Adaptation of migratory Tibetan antelope to infrastructure development

Abstract

The Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) is a migratory ungulate species that inhabits the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. In recent years, the population of Tibetan antelope has steadily increased owing to rigorous protection measures to safeguard the species from commercial poaching. Currently, infrastructure development, competition with domestic livestock, and predation are the principal factors threatening the survival of Tibetan antelope. Our study found that migratory Tibetan antelope can adapt to the development of infrastructure over time, decreasing the potential negative impacts of such developments. We, therefore, urge infrastructure development companies to incorporate wildlife corridors that enable free movement of wildlife populations, particularly for migratory species.

Keywords

• pantholops hodgsonii
• migration
• infrastructure
• human disturbance
• wildlife corridors