Habitat dynamics and its influence on the genetic diversity of Tarim red deer (Cervus elaphus yarkandensis) Xayar population of Xinjiang, China

The Tarim red deer (Cervus elaphus yarkandensis) is an endangered and endemic animal, with three populations isolated in the regions around Xayar, Lopnur, and Qarqan counties of Xinjiang, China. The Xayar populations of Tarim red deer are mainly distributed in the southern parts of Xayar and Kuqa County. In order to better understand the habitat dynamics and its influence on genetic diversity of Tarim red deer Xayar population, we interpreted LANDSAT TM/ETM+ satellite images of the habitat area of Tarim red deer during the period from 1972 to 2006 using RS and GIS technologies. The land covers within the habitat of Tarim red deer are classified into seven classes: farmland, high-cover vegetation, middle-cover vegetation, low-cover vegetation, water area, desertified area, and sandy land. Our results show that the land covers of Tarim red deer habitat have changed significantly during the 34-year period (1972–2006). Specifically, the areal extents of farmland, middle-cover vegetation and low-cover vegetation increased greatly, while the areal extents of high-cover vegetation and water area decreased dramatically. The detected decrease in the habitat areal extents suitable for of Tarim red deer and the associated habitat fragmentation are interpreted to be contributing factors to the observed decrease in the genetic diversity.