Abstract: In order to further explore ecological functions of plateau zokor(Myospalax baileyi) in grassland ecological system,the relationship between different tunnel space and vegetation characteristics above burrows was studied by the "grid-puncture" method.Results indicated that there was a negative relationship between tunnel space and zokor density.Burrow space of 35%~45% was the required threshold of zokor density to provide relative stability.The proper burrow space(35%~45%)had no effects on vegetation coverage but had significantly positive effects on plant species diversity,height and biomass(P<0.05).It also enhanced dominant grass and weakened the competition of inferior and poisonous weeds.Compared with control,vegetation height and biomass above burrows was significantly higher,plant diversity was significantly lower(P<0.05).Vegetation coverage has no change.The dominant grasses and forbs were significantly higher than that of control(P<0.05).while noxious weeds and sedges were significantly lower than control(P<0.05).These results suggested that plateau zokor had an important role on vegetation dynamics and restoration,and a positive influence on grassland economics.

Key words: Plateau zokor, Tunnel space, Vegetation characters

摘要： 为了探明高原鼢鼠(Myospalax baileyi)在草地生态系统中的生态学地位,采用网格穿刺法对高原鼢鼠不同洞道空间与植被性状的对应关系以及对洞道上方植被特征的影响进行了研究。结果表明:洞道空间与鼠群密度成负相关,35%～45%的洞道空间是鼠群密度升降的临界区间,也是种群密度相对稳定的区间;适度的洞道空间(35%～45%)对草地植被盖度无显著性影响,但对物种多样性、高度和地上生物量则存在显著促进作用(P<0.05),并可显著提高禾草的优势度(P<0.05),弱化毒害草和根茎型莎草的竞争力;洞道上方植被物种多样性显著低于对照(P<0.05),植被高度和地上生物量均显著高于对照(P<0.05),而盖度则与对照无显著差异;同时,禾草和杂类草在群落中的优势地位也显著高于对照(P<0.05),而毒害草和莎草则显著低于对照(P<0.05)。因此,高原鼢鼠对植被的影响在很大程度上具有建设和修复的性质,是植被自然动态过程的组成部分,即使从人类经济利益的角度出发,这种影响也同样具有积极的意义。

关键词: 高原鼢鼠, 洞道空间, 植被性状