Utilization Patterns and Optimization Suggestions for Wildlife Passages in Xinjiang Nature Reserves.

The expansion of linear infrastructure presents a significant threat to biodiversity, emphasizing the urgent need for regional studies on spatial variations and comprehensive multispecies research. This study surveyed and monitored wildlife passages across eight nature reserves in Xinjiang, evaluating their construction status, utilization patterns, and key factors influencing utilization rates, as well as providing optimization recommendations. The findings revealed that dedicated wildlife passages were scarce, especially in smaller reserves, which primarily relied on small bridges and culverts originally designed for water flow. Enhancing the construction of passages in these areas is strongly recommended. A total of 32 wildlife species were recorded, comprising 13 bird species and 19 mammal species. Ungulates, including bharal (), goitered gazelle (), Asian wild ass (), and wild Bactrian camel (), exhibited high relative abundance indices, indicating a strong preference for utilizing passages. Passage utilization rates exhibited significant seasonal and diurnal variations. Winter usage was the lowest, followed by an increase in spring, peaking in summer and autumn. Birds exhibited particularly high passage utilization rates during migratory seasons, with the peak occurring in April. Additionally, nocturnal passage utilization rates were significantly higher than during other periods, with both sunrise and sunset showing positive selection, as indicated by 86.86% and 91.30% of monitored sites recording JSI > 0. To enhance the effectiveness of passages, seasonal and diurnal variations should be fully considered in passage construction and management, particularly by minimizing human activity during nighttime, dawn, and dusk. Utilization rates were significantly constrained by the intensity of human activity and the density of linear infrastructure. Passage type, size, and proximity to water were also critical factors. Optimizing passage layout, implementing dynamic management in grassland fence areas, increasing passage density, and enhancing ecological functionality are recommended strategies to facilitate wildlife movement and support biodiversity conservation.