Identification and zoning optimization of the habitat areas for the Tragopan caboti under traffic noise interference: A case study of Wuyishan National Park

Traffic noise may mask the acoustic signals of wild animals and have a significant impact on their habitat distribution. It is crucial to accurately identify wildlife habitat distribution under traffic noise interference for effective management of national park ecological zones. Taking the eastern scenic area of Wuyi Mountain National Park and Tragopan caboti, a national class Ⅰ protected animal as an example, this study collect Tragopan caboti calls and traffic noise data. By comparing and analyzing the acoustic spectra of these two sounds, and using SoundPLAN and ArcGIS to simulate traffic noise distribution and potential habitat areas for Tragopan caboti, the following results are obtained: Traffic noise covered 99.96% of the frequency range of Tragopan caboti calls, forming complete masking within their sensitive hearing threshold (3100-4995.70 Hz). Additionally, potential habitat areas for Tragopan caboti are disturbed by traffic noise interference, resulting in a"Noise stress zone-Habitat zone", distribution pattern that caused a loss of nearly 45.65% in its habitat areas while further fragmenting them. Based on these findings, this study provides insights into developing differentiated zoning optimization strategies for potential habitat areas affected by traffic noise.