats for conservation efforts.

So many choices, so little time: Food preference and movement vary with the landscape of fear.

Spatial and temporal variation in perceived predation risk is an important determinant of movement and foraging activity of animals. Foraging in this landscape of fear, individuals need to decide where and when to move, and what resources to choose. Foraging theory predicts the outcome of these decisions based on energetic trade-offs, but complex interactions between perceived predation risk and preferences of foragers for certain functional traits of their resources are rarely considered. Here, we studied the interactive effects of perceived predation risk on food trait preferences and foraging behavior in bank voles (Myodes glareolus) in experimental landscapes. Individuals (n = 19) were subjected for periods of 24 h to two extreme, risk-uniform landscapes (either risky or safe), containing 25 discrete food patches, filled with seeds of four plant species in even amounts. Seeds varied in functional traits: size, nutrients, and shape. We evaluated whether and how risk modifies forager preference for functional traits. We also investigated whether perceived risk and distance from shelter affected giving-up density (GUD), time in patches, and number of patch visits. In safe landscapes, individuals increased time spent in patches, lowered GUD and visited distant patches more often compared to risky landscapes. Individuals preferred bigger seeds independent of risk, but in the safe treatment they preferred fat-rich over carb-rich seeds. Thus, higher densities of resource levels remained in risky landscapes, while in safe landscapes resource density was lower and less diverse due to selective foraging. Our results suggest that the interaction of perceived risk and dietary preference adds an additional layer to the cascading effects of a landscape of fear which affects biodiversity at resource level.

Copper Doping of CoSe2 Nanoparticles Encapsulated into Carbon Nanotubes with Enhanced Electron Conductance as Cathode for Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries

AbstractRechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) have been considered a promising alternative to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to the high energy density and abundance of magnesium resources. However, the development of high‐performance cathode materials for magnesium batteries has been a significant challenge. Herein, through comprehensive and simple hydrothermal, selenization and impregnation methods, Cu‐doped CoSe2 nanoparticles encapsulated into carbon nanotubes (Cu‐CoSe2@NC) was fabricated. CoSe2 nanoparticles confined in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) growing in three dimensions on the surface of nanofibers have abundant active sites and high doping degree. Cu doping further improves the electron conductance of the Cu‐CoSe2@NC for RMBs. As cathode, Cu‐CoSe2@NC delivers a reversible capacity of 294 mAh g−1 at 20 mA g−1 and 104 mAg g−1 at 500 mA g−1, which exhibits a reasonable specific capacity and rate capability. The characterization of the Cu‐CoSe2@NC by ex‐situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) after cycles shows that it can be well adapted to the (de)intercalation of magnesium ions. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation shows that CoSe2 band gap decreases obviously after Cu doping, favoring the electron and ion transport. This work provides a reference for the design of cathode materials based on transition metal selenide for RMBs.

Bimetal‐Organic Framework Nanoboxes Enable Accelerated Redox Kinetics and Polysulfide Trapping for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries

AbstractLithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries are considered as promising candidates for next‐generation energy storage systems in view of the high theoretical energy density and low cost of sulfur resources. The suppression of polysulfide diffusion and promotion of redox kinetics are the main challenges for Li−S batteries. Herein, we design and prepare a novel type of ZnCo‐based bimetallic metal–organic framework nanoboxes (ZnCo‐MOF NBs) to serve as a functional sulfur host for Li−S batteries. The hollow architecture of ZnCo‐MOF NBs can ensure fast charge transfer, improved sulfur utilization, and effective confinement of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). The atomically dispersed Co−O4 sites in ZnCo‐MOF NBs can firmly capture LiPSs and electrocatalytically accelerate their conversion kinetics. Benefiting from the multiple structural advantages, the ZnCo‐MOF/S cathode shows high reversible capacity, impressive rate capability, and prolonged cycling performance for 300 cycles.

Bimetal-Organic Framework Nanoboxes Enable Accelerated Redox Kinetics and Polysulfide Trapping for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are considered as promising candidates for next-generation energy storage systems in view of the high theoretical energy density and low cost of sulfur resources. The suppression of polysulfide diffusion and promotion of redox kinetics are the main challenges for Li-S batteries. Herein, we design and prepare a novel type of ZnCo-based bimetallic metal-organic framework nanoboxes (ZnCo-MOF NBs) to serve as a multifunctional sulfur host for Li-S batteries. The hollow architecture of ZnCo-MOF NBs can ensure fast charge transfer, improved sulfur utilization, and effective confinement of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). The atomically dispersed Co-O4 sites in ZnCo-MOF NBs can firmly capture LiPSs and electrocatalytically accelerate their conversion kinetics. Benefiting from the multiple structural advantages, the ZnCo-MOF/S cathode shows high reversible capacity, impressive rate performance, and superior cycling stability for 300 cycles.

The Walloon Coal Measures resource density: how low can we go?

Coal seam gas (CSG) production began from the Walloon Coal Measures of the Surat Basin in 2005. Initial field developments were located within a high production fairway where resource densities are >3.5 PJ/km2. The majority of the Surat Basin CSG is produced by four major consortia with tens of billions of dollars invested in infrastructure. As a result, the industry directly contributes to >30 000 jobs within Queensland and is forecast to contribute >A$5.5 billion in royalties over the next 5 years. Gas offtake is dominated by the export LNG market with a consistent daily throughput of 3–4 PJ. Gross Queensland gas production exceeded 1500 PJ in 2020 with ~80% coming from the Walloon Coal Measures. Historical breakeven wellhead gas prices in high resource density areas in the Surat Basin have been reported as <$5/GJ for undeveloped 2P Reserves with access to infrastructure. Moderate resource density CSG potential in the Surat Basin which is commonly in the shallower margins was historically considered marginal or sub-commercial if the requirement for in-situ standalone infrastructure capital expenditure is factored into economical modelling. Therefore, the potential of these developments will require stakeholder cooperation via existing infrastructure. Accounting for natural decline in current fields, available capacity at existing facilities and pipelines, and the forecast impending east coast gas supply imbalance, the landscape and economics of Queensland CSG production is predicted to transform. The paper explores the lower limit of gas rates and recoveries, on a single well basis, in shallow, moderate resource density underdeveloped areas of the Walloon Coal Measures.

Using community science data to assess the association between urbanization and the presence of invasive Aedes species in Hungary

BackgroundUrbanization can be a significant contributor to the spread of invasive mosquito vector species, and the diseases they carry, as urbanized habitats provide access to a great density of food resources (humans and domestic animals) and offer abundant breeding sites for these vectors. Although anthropogenic landscapes are often associated with the presence of invasive mosquito species, we still have little understanding about the relationships between some of these and the built environment.MethodsThis study explores the association between urbanization level and the occurrence of invasive Aedes species, specifically Aedes albopictus, Aedes japonicus, and Aedes koreicus, in Hungary, using data from a community (or citizen) science program undertaken between 2019 and 2022.ResultsThe association between each of these species and urbanized landscapes within an extensive geographic area was found to differ. Using the same standardized approach, Ae. albopictus showed a statistically significant and positive relationship with urbanization, whereas Ae. japonicus and Ae. koreicus did not.ConclusionsThe findings highlight the importance of community science to mosquito research, as the data gathered using this approach can be used to make qualitative comparisons between species to explore their ecological requirements.Graphical

Bee diversity decreases rapidly with time since harvest in intensively managed conifer forests.

Despite widespread concerns about the anthropogenic drivers of global pollinator declines, little information is available about the impacts of land management practices on wild bees outside of agricultural systems, including in forests managed intensively for wood production. We assessed changes in wild bee communities with time since harvest in 60 intensively managed Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) stands across a gradient in stand ages spanning a typical harvest rotation. We measured bee abundance, species richness, and alpha and beta diversity, as well as habitat characteristics (i.e., floral resources, nesting substrates, understory vegetation, and early seral forest in the surrounding landscape) during the spring and summer of 2018 and 2019. We found that bee abundance and species richness declined rapidly with stand age, decreasing by 61% and 48%, respectively, for every 5 years since timber harvest. Asymptotic estimates of Shannon and Simpson diversity were highest in stands 6-10 years post-harvest and lowest after the forest canopy had closed, ~11 years post-harvest. Bee communities in older stands were nested subsets of bee communities found in younger stands, indicating that changes were due to species loss rather than turnover as the stands aged. Bee abundance-but not species richness-was positively associated with floral resource density, and neither metric was associated with floral richness. The amount of early seral forest in the surrounding landscape seemed to enhance bee species richness in older, closed-canopy stands, but otherwise had little effect. Changes in the relative abundance of bee species did not relate to bee functional characteristics such as sociality, diet breadth, or nesting substrate. Our study demonstrates that Douglas-fir plantations develop diverse communities of wild bees shortly after harvest, but those communities erode rapidly over time as forest canopies close. Therefore, stand-scale management activities that prolong the precanopy closure period and enhance floral resources during the initial stage of stand regeneration will provide the greatest opportunity to enhance bee diversity in landscapes dominated by intensively managed conifer forests.

Resilient amphipods: Gammarid predatory behaviour is unaffected by microplastic exposure and deoxygenation

Microplastics are a ubiquitous and persistent form of pollution globally, with impacts cascading from the cellular to ecosystem level. However, there is a paucity in understanding interactions between microplastic pollution with other environmental stressors, and how these could affect ecological functions and services. Freshwater ecosystems are subject to microplastic input from anthropogenic activities (eg. wastewater), but are also simultaneously exposed to many other stressors, particularly reduced dissolved oxygen availability associated with climatic warming and pollutants, as well as biological invasions. Here, we employ the comparative functional response method (CFR; quantifying and comparing organism resource use as a function of resource density) to investigate the relative impact of different microplastic concentrations and oxygen regimes on predatory trophic interactions of a native and an invasive alien gammarid (Gammarus duebeni and Gammarus pulex). No significant effect on trophic interaction strengths was found from very high concentrations of microplastics (200 mp/L and 200,000 mp/L) or low oxygen (40 %) stressors on either species. Additionally, both gammarid species exhibited significant Type II functional responses, with attack rates and handling times not significantly affected by microplastics, oxygen or gammarid invasion status. Thus, both species showed resistance to the simultaneous effects of microplastics and deoxygenation in terms of feeding behaviour. Based on these findings, we suggest that the trophic function, in terms of predation rate, of Gammarus spp. may be sustained under acute bouts of microplastic pollution even in poorly‑oxygenated waters. This is the first study to investigate microplastic and deoxygenation interactions and to find no evidence for an interaction on a key invertebrate ecosystem service. We argue that our CFR methods can help understand and predict the future ecological ramifications of microplastics and other stressors across taxa and habitats.

Demand for obstetric care and density of health resources for childbearing age Mexican women.

In Mexico, there is an increase recorded in the number of C-sections, as well as inequity and inequality in the distribution of resources for obstetric care. To identify the states and municipalities in Mexico that concentrate the demand for obstetric care and the C-section rates and their relationship with health resources and women of childbearing age (WCBA). Births of the 2008-2017 period were recorded, grouped into five municipal strata, as well as 2017 health resources and WCBA. The 2008-2017 national rate of C-sections was 45.3/100 births; 95 and 97 % of births and C-sections were concentrated in the "very high" stratum, where 80 % or more of health resources were used, with overuse standing out. The density of health resources assigned to WCBAs reflected inequity and inequality. The high concentration of obstetric demand and health resources supply could entail a higher recurrence of C-sections. Policies for C-section reduction should consider proper organization and administration of health resources.

The system effects of linkages on actor disposition and resource density: an approach to university-industry linkages

PurposeLinkages play a strategic role in improving actor disposition and resource density in university–industry ecosystems. Due to the importance of interconnected ecosystems for the development of engaged universities, applying the service-dominant logic (SDL) perspective, the authors aim at developing theory on linkages that lead to a higher level of actor commitment and in turn result in increased actor disposition and greater resource density.Design/methodology/approachData from semistructured interviews from four in depth case studies, known internationally as successful cases of university linkages development (Columbia Lab-to-Market Accelerator Network, Oxford University Innovation, Auckland Uniservices and the Münster Center for Interdisciplinarity), undergo qualitative analysis according to the Gioia methodology.FindingsThe results represent a contribution to the theory, as they highlight the strategic role of linkages in improving actor disposition and increasing resource density. Due to its shown importance, linkage is an element to be considered on its own in the innovation ecosystems configurations in the context of universities.Practical implicationsThe results of the research have implications for university management, since they focus on how resources are mobilized and linked. The interactive roles of actors in ecosystems imply that the locus of value creation moves beyond the borders of the organization toward the linkages. Strategies for managing university–industry linkages (UIL) are presented.Originality/valueTo date there has not been sufficient theoretical or empirical contribution in the university–industry ecosystem context about the role of linkages to improve resource density through increased actor disposition.

Empirical evidence of type III functional responses and why it remains rare

More than 70 years after its introduction, the framework of resource density-dependent consumption rates, also known as predator-prey functional responses, remains a core concept in population and food web ecology. Initially, three types of responses were defined: linear (type I), hyperbolic (type II), and sigmoid (type III). Due to its potential to stabilize consumer-resource population dynamics, the sigmoid type III functional response immediately became a “holy grail” in population ecology. However, experimentally proving that type III functional responses exist, whether in controlled laboratory systems or in nature, was challenging. While theoretical and practical advances make identifying type III responses easier today, decades of research have brought only a limited number of studies that provide empirical evidence for type III response curves. Here, we review this evidence from laboratory- and field-based studies published during the last two decades. We found 107 studies that reported type III responses, but these studies ranged across various taxa, interaction types, and ecosystems. To put these studies into context, we also discuss the various biological mechanisms that may lead to the emergence of type III responses. We summarize how three different and mutually independent intricacies bedevil the empirical documentation of type III responses: (1) challenges in statistical modeling of functional responses, (2) inadequate resource density ranges and spacing, and (3) biologically meaningful and realistic design of experimental arenas. Finally, we provide guidelines on how the field should move forward based on these considerations.

Primary Exploration, Mining and Metal Supply Scenario (PEMMSS) model: Towards a stochastic understanding of the mineral discovery, mine development and co-product recovery requirements to meet demand in a low-carbon future

Existing scenario models of future material flows often exclude or place a ‘black-box’ around the mining industry and disregard important industry dynamics such as mineral exploration. This lack of sophistication prevents formation of knowledge required to answer key questions pertaining to future mining output, the amount of companion metals that can be supplied and the investments and lead times needed to fulfil future metal demand. To address this, we introduce the Primary Exploration, Mining and Metal Supply Scenario (PEMMSS) model, which allows for mine-by-mine modelling with full regionalisation and linkages to geological deposit types. PEMMSS allows for the assessment of required rates of mineral deposit discovery, mine development and co-product recovery overtime for a range of socio-economic and sustainable development linked primary material demand scenarios. The model can be calibrated using mineral resource grade, tonnage and density probability distribution functions for regions and deposit types to stochastically model scenarios for future greenfield discoveries and understand uncertainities. Applying PEMMSS will facilitate improved understanding of how future urbanisation across the globe and low-carbon transitions will translate into altered requirements for the exploration and primary mineral and metal supply sectors and their associated environmental impacts. A hypothetical case study is presented for a four co-product commodity system to highlight potential model behaviours and key drivers of model sensitivity.

Trends of Incidence, Mortality, and Risk Factors for Lower Respiratory Infections among Children under 5 Years in China from 2000 to 2019.

Understanding the temporal trends in the burden of lower respiratory tract infections (LRI) and their attributable risk factors in children under 5 years is important for effective prevention strategies. We used incidence, mortality, and attributable risk factors of LRI among children under 5 years from the Global Burden of Diseases database to analyze health patterns in 33 provincial administrative units in China from 2000 to 2019. Trends were examined using the annual average percentage change (AAPC) by the joinpoint regression method. The rates of incidence and mortality for under-5 LRI in China were 18.1 and 4134.3 per 100,000 children in 2019, with an AAPC decrease of 4.1% and 11.0% from 2000, respectively. In recent years, the under-5 LRI incidence rate has decreased significantly in 11 provinces (Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Heilongjiang, Jiangxi, Qinghai, Sichuan, Xinjiang, Xizang, and Zhejiang) and remained stable in the other 22 provinces. The case fatality ratio was associated with the Human Development Index and the Health Resource Density Index. The largest decline in risk factors of deaths was household air pollution from solid fuels. The burden of under-5 LRI in China and the provinces has declined significantly, with variation across provinces. Further efforts are needed to promote child health through the development of measures to control major risk factors.

The allocation and fairness of health human resources in Chinese maternal and child health care institutions: a nationwide longitudinal study

BackgroundIn response to an aging population, the Chinese government implemented the three-child policy in 2021 based on the comprehensive two-child policy. With the implementation of the new birth policy, people’s maternal and child health (MCH) needs will also increase. The allocation and fairness of MCH human resources directly affect people’s access to MCH services. The purpose of this study is to analyze the allocation of health human resources in Chinese maternal and child health care institutions, evaluate the fairness of the allocation, to provide a reference for the rational allocation of MCH human resources.MethodsThe data of health technicians, licensed (assistant) physicians, and registered nurses in maternal and child health care institutions nationwide from 2016 to 2020 were included. The health resource density index (HRDI) is used to evaluate the allocation level of MCH human resources. The Gini coefficient (G) and Theil index (T) are used to evaluate the fairness of the allocation of MCH human resources from the perspectives of population and geographic area.ResultsFrom 2016 to 2020, the average annual growth rate of the number of health technicians, licensed (assistant) physicians, and registered nurses in Chinese maternal and child health care institutions was 7.53, 6.88, and 9.12%, respectively. The Gini coefficient (G) of the three types of MCH human resources allocated by population were all below 0.23, and the Gini coefficient (G) allocated by geographical area were all above 0.65. The Theil index (T) of the three types of MCH human resources allocated by population was all lower than 0.06, and the Theil index (T) allocated by geographical area was all higher than 0.53. In addition, the three types of MCH human resources allocated by population and geographic area contributed more than 84% of the Theil index within the group (Tintra) to the Theil index (T).ConclusionsChina’s MCH human resources were fair in terms of population allocation, but unfair in terms of geographical area allocation. In the future, more attention should be paid to the geographical accessibility of MCH human resources, and the allocation of resources should comprehensively consider the two factors of serving the population and geographical area.