Abstract:We studied structure characteristics and habitat selection of the Bamboo Rats (Rhizomys sinensis) caves in Piankou Natural Reserve.Four fixed line transects with 148 samples were investigated and 61 of them were with fresh dens.Data were analyzed with Vanderloeg and Scavia selection index.The tunnel system of Bamboo Rats consists of rideau outside the entrance,entrance,feeding tunnel,shelter,nest and toilet,which match with their life requirement;Bamboo rats preferred to select the evergreen-deciduous and deciduous broadleaf forest,showed strong habitat preference for the moderate slope position and slope degree (25-45°) facing east and south with dense forest canopy (>50%),preferred to select bamboo forest with the moderate density (20-40 plants/m2) and thick basal diameter (>10 mm) nearby water source.
