Seasonal Variation in Microhabitat Use of the Silver Pheasant ( <i>Lophura nycthemera</i> ) in Laojunshan National Nature Reserve, China

Understanding habitat use is essential for effective wildlife conservation. The silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera), a threatened ground-dwelling bird native to southern China, exhibits seasonal preferences for microhabitat use that are not well understood. We conducted field surveys in Laojunshan National Nature Reserve during the breeding (April-June) and non-breeding (October-November) seasons of 2024. Using a presence-based sampling design, we analyzed 16 habitat variables from 80 sampling quadrats (40 used and 40 control). Our findings revealed that the species consistently preferred gentle, shady slopes at an elevation of 1300-1600 m. However, the vegetation preferences changed with the seasons, shifting from bamboo-dominated habitats with abundant litter during the breeding season to structurally complex tree-shrub layers in the non-breeding season. These findings highlight an adaptive strategy that reflects the changing resource needs of the silver pheasant, providing a scientific basis for seasonal habitat management and conservation planning in Laojunshan and similar forest ecosystems.